Associate Professor Dr Yasen Paunski, Eng., has taken up the post of Director of the Institute of Robotics (IR) at BAS for the period 2026–2030. He was elected by the Governing Council of BAS following a successful competition for the position.
Assoc. Prof. Paunski’s research and the development strategy for IR-BAS focus on cutting-edge technologies in the fields of autonomous systems, robotics and mechatronics. The main areas of research include the development of autonomous mobile robots, the development of artificial intelligence algorithms and their application in robotic systems, as well as the implementation of compact energy systems based on traditional and alternative energy sources (batteries and hydrogen fuel cells).
In his management programme, Assoc. Prof. Paunski emphasises the modernisation and expansion of key scientific laboratories, the strengthening of applied research within the institute’s work, and a focus on collaboration with industry. A priority is the institute’s active participation in the national Centres of Competence (with a leading role in the “Quasar” centre), as well as deepening international integration through joint projects under European research programmes.
Key objectives for the new term include implementing a targeted policy to attract and develop young scientists and PhD students, strengthening technology transfer to industry, and establishing IR-BAS as a leading research centre in the field of high technology.
