The competition, organised by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), provides young researchers with an opportunity to present their doctoral research in French in just three minutes, explaining the scientific problem, methodology and significance of their findings in a way that is accessible to a general audience.

The regional final, held online, brought together 11 young researchers from Bulgaria, Albania, Georgia and Moldova.

Dr. Bogdanova presented her doctoral dissertation entitled "Circular Solutions for the Sustainable Development of Black Sea Tourism, with a Focus on the Management of Wastewater Treatment Processes", completed at the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University.

Her research examines the impact of seasonal tourism activity on the operation of wastewater treatment plants, focusing on biotechnological processes, the functional activity of microorganisms and opportunities for applying innovative technologies, including cold atmospheric plasma. It also explores the prospects for the sustainable management and reuse of treated wastewater in the context of the circular economy and the development of tourism in the Black Sea region.

Her presentation focused on the role of microorganisms in the biological treatment of wastewater and their importance for the sustainable operation of tourism infrastructure.

The award recognises both the scientific significance of her research and her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively to an international audience.

Participation in the competition helps raise the international profile of the research activities carried out at Sofia University and the Clean&Circle Centre of Competence, while also fostering international academic exchange and scientific communication in French.