In brief
In Sofia’s Central Military Club, the 18th annual Pythagoras Science Contribution Awards recognized 18 scientists across eight categories, including a special prize for science communication. Minister Georgi Valchev opened the ceremony and Prime Minister Rumen Radev was invited to attend. Winners include Prof. Dr. Petar Antov of the Lesotho Technical University and last year’s Chemistry Grand Prize holder Prof. Radostina Stoyanova, whose research underpins climate‑adaptation strategies.
The 18th annual Pythagoras Science Contribution Awards were presented this Thursday at the Central Military Club in Sofia. The event, organized by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, honored 18 scientists for outstanding contributions in natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and humanities, and awarded a special prize for science communication. Minister Georgi Valchev opened the ceremony, while the Prime Minister Rumen Radev was invited to attend.
The awards are an established national tradition, having been held consecutively for 18 years. In previous years, the ceremony has highlighted research that ranges from chemistry and physics to biological and social sciences, all of which can intersect with environmental sustainability. The selection of scientists at this year’s ceremony reflects the growing emphasis on climate‑related research within the Bulgarian scientific community.
Petar Antov, a leading figure in forest technology, received the Pythagoras Award on behalf of Lesotho Technical University. Antov’s work on sustainable forest management and carbon sequestration projects in European ecosystems aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change. His research has informed policy recommendations on afforestation and the use of native species to preserve biodiversity.
Last year’s award ceremony celebrated Prof. Radostina Stoyanova, a chemist at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, who received the Grand Prize for contributions to science. Stoyanova’s research focuses on green chemistry, developing eco‑friendly catalysts that reduce hazardous waste in chemical processes—a direct contribution to industrial sustainability.
Within the eight award categories—natural sciences, engineering sciences, life sciences and medicine, social sciences and humanities—a special mention is given to science communication. The award for science communication recognizes efforts to translate complex scientific findings into accessible information for the public and policymakers, a vital component of environmental stewardship. The recipients are expected to carry forward this duty in an era when public engagement on climate issues is critical.
The presence of political leaders highlights the Bulgarian government's commitment to fostering science that can address national and global environmental challenges. By inviting the Prime Minister to attend, the Ministry signals that scientific research is a strategic priority for national development and sustainability policy.
While the award ceremony didn’t announce any specific new environmental projects, the recognition of interdisciplinary research signals that future priorities will likely include climate-related initiatives. Scholars across the peaceful and scientific spectrum often collaborate on projects involving renewable energy, pollution control, and conservation—areas that sit at the nexus of engineering, natural science, and humanities.
Notably, the 2025 ceremony held at the National History Museum featured 52 scientists competing in eight categories, underscoring the broad participation and recognition of diverse disciplines. This year’s ceremony at the Central Military Club continues that trend, aligning scientific excellence with national ceremonial prestige.
As the Pythagoras Awards are held annually, the event serves both as a celebration of achievements and a platform to inspire upcoming scientists. By highlighting contributions that intersect with environmental concerns—such as sustainable forestry, green chemistry, and climate‑adaptive engineering—the awards reinforce Bulgaria’s role in the global effort to create a more resilient, low‑carbon future.
Beyond the laureates, the ceremony encourages dialogue between scientists, policymakers and the public, fostering an ecosystem where scientific insights can directly influence environmental decision‑making. In a period where urgent climate action is required, the continuation of the Pythagoras Awards underscores the long‑term commitment of Bulgaria’s scientific community to sustainable and climate‑adaptive research.
