Prof. Dr Daniela Karashanova begins her term today as Director of the “Academician Jordan Malinowski” Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies (IOMT) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (2026–2030). She has held the post of Deputy Director of IOMT since April 2025, and has headed the Institute’s “Electron Microscopy” Laboratory since 2010. She served as Chair of the IOMT Scientific Council from 2019 to 2025.
Prof. Karashanova’s research interests lie in the fields of materials science, electron microscopy and the study of the structure–property relationship in thin films and nanomaterials.
In the programme for the management and development of IOMT which Prof. Karashanova presented, the main objective is set out as maintaining the high standard of scientific research at IOMT, its excellent facilities, and the expertise and commitment of its highly qualified specialists to achieve outstanding scientific results, to train and pass on their valuable knowledge and experience to the next generation of researchers. The programme builds on achievements to date and follows the principles of continuity and consistent development, whilst recognising the need for an adequate response to the dynamically changing scientific and social environment. The planned measures are aimed at developing and strengthening scientific capacity, the modernisation and effective use of scientific infrastructure, the expansion of project and international participation and the establishment of IOMT as a recognised scientific partner as well as the creation of a sustainable working environment that fosters professional development, initiative and staff motivation.
