News

 

19 April, Friday

Balkan Universities Association – fifth annual meeting, Thessaloniki, Greece

         The fifth annual meeting of Balkan Universities Association was held from 16 to 18 April 2019, in  Thessaloniki, Greece.

          Over 250 representatives of 48 universities from 11 countries participated in the event. Bulgaria was represented by three universities – the University of Ruse, Sofia University and the Agrarian University in Plovdiv. Twelve universities were admitted as new members and the Statutes of the Association were signed.

 The participants from the University of Ruse, led by COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, held a number of partner meetings, discussing and agreeing on the parameters for future cooperation.

           The conference " The UN goals 2030 for sustainable development of the universities in the Balkan region" was held in the framework of the meeting. The representatives of the Univerity of Ruse delivered a talk on " The University of Ruse as a driving force of regional development.

 

15 April 2019, Monday

Lecturers from the University of Ruse attended the ХХХ National Olympiad in Bulgarian language and literature in Chisinau, Moldova

From 12 to 14 April 2019, in the Theoretical Lyceum "N.B.Gogol" in Chisinau, Moldova, the  ХХХ National Olympiad in Bulgarian language and literature  was held. Assoc. prof. Mira Dushkova and assist professor Nia Doneva, lecturers from the University of Ruse, the Department of Bulgarian language, literature and arts represented the University of Ruse. They conferred the Congratulatory address of the Rector of the Unibversity of Ruse, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC.

Traditionally, the event was organised by the Ministry of education, culture and research of the Republic of Moldova. The competiton was between 60 high school students from four regions: Tarakliya, Kantemir, Gagausiya and Pridnestrovie. It consisted of two rounds – written and oral, and there were additional prizes for most creative answer, best literary work, Best recital and teacher of the winner. The first prize went to Tatyana ¬ebanova from the village of Kayrakliya, Tarakliya region, who attended a language course at the University of Ruse two years ago.

The lecturers from Ruse visited "Hristo Botev" library, and donated contemporary collected works and monographs. Thew were acquainted with the work of the Sunday school with the library.

The end of the event was marked by an emotional concert of Bulgarian songs, poems and dances, prepared and performed by students and teachers of Bulgarian origin, living in different parts of Moldova.

The University of Ruse was awarded a plaque and a letter of Gratitude by assoc. prof. Elena Raceeva, Chairperson of the Olympic committee. The letter reads: "Your support and sponsorship are a noble contribution to the endeavours to strengthen the Bulgarian identity, traditions, history and language of the Bulgarians in the Republic of Moldova. We sincerely believe that we will preserve our good relationship and fruitful cooperation in the future."

photo Anton Karpov, Chisinau

11 April 2019, Thursday

Expanding the cooperation between the Baku Higher Oil School – Baku Azerbaijan and the University of Ruse

Lecturers from Baku Higher Oil School - Baku Azerbaidjan are on a one-week visit to the University of Ruse.

For the first time, this academic year the University of Ruse received funding for student and lecturer exchange under the Erasmus+ programme with Azerbaijan. As a result, the Head of Department Automation of engineering processes, assoc. prof. Nayla Alahverdieva and assoc. prof. Syulejman Syuleimanidze are in Ruse for a week.

The cooperation between the two universities started back in 2014 with the signing of a bilateral agreement. On the basis of it, Baku Higher Oil School adopted the curriculum of the bachelor degree programme "Computer Control and Automation", developed by the Department of Automation and Mechatronics, in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation of the University of Ruse. The lecturers from the University of Ruse have developed all study materials for the subjects in the curriculum in English.

The agenda of the visit includes work visits, educational workshop, meetings with the university management. During one of the meetings with the Rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc the opportunity for expanding the cooperation between the two institutions by developing a master degree programme with the perspective of obtaining dual diploma.

