The Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev together with the President of BAS Prof. Julian Revalski, member of the Academy, visited two institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in division “Cultural-Historical Heritage and National Identity”. They became acquainted with the work and current projects of scientists at the Institute for Literature and the Institute for Historical Studies.

The Institute of Literature has become a center for humanitarian and interdisciplinary studies of literature from the Middle Ages to the present day, said Assoc. Prof. Elka Traykova. She spoke about a series of digital science projects and attractive multimedia products that are freely available in the virtual space. Research at the Institute of Literature applies modern approaches developed in world humanities, said Professor Traykova. A short film showed the activities and projects of the institute (http://ilit.bas.bg/bg/).

During the conversation with the scientists, Minister Valchev drew attention to the importance of public tasks and the establishment of a permanent mechanism for interaction with BAS. A meeting with scientists is forthcoming to develop a program on how they can further help in the education system, motivate students to read and provoke their interest in learning.

The Director of the Institute of Literature, Assoc. Prof. Elka Traykova, presented the Honorary badge of the Institute to Minister Krasimir Valchev and Academician Julian Revalski. They were distinguished for their support to Bulgarian spirituality and the development of the humanities.

The Director of the Institute for Historical Studies of BAS, Assoc. Prof. Daniel Vachkov presented the initiatives for working with students and pupils, the participation in scientific and educational projects and seminars and lectures for presenting the research to a wider audience. Currently, the Institute is holding an international scientific conference “Science and Education in Medieval Bulgaria”, which puts the issue of education in the Middle Ages in the country on the agenda. We are working to meet the public interest and when the state seeks our expertise, we will give it, said the director.