A solemn meeting on the 79th anniversary of the founding of the Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was held on March 10 in the institute’s conference hall.
This year’s celebration was held under the “Investment in Knowledge: Generation Z Behind the Microscope” motto emphasizing the role of young scientists in the development of modern microbiology. The director of the institute, Prof. Penka Petrova, opened the event and highlighted the importance of the chosen theme.
According to her, representatives of Generation Z, the driving force of the new century, already occupy a significant place in the scientific staff of the institute. Currently, they make up over 20% of the researchers, with a total of 26 young scientists working in various scientific fields. Prof. Petrova emphasized that the joint work of scientists from different generations and the strong continuity between them are key to the development of scientific activity and the future of the institute.
During the official ceremony, the winner of the Annual Award for Significant Scientific Achievements of the Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology was announced. The award was given to a team of authors consisting of: Asst. Prof. Kaloyan Berberov, Sen. Asst. Prof. Nikolina Atanasova, PhD, Asst. Prof. Nikolay Krumov, Asst. Prof. Boryana Yakimova, Sen. Asst. Prof. Irina Lazerkevich, PhD, Sen. Asst. Prof. Stephan Engibarov, Asst. Prof. Tsvetozara Damyanova, Assoc. Prof. Ivanka Boyadzhieva, and Prof. Lyudmila Kabaivanova for their scientific publication “Novel 3D-Printed Replica Plate Device Ensures High-Throughput Antibacterial Screening of Halophilic Bacteria.” Prof. Kabaivanova emphasized the importance of teamwork and noted the role of the initiator of the research, Assistant Professor Kaloyan Berberov.
During the event, Acad. Hristo Naidenski presented the Stephan Angeloff Foundation awards for best scientific work by a young microbiologist.
The first prize was awarded to Dr. Vasil Boyanov, assistant professor at the Department of Medical Microbiology at the Medical University of Sofia. The second prize went to Dr. Milena Rupcheva from the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of Plovdiv.
Asst. Prof. Kaloyan Berberov, Dr. Vasil Boyanov, and Dr. Milena Rupcheva delivered short academic lectures in which they presented the main results and scientific issues of the distinguished research.
