Bulgaria, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS)

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, founded in 1869, is the biggest research organisation in Bulgaria and includes 44 research institutes and several specialized units, including four museums, divided into nine research divisions:

• Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies
• Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency
• Nanosciences, New Materials and Technologies
• Biomedicine and Quality of Life
• Biodiversity, Bioresources and Ecology
• Climate Change, Hazards and Natural Resources
• Astronomy, Space Research and Technologies
• Cultural-historical Heritage and National Identity
• Man and Society

The Academy has regional academic centres all over the country and also supports all regional museums in Bulgaria. At present, about 2500 scientists work at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, representing about 15% of the academic staff in Bulgaria. The Academy produces more than 35% of the scientific output of the country.

The Academicians and Corresponding Members of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences form the Assembly of Academicians and Corresponding Members (AACM). Its Chairman is the President of BAS. Presently, the Assembly has 160 members: 65 Academicians and 95 Corresponding Members.

The mission of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is to conduct scientific research in accordance with universal values, national traditions and interests, to participate in the development of world science, to study and to multiply the material and intangible cultural and historical heritage of the nation.

BAS conducts fundamental and applied research, training and also activities of national and international importance. It provides expertise to governmental and local authorities, non-governmental organisations, business, etc. The Academy has a consistent policy for the development of science and innovation as a condition for the economic development in the country. It is an active participant in the European Research Area.

The key elements of the vision for the sustainable development of BAS as a national scientific and expert center with international recognition are:

• Carrying out large-scale and high-quality scientific and innovation activities;
• Performing research in priority areas such as quality of life, climate change, disaster warnings and prevention, preservation of biological diversity, safeguarding of cultural-historical heritage, security, green and digital technologies, defense and other current societal challenges;
• Interacting with business in high technology developments and innovations;
• Responding to current and urgent public needs by providing quality expert opinions to public and other institutions;
• Supporting and cooperating with universities and research organisations;
• Supporting education at all levels;
• Creating highly skilled researchers;
• Contributing to regional development;
• Performing the role of one of the main spiritual centers of the country;
• Assisting in educating the public and exposing pseudoscience;
• Contributing to the international reputation of the country.

Photo from European Heritage Days