 

 

11 April 2019, Thursday

The University of Ruse hosted the module „Innovation and creativity for life- IC4Life"

From 1 to 6 April 2019, the University of Ruse hosted for a second time the module

„Innovations and Creativity for Life- IC4Life". The participants were 27 students and 6 lecturers from Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, Lithuania and Bulgaria. The University of Ruse was represented by 13 students from various degree programmes – Occupational Therapy, Computer Systems and Technologies, Industrial Design, Business and Management, Public Administration. Five students and one lecturer from the degree programme Graphic Design  at the University of Gloucestershire, England participated online.

In the course of a week, the students worked in five international and interdisciplinary teams on developing innovative solutions of specifically assigned problems – simulation of tactile manipulation, an inclusive playground, classroom of the future, visual impairment and memory loss. In addition, the students had to work out a prototype and business plan for their execution.

Working together with their peers and lecturers, the students obtained theoretical knowledge on the specifics of creative thinking, the principles of prototyping and business planning. At the end of the week the teams presented their developments, which were evaluated on five criteria – creativity, innovations, applicability, business plan and presentation.

Traditionally, the first evening was dedicated to cultural values – each country presented their national dishes, drinks, music, dances, sights, etc. One of the tasks was "Cultural riddles" – the students had to discover and visit at least three of the local historical sights and tourist attractions.

The training held at the University of Ruse is an exceptional opportunity for internationalisation of our students, without the need for them to leave the country

 

08 April 2019, Monday

The book Citizens of Nowhere presented at the University of Ruse

On 9 April 2019  (Tuesday), at the University of Ruse the book Citizens of Nowhere was presented at the University of Ruse. Its author, Niccolò Milanese, is the director of the organisation European alternatives. A poet and a philosopher, living in Paris, he was born in London to parents of Italian and British origin.

                 

Three main parts comprise the book: the first one provides background information on the controversies in the European Union, the second one covers the two main crises in Europe during the last 10 years while the third one discusses a possible future change in the management and decision-making structures in Europe.

                   

Students from European and Global Studies degree programme and from the high schools in Ruse attended the presentation and took part in the discussions.

                                           

The event was co-organised by the University of Ruse, the Bulgarian-Romanian Interuniversity Europa Centre and the international Elias Canetti Society.

                      

02 April 2019, Tuesday

Second international meeting under the project  

„Cooperative Online Peer-assisted and Intercultural Learning in Occupational Therapy" (COPILOT)

The second international meeting under the project  „Cooperative Online Peer-assisted and Intercultural Learning in Occupational Therapy" (COPILOT was held in the period 20-24 March 2019, at the University of Applied Sciences HOWEST, Kortrijk, Belgium.

During the meeting, some of the intellectual outputs were discussed: 1)COPILOT metamodel – a model for intercultural online training, applicable to the professions in healthcare; 2) Handbook with seven training modules on various topics to be conducted annually, which will be acce3ssible for lecturers and students from partner universities.

The first meeting under the project was held from 6^th to 8^th December, 2018 in Bad Gleihenberg, Austria. Issues related to the organisation, management and documentation of the project were discussed, tasks and responsibilities for the development of the intellectual products were distributed.

The University of Ruse is a partner in the consortium for the implementation of the project, together with the Applied sciences universities JOANNEUM (Austria), HOWEST (Belgium) and ZUYD (the Netherlands), the Technological university  in Lulea (Sweden). Associated partners are the University of applied sciences ZHAW (Switzerland) and the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE). 

The University of Ruse is represented by assoc. prof. Lilia Todorova from the Department of Public Health and Social Work.

29 March 2019, Friday

The University of Ruse will host the module

„Innovations and Creativity for Life- IC4Life"

From 1 to 6 April 2019, the University of Ruse will host for a second time the module

„Innovations and Creativity for Life- IC4Life". Since 2014 this annual event connects students in the degree programme Occupational Therapy, business and engineering degree programmes from Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, Lithuania and Bulgaria in their quest for creative solutions of various problems.

In this year's edition 8 students and 1 lecturer from the University PXL in Haselt (Belgium), 6 students and 2 lecturers from the University of Coventry (Great Britain), 1 lecturer and 1 student from the Lithuanian University of  Health Sciences in Kaunas. All guests are from the degree programme Occupational Therapy.

