European Researchers’ Night 2022

The European Researchers’ Night 2022 initiative, under the motto “Science and innovation are the key to the desired future”, took place on 30 September and 1 October across the country. More than 10 scientific units of BAS took part in the event with demonstrations, educational experiments, lectures, exhibitions and presentations of current projects and scientific results.

The official opening took place in the Ancient Cultural and Communication Complex Serdika, Sofia. The Vice-President of BAS Corr. Mem. Evdokia Pasheva noted that the European Researchers’ Night is an opportunity for more people to experience the charm of science and for more young talents to be attracted by it. At BAS, we have always stimulated innovative projects, said Corr. Mem. Pasheva.

During the opening ceremony, the prizes of the YES – Young and Energetic Scientists competition were awarded. Students and PhD students were awarded in separate categories. The competition aims to discover, motivate and promote the ideas of young and ambitious people with scientific interests.

European Researchers’ Night is an annual initiative under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the European Commission and aims to bring researchers closer to the general public and to attract young people to scientific careers. This year the focus is on the role of science and innovation in the transition to a green and digital economy in Europe. The achievements of Bulgarian scientists participating in the Centres of Excellence and Centres of Competence were presented.

During the event, the Joint Innovation Centre of BAS organised a roundtable on “Energy Future – Challenges and Breakthrough Innovative Solutions for Energy Generation, Management and Storage. Innovations in hydrogen and fuel cells, hydrogen sulfide, battery systems, renewables and smart grid solutions for optimal energy management and use”. The main objective of the forum, which was held online, was to bring together all stakeholders by providing a forum for discussion and sharing of best practices.

European Researchers’ Night 2022 took place under the Researchers in the Knowledge Triangle project. Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is the coordinator of the project and BAS is among the partners this year.