BAS hosted the anniversary ceremony
The fifteenth anniversary ceremony of the “For Women in Science” National Program was held in the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Two researchers from BAS received the “For Women in Science” award:
Dr. Blaga Blagoeva from the Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies at BAS received an award for the “Photoinduced anisotropy in thin films containing various azo dyes and polymer matrices for application as all-optical switches” project.
Dr. Nia Toshkova from the National Museum of Natural History of BAS was honored for her project “The Antibody Repertoire of Bats in Bulgaria: From Zoonotic Diseases to Conservation Activities”.
Vice President Iliana Iotova participated in the official award ceremony for the winners and noted that with their research work, women scientists were useful to themselves, their country, and the world because they were writing its future. “We say to these young ladies: We value you, we need you, we believe in you,” she said. The Vice President pointed out that over the years of its existence, “For Women in Science” had created a large community united by the idea that the world was created by science and that science was its future.
“I am happy to welcome you to the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall of tBAS where the spirit of many generations of prominent Bulgarian scientists lives on, where we have listened to lectures by internationally recognized colleagues, foreign members of the Academy, and prominent scientists of global renown.” With these words, the president of BAS, Corr. Memb. Evelina Slavcheva, welcomed the guests at the ceremony. “I am delighted that you have chosen this venue for the anniversary of the program which has become a sought-after and eagerly awaited forum for young Bulgarian women and scientists,” she emphasized. “In Bulgaria, the issue of gender equality for women in science has long been resolved,” Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva said, explaining that a balance had been achieved at BAS. She congratulated the young scientists who participated in the competition and emphasized that the doors of BAS would always remain open to the “For Women in Science” program.
The Scientific Secretary-General of BAS, Prof. Neli Koseva, will be a representative on the jury for the next editions of the national program. Acad. Tony Spassov, Vice-Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and chair of the jury, Elena Shekerletova, President of the Bulgarian National Commission for UNESCO, and Maximiliano Frenza, General Manager for L’Oréal Adria-Balkan region were among the special guests who gave welcoming speeches.
“For Women in Science” is a unique project for Bulgaria and the world and has been carried out in partnership between Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” the National Commission for UNESCO in Bulgaria, and L’Oréal Bulgaria since 2010. To date, the initiative has honored 42 female researchers, including this year’s laureates, with a total prize fund of €210,000, encouraging the development of women in science and promoting their contribution to society. Detailed information about “For Women in Science”