The module is organized by assoc. prof. Lilia Todorova and assoc. prof. Petya Mincheva from the Department of Public Health and Helath care. The University of Ruse will be represented by 5 students in Occupational Therapy, 3 from Computer Systems and Technologies, 2 from Business and Management and 3 from Industrial Design. This provides interdisciplinarity in addition to the internationalisation of the training. Prof. Daniel Bratanov, assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova and assoc. prof. Daniel Pavlo0v will take part as lecturers as well.

 

29 March 2019, Friday

Project in the field of national security between Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova was discussed at the University of Ruse

Today, 29 March (Friday) 2019, the University of Ruse was visited by Octavian Melintescu – Deputy Head of Chief Directorate Anti-corruption – Romania, Bransa Genadie, Deputy Head of the Analysis Directorate of the National centre for fighting corruption in the Republic of Moldova and Senior Commissary Rumen Ganev – director of Directorate Internal Security with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria.

The purpose of the visit was discussing the opportunities for joint work with the University of Ruse and initiating a joint project in the field of Nationalo Security between Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova.  

The Rector of the University of Ruse, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc assured the visitors that our university is the right choice of partner. The successful projects in the field of national security, implemented by the University under the Framework Programmes of the European Commission, as well as the 18 projects under the Cross-border cooperation Bulgaria-Romania during the two programme periods serve as evidence of the preparedness of our academic community for the new partnership.

At the end of the visit the guests were shown around the university facilities.

 

28 March 2019, Thursday

Regional forum with international participation "Good educational and professional practices in the field of social work" is held at the University of Ruse

Today, 28  March (Thursday), a two-day regional forum with international participation "Good educational and professional practices in the field of social work" starts at the University of Ruse. The discussion topic of the event is "The social worker profession in XXI c. – challenges and opportunities for development".

The Rector, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, welcomed the guests and noted that it is an honour  for the academic management of the University to host the international forum. The University of Ruse has been offering the degree programme Social work for a relatively short time but it has marked fast development and significant achievements. The first position it was awarded in the professional field Social work in the annual rating of higher schools of the Ministry of Education and Science is evidence for its high quality. With its over 30 presentations, the forum is a prerequisite for further development and the University of Ruse aims at being a driving force in this area, concluded Prof. Beloev.

Assoc. prof. Sasho Nunev noted that the forum has been held for three years in a row, but this time it is different. This year, the Municipality of Ruse is co-organiser. Another difference is the participation of  assoc. prof. Ana Radulescu, PhD, president of the European Branch of the International Association of Social Workers and prof. Florin Lazar, PhD, a member of the Executive Committee of the European Association of the Social Work Schools and regional coordinator for Bulgaria. The forum was greeted by the vice-minister of labour and social policy, Ms. Zornitsa Rusinova, the Governor of Ruse region, Mr. Galin Grigorov, the Mayor of Ruse – Mr. Plamen Stoilov, Ms. Svetlana Angelova, director of Regional directorate for social assistance - Ruse. The guests were greeted by Ms. Katya Petrova, Head of Department "Social work" with the Municipality of Ruse and Georgi Georgiev, Chairperson of the Board of directors "National alliance for social responsibility.

Assoc. Prof. Ana Radulescu, PhD was satisfied with the fact that the forum was attended by users of social services as well because their opinion is extremely important for improving these services and facilitating the work of social workers. She made an appeal for more humane relationships at all levels of our society.  

NGOs suppliers of social services have exhibited their crafts with materials made by them and the users for charity purposes.

 

21 March 2019, Thursday

The Social Worker Club with the University of Ruse celebrated Social Work World Day

On 19 March 2019, at the lobby of Building 2 of the University of Ruse, students and lecturers from the Social Worker Club in professional field Social Work celebrated Social Work World Day.

First, the Chairperson of the club, assoc. prof. Sasho Nunev pointed out the significance of this day for the professional and academic communities of social workers all over the world. He put an emphasis on the topic of this year's World Day – promoting the significance of human relationships in people's everyday life, the professional activities of social workers and the training of their future colleagues.

