On May 7, 2026, the “Peaceful Atom – Green Planet” Eco-Day was held at Scientific Complex 2 of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The event was organized by the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, in collaboration with the Institute of Solid State Physics, the Institute of Electronics, the Central Laboratory for Solar Energy and New Energy Sources, and the “Radioactive Waste” State Enterprise. The event was dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986.
Prof. Dimitar Tonev, PhD, Director of INRNE-BAS, opened the event and emphasized that the development of safe nuclear energy was essential for a sustainable future and that the lessons from the 1986 tragedy served as a reminder of the need for continuous investment in research and technology to ensure a high level of safety.
The event brought together scientists from BAS, representatives of government institutions, Academy staff, and friends of the Academy, all united by the idea of the safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy and environmental protection.
On occasion of the initiative, a congratulatory message was received from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms. Iliana Iotova. It emphasizes that the lessons learned from the Chernobyl accident oblige the international community to uphold the principle that the development of nuclear energy and the assurance of its safety must go “hand in hand.” The congratulatory message also notes that the scientific research and active international cooperation of the Institute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy at BAS make a key contribution to establishing Bulgaria as a reliable partner in the field of nuclear physics and energy.
As part of the event, trees and flowers were planted in the courtyard of Scientific Complex 2 of BAS as a symbol of responsibility toward the future and the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable environment. The program continued with 60- and 100-meter running races for women and men as well as a parade of vintage cars.
