For the first time during the anniversary ceremony of the “For Women in Science” National Program, a panel discussion was held on the topic “The world needs science, and science needs women” with the participation of inspiring Bulgarian women innovators. The discussion took place in the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Prof. Milena Georgieva from the Institute of Molecular Biology, co-founder of EPIX AI and leader in epigenetics and artificial intelligence for longevity, and Assoc. Prof. Elisaveta Kirilova from the Institute of Chemical Engineering who is also the first laureate of the “For Women in Science” program in Bulgaria (2011) spoke about how Bulgarian women leaders turn scientific breakthroughs into real innovations from BAS.
Prof. Milena Georgieva, one of Bulgaria’s leading scientists in the field of epigenetics and the biology of aging, explained how science can give us a more accurate picture of our “biological time” – beyond the calendar. She explained how epigenetics and artificial intelligence now make it possible to detect early signs of accelerated aging and hidden health risks before diseases appear. “The future of health lies in personalized prevention – science must reach every person in an understandable and useful way,” Prof. Georgieva emphasized.
Assoc. Prof. Elisaveta Kirilova, a scientist and innovator in sustainable hydrogen technologies, spoke about sustainable hydrogen technologies as part of the energy transition in Bulgaria. She presented her work on developing a methodology for designing hydrogen production and distribution chains – from processes such as steam methane reforming and water electrolysis to models for a network of hydrogen charging stations. This research is closely linked to the National Hydrogen Roadmap 2025–2030 and shows how scientific models can become the basis for real infrastructure solutions.
The panel discussion preceded the official ceremony for the presentation of the national awards for the 2025 program and brought together leading Bulgarian women innovators who spoke about the path from scientific discoveries to real solutions for people.
