Scientists from twenty institutes across all scientific divisions at BAS took part in the nineteenth edition of the European Researchers’ Night which took place on 25 and 26 September. At themed stands called “Curiosity Cabinets”, the scientists presented their latest research and developments to a large audience.
The event was opened with a video address by Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation. The Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Academician Nikolay Vitanov, and the Vice-President of BAS Prof. Emmanuel Moutafov welcomed the participants and guests to the European Researchers’ Night.
The idea of preserving knowledge lies at the heart of BAS, said the Vice-President of the BAS in his speech, recalling the history of the founding of the Bulgarian Learned Society in 1869. The motto of this year’s European Researchers’ Night, “Science and innovation build the future”, continues the legacy of the BAS founders set out more than a century and a half ago, Prof. Moutafov added. This legacy has taken on new dimensions – the history of Targovska Street is being reconstructed using 3D technology, archaeology is utilising artificial intelligence, robots are exploring the depths of the Black Sea, and Bulgarian scientists are searching for new biologically active molecules and yeasts from Antarctica and developing clean energy technologies. With these words, Prof. Emmanuel Moutafov invited those present to visit the Academy’s stands.
The BAS stands were situated in Banski Square in front of the Regional History Museum in Sofia. A poster exhibition showcasing the achievements of scientists was arranged within the Triangular Tower of Serdica. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Ancient Serdica with the help of VR technology.