Teams of students from the degree programme Social Work presented their posters, dedicated to the celebration, revealing their ideas in the context of the topic. They composed a colourful interactive mural from their posters. After that, in a flashmob, they expressed their position  that the barriers in human relationships must be overcome. In this way, the young people declared their empathy and active attitude to the importance and necessity to develop human relationships. A video prepared by the Club was uploaded to the European Association of Schools of Social Work website (https://www.eassw.org/happy-wswd-by-university-of-ruse/), as a greeting address to their colleagues from over 300 schools and organisations in Europe – members of the Association. 

 

20 March 2019, Wednesday

The International Francophony Day celebrated for a third time at the University of Ruse

            On 20 March 2019 The International Francophony Day was celebrated for a third time at the University of Ruse. The initiative was realised in the framework of the active membership of the higher school in the University Francophony Agency.

            The Rector of the university, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, opened the event and pointed out that the university organises annually different events with the participation of students from the degree programmes "Bulgarian and French" and "European and Global Studies", who study French. He expressed the readiness of our Alma Mater to support and cooperate in all events, woven into the goals of the University Francophony Ahency. The Director of the High School for European Languages, Ms. Dobromira Nikolova was also a guest of the event.

During the event, students who participated in the Essay competition and the competition for projects were awarded. There was a poetic recital by students and flute performance by a lecturer, Petya Stefanova, PhD as well.

A special accent in the programme was the participation of 15 Erasmus+ students for the summer semester from a French Higher School in Electronics in Paris, who sang 2 popular French songs.

In July 2018, the University of Ruse hosted a National seminar of Francophony universities on the topic of  "Improvement of  university systems for quality assurance through good practices and internationalisation of education" while in December, the Rector of the University vowed to the Director of the French Institute in Bulgaria, Mr. Fabien Flоri, to revive Alliance Frances in Ruse.

14 March 2019, Thursday

Work meeting under the INNOVENTER – a Project for Innovative Professional Entrepreneurship trainings

Today 14 March 2019, (Thursday) a work meeting was held under the INNOVENTER – a Project for Innovative Professional Entrepreneurship trainings, financed by the Transnational programme INTERREG Balkans - Mediterranean 2014-2020.

The Rector of the University, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc welcomed the guests to the University of Ruse. He pointed out the fact that the higher school has always created a favourable environment for various institutions to meet and discuss ideas, good practices and challenges faced by society today. He wished the participants success in implementing the project because social entrepreneurship is topical and a need is felt for purposeful activities in this direction.

The main idea of the project is to create professionally oriented training in social entrepreneurship for small and medium-sized enterprises so that they can implement innovations while at the same time they employ disadvantaged people. In the workshop participated representatives of schools and other educational institutions from Sofia, Plovdiv, Razgrad and the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", Association Maria Curie -MSA (Bulgaria), Community help in Albania, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DYEKO – a network supporting entrepreneurship and social economy (Greece), Association for Management Consulting (BURM).

13 March 2019, Wednesday

Training seminar "Application of digital training materials in engineering education"

Today, 13 March, 2019 (Wednesday),  at the University of Ruse was held a training seminar " Application of digital training materials in engineering education ".  The event was organised in the framework of the project „Engineering Student Centered Learning Approaches" (ESCOLA), financed by the ЕRASMUS+, КА203 Programme. The main goal of the project is to develop an electronic training platform for supporting the education of students from engineering degree programmes.

The Rector of the University, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC  greeted the guests and wished them efficient work with the hope that the exchange of ideas will be instrumental for achieving the project goal. He pointed out the fact that the higher school has had a long-standing experience in the projects about digitalization of education in Bulgaria and shared his satisfaction with the growing number of teams, working on this crucial task  – digitization of modern society.  

