English
Български 
- Tuesday, 20 January 2026
The partners in the Clean&Circle Competence Center discussed the progress of the implementation of the planned project activities and outlined the next steps in their research and scientific development related to sustainable development and the circular economy. The meeting was held at the Clean&Circle building on the Lozenets campus of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG), the University of Forestry, Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov”, the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS, the Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS, as well as the Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation and the Association Competence Center “Clean Technologies for Circular Economy”.
The event was officially opened by the project coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivaylo Yotinov, who emphasized the importance of the partnership between academia, research institutes, and non-governmental organizations for achieving the goals of Clean&Circle. In his speech, he highlighted the results achieved so far and the role of the project in fostering innovation, sustainable solutions, and the efficient use of resources.
Within the working agenda, each partner presented the progress of their respective activities. On behalf of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the project results were presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yovana Todorova, who outlined the main scientific achievements and ongoing research, paying special attention to newly published scientific articles in first-quartile (Q1) journals, emphasizing the high quality and international visibility of the scientific achievements.
Chief Assistant Prof. Dr. Aleksandrina Kostadinova presented the progress of the University of Forestry, focusing on the development and production of biofertilizers, soil improvers, as well as other products from biodegradable materials and composite waste, with clear potential for practical application.
On behalf of the Institute of Physical Chemistry at BAS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Avdeev and Prof. Dr. Karamanov outlined important challenges facing the project.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaharieva from the team of the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy presented the newly appointed researchers in the project, noting that with these new additions, the work on the project in 2026 will accelerate significantly, both in terms of scientific research and the implementation of applied activities.
From the Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry – BAS, Prof. Dr. Dolashka shared information about the latest scientific developments achieved within the project, as well as upcoming participation of the team in international and national scientific forums aimed at promoting the achieved results.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Husein Yemendzhiev joined online from Burgas to report on the progress of Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” during the reporting period, presenting key activities, achieved results, and planned steps for the next phase of the project.
From the Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS, Prof. Dr. Penka Petrova presented the progress of the scientific research, noting that there is already significant media interest in the institute’s latest developments, including an upcoming feature on national television, which will contribute to broader public visibility of the project’s results.
During the discussions, significant progress was reported in the implementation of the plan for scientific publications, with partners discussing the advancement in manuscript preparation and future joint publications.
On behalf of the Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation, Yordan Zdravkov presented new ideas for the Technology Entrepreneurship Accelerator, emphasizing support for innovative ideas, the connection between science and business, and opportunities for commercialization of scientific results.
In addition, Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Todorova presented the activities and contribution of the association, which joined as a partner in the second phase of the Clean&Circle project, focusing on expanding the partner network and ensuring the sustainability of the achieved results.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Benova presented in detail the methodology for awarding points for scientific publications and contracts concluded with business, which sparked an active and constructive discussion aimed at transparency and objective evaluation of results.
The meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth dialogue, exchange of good practices, and coordination among all participants. In conclusion, the partners reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the Clean&Circle project and to achieving sustainable results with long-term contributions to science, innovation, business, and society.
