Assoc. Prof. Vasiliy Chitanov took office as Director of the Central Laboratory of Applied Physics – Plovdiv (CLAP) on January 22 this year. He was elected by the Governing Council of BAS in a competition for director for the period 2026–2030.
His research activity is mainly related to the development of technologies and the characterization of the physical and mechanical properties of multicomponent, multilayer, and nanostructured hard coatings obtained by the closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering technique.
In his development program for the CLAP, Assoc. Prof. Chitanov will strive to develop the Laboratory in the field of nanotechnologies and nanostructured materials for surface modification, high-efficiency energy elements and emitters, and innovative optical sensors, as well as researching new areas of application for the unit’s topics, focused on industry, medicine, energy efficiency, environmentally friendly materials, and other areas of the economy.
The main tasks are related to the maintenance and upgrading of the existing technological and research infrastructure, development by attracting young scientists, support for the career growth of academic staff, development and implementation of the unit’s project activities as well as scientific research and applied science tasks. The director emphasizes active participation in the activities of the Regional Academic Center, the Trakia Economic Zone, and interaction with national scientific, educational, public, and business organizations. There are three principles that I will follow in achieving these goals and tasks: realism, continuity, and development, says Assoc. Prof. Chitanov.