Teachers from several schools in Ruse – Vassil Levski Comprehensive school, the professional high schools of Electronics, of Construction and Architecture, of Industrial Technologies, lecturers from the universities in Gabrovo and Shumen, employees of the Regional Directorate of Employment and the Science and Technology Unions – Ruse, took part in the seminar. Experts from the Nuclear Power Station in Kozlodui, the Regional Management of Education – Ruse, as well as representatives of business – Fotolitics LtD. Dianel LtD, ELSI LtD and Activ El Engineering LtD were also guests of the event.

The leading partner of the project is the Aegean University (EGE), Turkey and the partner organisations are from Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain and a team from the University of Ruse, led by Prof. Nikolai Mihailov, PhD, DHC.

11 March 2019, Monday

The East and the West are meeting at the University of Ruse

On 12 March 2019 (Tuesday), the Rector of the University of Ruse, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, opened  the first partner meeting under the project MODERNISATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CENTRAL ASIA THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGIES with the words:

„We are proud that the European Commission ranked the project of this large Euro-Asian consortium second. The University of Ruse has focused its efforts on the diditization of higher education since the beginning of the 21 century.  So far, our Alma Mater is the initiator and coordinator of 5 large-scale European projects with the participation of dozens of universities from almost all European countries. We would like to express our gratitude to our long-standing partners from Italy (28-year old cooperation and three joint thematic networks in the field of education), Luxemburg (10 years of cooperation) and Portugal (12-year old cooperation and a joint project for distance learning). We hope to fulfil our function as the coordinator of this project, drawing on our experience so far. I welcome our new colleagues and friends from Kazakhstan, Kirgiztan., Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan".  

On behalf of the Mayor of Ruse, Mr. Plamen Stoilov, the Deputy Mayor, Strahil Karapchanski, PhD also offered words of welcome. First, he mentioned that Ruse is famous for two things – one is that it is known as the little Vienna and two – it is the city of free spirit. He reminded that during her visit to the University of Ruse, European Commissioner Maria Gabriel was acquainted with the Concept of the higher school for digitization of education and, not accidentally, the university experts have been assigned with the task to prepare the programme on a national level.

Mr. Davlatzoda Saifiddin – deputy Minister of education and science of Tajikistan admitted that he was not familiar with the trends in Bulgaria, but in Central Asia, the young people prefer to graduate in Law, Economics and Engineering. In the sphere of culture and pedagogical science there is a gap, which he hopes to be filled as a result of this project.

At the opening were present H.E. Temirtai Izbastin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Bulgaria, Prof. Kurmanbek Abdildaev – Rector of Issik-Kulski State University, 9 vice rectors, as well as Deans and Heads of Departments.

 

8 March 2019, Friday

79 international students  arrived at the University of Ruse under the Erasmus+ exchange  programme  

79 international students  arrived at the University of Ruse under the Erasmus+ exchange  programme  for the summer semester. They are going to study or have practical training in the higher school.  

On 07 March 2019 (Thursday), a welcome party was organized for them by the University's Erasmus office. On behalf of the academic management, Prof. Plamen Kangalov, Vice Rector in Education and Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice Rector in internationalisation and communication policy greeted the students. Coordinators and lecturers from the University of Ruse were also introduced. In turn, the Erasmus students have prepared short presentations about their countries.

The Erasmus+ is financed by the European Commission and the participants are both EU member states and some partner countries from all over the world. The Erasmus students for this semester come to the University of Ruse from 11 countries. The biggest numbers come from Romania – 18 and France - 15. The other countries are represented as follows: Turkey – 8, Italy – 7, China - 7, Armenia – 6, Georgia – 6, Spain - 5, Vietnam -2, Northern Macedonia – 2 and Azerbaijan - 2.

            The students will study or train in all faculties of the University of Ruse and the branch in Razgrad. Hald of them (38) have enrolled in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation.

22 February 2019, Friday

Civil dialogue on the topic "Digital technologies: opportunities and challenges" with the participation of Mariya Gabriel, European commissioner  for Digital Economy and Society

„In the history of Bulgaria and Europe, the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"has a special place. Love of knowledge, values from the past experience and clear vision for the future:

Keep on making us proud of you!  Digital Europe needs you!" 

