On April 26, the Centre of Competence “Clean & Circle” and the Faculty of Biology at Sofia University welcomed experts from the European Commission to discuss synergies between programs. The project coordinator, Prof. DSc. Yana Topalova, presented a developing ecosystem in the field of clean technologies and sustainable environment, applying a STEM approach in creating advanced technologies for sustainable environmental management and student training. Prof. Topalova also showcased the ideas behind the technologies developed at the Clean&Circle Centre, which are at various levels of technological readiness.

Researchers Assist. Prof. Dr. Mihaela Belukhova and Dr. Rositsa Neshkova demonstrated the newest instruments at Clean&Circle: a confocal laser microscope valued at €600,000 and the OMNILOG apparatus for taxonomic diagnostics of microorganisms of all types (€250,000). The demonstration was linked to technologies developed at the Centre of Competence, including: a digitalized technology for bioindication and biogas production management, a technology for producing biofertilizer from wastewater sludge with microbiological modules for the decontamination of pesticides and other toxic soil pollutants. These and many other instruments and systems from the technological modules will be relocated to the new building upon its completion at the end of 2023. These instruments are already being used in the development of new technologies, involving students and doctoral candidates who are building their long-term research potential.

The group also visited another partner of the Clean & Circle Centre of Competence – the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG), Department of Water Supply, Sewerage, and Water Treatment. Assoc. Prof. Irina Kotova and Assoc. Prof. Galina Dimova presented the modernized laboratories, the newly acquired instruments for water and sludge analysis, and the circular solutions developed for the water sector.

Prof. Topalova presenting the Clean & Circle project

Guests from the European Commission

Assoc. Prof. Dimova presents the renovated laboratory and newly acquired instruments

Dr. Rositsa Neshkova demonstrates the new OmniLog device

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mihaela Belukhova demonstrates the new confocal laser microscope

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