Corr. Memb. Evelina Slavcheva is awarded the “Marin Drinov” Medal of Honour on a ribbon

Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva was awarded the Academy’s highest honour, the “Marin Drinov” Medal of Honour on a ribbon. The award is conferred by the Governing Council of BAS in recognition of her significant contribution to electrochemistry and her efforts to enhance the prestige of BAS and Bulgarian science both at home and abroad. On behalf of the Governing Council of BAS, the award was presented by Corr. Memb. Nikolay Nedyalkov.

This prestigious recognition is in honour of her universally acknowledged world-class scientific contributions in the fields of electrochemistry and electrochemical materials science and materials for hydrogen technologies and clean energy. Her standing is underpinned by over 130 publications, more than 2,400 citations and a number of patents. Corr. Memb. Slavcheva is the driving force behind and leader of large-scale national and European research initiatives, including the “HITMOBIL” Centre of Excellence.

The award is also being presented in recognition of her consistent institutional dedication – as Director of the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, as long-standing Chair of the General Assembly of BAS, and today, as President of the Academy promoting Bulgarian science both at home and abroad.

“This feeling which has always been within me – that working at the Academy is a privilege – never leaves me,” said Corr. Memb. Evelina Slavcheva with emotion as she received the award. “My professional path has unfolded in such a way that, by working on the things that interested and inspired me, I somehow naturally progressed from being an ordinary chemist and PhD student to becoming President of BAS.” She encouraged young people to follow their own path, adding that the results would follow, and emphasised that the most important thing was for a person to find fulfilment in what they did and what they achieved every single day. “A love of science cannot be compared to anything else,” said Corr. Memb. Slavcheva and thanked everyone who had helped her on her creative journey.