The General Assembly conferred upon Academician Nikola Sabotinov the title of “Honorary Member of BAS”

Acad. Nikola Sabotinov, President of BAS (2008–2012), was awarded the title of “Honorary Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences” during a ceremonial session of the 9th General Assembly of BAS which took place in the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall on 28 September. He was awarded the title in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of Bulgarian science, his internationally recognised scientific and applied scientific achievements and his many years of dedicated service to BAS and the Bulgarian scientific community. The Chair of the General Assembly of BAS (GA), Prof. Vassil Kirov, presented him with the honour and read out the decision of GA which had been adopted at a meeting of the General Assembly held on 14 September. Prof. Kirov recalled that the title was awarded extremely rarely – over 30 times in more than 100 years to individuals who had made an enormous contribution to Bulgarian science.

During the ceremony, the President of BAS, Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva, thanked Acad. Sabotinov for his service to the Academy, particularly during some of the most challenging years it had faced.

“This title is a great honour from BAS in recognition of my many years of work in the service of Bulgarian science,” said Acad. Sabotinov. In his speech, he recalled key moments from his scientific career – from the start of his research in the field of quantum electronics and laser science to his election as President of the Academy.

Acad. Sabotinov has received high national and international recognition for his scientific achievements which establish him as the founder of the Bulgarian school of laser physics and laser technologies. Acad. Nikola Sabotinov played a key role in integrating Bulgarian science into the European Research Area by developing a strategy for participation in European research programmes and expanding international cooperation. During one of the most difficult periods in the Academy’s history, marked by financial crisis and political pressure, he succeeded in preserving and modernising BAS, safeguarding its institutional autonomy and strengthening the public role of science. During his term of office, an International Expert Evaluation of BAS was carried out – a large-scale process of independent audit of the scientific activities of the Academy’s institutes. The most significant and comprehensive international evaluation was carried out jointly by the European Science Foundation (ESF) and the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) in 2009.

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 enshrined in the Academy’s earliest laws and statutes.

During the event, the premiere took place of the documentary film “Light Beyond the Laser”, produced by Prof. Ina Aneva, Scientific Secretary of BAS, which traces the inspiring professional and personal journey of this great Bulgarian scientist. The film is dedicated to the 85th birthday of Acad. Nikola Sabotinov and traces the remarkable journey of a great Bulgarian scientist, his inventions, his international recognition and his dedication to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, said Prof. Aneva.