The General Assembly of BAS conferred upon Academician Julian Revalski the title of “Honorary Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences”

At its meeting held on March 16, 2026, the 9th General Assembly of BAS conferred upon Professor Julian Revalski, Full Member of the Academy (President of BAS from 2016 to 2024) the title of “Honorary Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.” The title is awarded for his exceptional contribution as a scientist and President of BAS to the development and establishment of the Academy as a leading national center of expertise for scientific consultation on issues of strategic importance to the state; for his active work in the field of knowledge transfer and the strengthening of ties between BAS and the education system; for his efforts to improve and modernize the Academy’s scientific infrastructure; as well as for the progress achieved in the financial stability and sustainable development of BAS and for strengthening its international presence and authority.

According to Article 50 (5) of the Statutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, in accordance with the Academy’s tradition, individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the strengthening and prosperity of BAS and to the development of science, education, and culture in Bulgaria are elected as honorary members of the BAS.

The title of Honorary Member of BAS has deep roots dating back to the time of the Bulgarian Learned Society (BLS) – the predecessor of today’s Academy. The status of honorary members was officially affirmed in the Academy’s earliest laws and statutes (including the 1912 Law on BAS), and the category has always been reserved for individuals with exceptional contributions to science, culture, and Bulgarian statehood.

In 1871, just two years after the founding of BLS in Braila, Gavril Krastevich – a prominent Bulgarian writer, public figure, and later governor of Eastern Rumelia – was named its first honorary member. In the years leading up to World War II, the title was awarded to individuals who had become symbols of their epoch. Among them stand out names such as Marin Drinov, Ivan Bogorov, Ivan Vazov, Evlogi Georgiev, Nayden Gerov, Petko Slaveykov, Tsar Boris III, and others. After the title was reinstated in 1999, its recipients included Acad. Ivan Kostov, Acad. Vera Mutafchieva, Dimitry-John Panitza, Acad. Rostislaw Kaischew, Acad. Chudomir Nachev, and Acad. Ivan Juchnovski (President of BAS 1996-2008).