The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is the leading scientific, spiritual and expert center of Bulgaria. It conducts research, training and activities of national and international importance and solves problems related to the development of Bulgarian society and state.
The Academy has a consistent policy for the development of science and innovation as a condition for economic progress in the country. It is an active participant in the European Research Area.
In 2025 BAS comprises 43 autonomous scientific units and is an organization governed in accordance with democratic principles. The Academy employs about 3,000 scientists, accounting for about 15% of those engaged with science in Bulgaria. BAS produces about half of the scientific output in the country.
Science
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is the leading scientific center in Bulgaria.
Scientific and applied research in nine divisions covering all areas of human knowledge is conducted in the Academy.
Forty-three scientific institutes and 9 specialized units, each of which is an independent legal entity, are building the research infrastructure of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Business
The expert potential of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is intensively used to carry out specific operative activities directly serving state and society. Scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences represent highly-qualified expert resources which makes them a sought-after partner in solving important national tasks, elaborating strategies and expert opinions on key priorities for the country.
The Academy maintains a network of contacts with business organizations to develop innovative products and services. Over the last 20 years, BAS has been the leader among Bulgarian organizations by number of registered patents and utility models. Their number has exceeded several times the total number of registrations of all higher education institutions in Bulgaria.
Education
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is committed to all levels of education. The Academy’s units are accredited to teach PhD students in dozens of programs. Together with Higher Education Institutions from and outside Bulgaria, training programs are organized for students in the Bachelor and Master degrees. The Academy is a leading center for enhancing teachers’ qualifications, and a number of initiatives aimed at improving secondary and primary education have become traditional.
Governing bodies
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the highest collective governing body of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.The members of the General Assembly are elected by scientists occupying positions at the academic institutes. The General Assembly adopts and amends the statute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, elects the President and Vice-Presidents, the Scientific Secretary-General and the members of the Governing Council of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.