The solemn celebration on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the founding of the Central Laboratory of Applied Physics (CLAP) of BAS was held on April 4 in Plovdiv. Honorary silver plaquette on behalf of the leadership and congratulatory address on behalf of the BAS President Prof. Julian Revalski, Member of the Academy, was presented by the Vice-President of BAS Corr. Memb. Evdokia Pasheva. The Central Laboratory of Applied Physics participates in the implementation of many national projects together with universities and institutes of BAS. It is a welcome partner in international teams together with scientific organisations in Greece, Austria and Canada, the congratulatory address said.

The Director of the Laboratory Prof. Lilyana Kolaklieva opened the event and introduced the attendees with the mission, the main directions in the scientific and applied activities of the CLAP, the innovative developments and activities for the benefit of society. Special attention was paid to the established technological and research infrastructure which included the renovation and extension of the cleanroom at the Laboratory as well as the modern unique technological and research equipment. The achievements of the Laboratory over the past five years were highlighted as well as the future challenges facing the management and staff in the coming years.

Prof. Rumen Kakanakov, founder and long-time director of CLAP, traced the important moments in the history of CLAP from its establishment on 01.04.1979 to the present day. Scientists from the Laboratory gave presentations and acquainted the audience with the achievements of the collective in the creation of new nanostructured and nanosized materials for surface modification, of heterostructures of dilute A3B5 nitrides for new high-efficiency solar cells and new optical sensors with applications in industry.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Plovdiv Vladimir Temelkov and representatives of the scientific community.