Mariya Gabriel

Today the University of Ruse hosted a Civil dialogue on the topic "Digital technologies: opportunities and challenges" with the participation of Mariya Gabriel, European commissioner  for Digital Economy and Society.

The European Commissioner presented the first programme in the field of digital technologies for Europe, which will be funded with 9,2 billion Euro by the next long-term budget of the European Commission for the period 2021—2027. The Commission's proposal is directed to five areas: Supercomputers; Artificial Intelligence; Cyber security and trust; Digital skills and Ensuring widespread digital technologies in the economy and society.

The challenges we face with the development of the means of communication and the necessity for all to bear responsibility in distributing information have been discussed. During the discussion, the role of Digital innovation hubs was outlined, as well as the perspective for creating such structures in every area of the European Union. „Ruse is turning into one such hub in Bulgaria quite rightfully" – said Ms. Gabriel.

The participants in the civil dialogue had the chance to test their digital skills by using and electronic platform to ask and answer questions via their smart phones.

Digital transformation provides a unique opportunity for economic growth, innovations and new job vacancies and in this aspect, the University of Ruse puts a strong accent on digitization in the field of education and adapting the study content to the digital generation.

 

19 February 2019, Tuesday

Lantern Festival 2019 at the University of Ruse

Confucius study room at the University of Ruse has organised a Chinese Lantern Festival for a second year, decorating colourfully the connection passage between the Main Building and Building 2.

Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, greeted the organisers of the event on behalf of the Academic management of the University of Ruse.

International Erasmus students were guests of the event, of whom 5 students from Shanghai Polytechnic University.

The visitors of the festival took part in the traditional Chinese puzzle game – The puzzle of the lantern. Each lantern from the decoration has a puzzle and when you solve it, you receive a prize. The game dates back to the Song dynasty, when games of wisdom became popular.

4  February 2019, Monday

Third Partner Meeting in Szczecin, Poland under the Project „Engineering Student-Centered Learning Approaches"

In the period 14-16 January, 2019, in the Computer Sciences and IT of the University of West Pomerania, Szczecin the third partner meeting under the project "Engineering Student Centered Learning Approaches (ESCOLA)" was held. The University of Ruse was represented by assoc. prof. Tsvetelina Georgieva, PhD, assoc. prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD, Sen. Assistant Seher Kadirova, PhD, and  Sen. Assistant Tsvetelin Georgiev, PhD.

During the event the five main modules from the electronic learning platform were presented and discussed, namely: Digital Inclusion, Innovative Learning, Distance Learning, Video and 3D Simulations for LABs, Joint Learning in Virtual Environments.

The project is financed by the ERASMUS+, key activity ERASMUS+, key activity КА2, Cooperation for innovations and exchange of good practices (2014-2020),Agreement №: 2017-1-TR01-KA203-045955 and is with a duration of 24 months. The deadline for implementation of the activities is the end of September, 2019.

For additional information: prof. Nikola Mihailov, PhD, DHC, Project leader for the University of Ruse,  tel. 0888539388

 

18 January 2019, Friday

The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology visited the University of The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology visited the University of Ruse

The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland, Prof. Arkadiusz Mezyk, DSc, was a guest of the University of Ruse for a day.

The visit started with a meeting of the academic governance and the faculty deans. The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc presented briefly the University of Ruse and mentioned the fact that the contacts with the Silesian University of Technology have a long history. One of the first Doctors Honoris Causa of our university is Prof Leszek Dobrzanski, DTSc, who donated to the university the symbolic rector's regalia - gown, hat, staff, necklace and ring.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc described the University of Ruse  as an institution, working for the economic development of North Bulgaria with its multi-profile nature and strong international relations with partners from all over the world.

In his presentation, Prof. Arkadiusz Mezyk, DSc noted that just like the University of Ruse, the  Silesian University of Technology  was founded in 1945. It is located in the Southern part of Poland, in the special economic zone of Katowice in the city of Gliwice, which provides a competitive advantage in the opportunities for excellent contacts and joint activities with the businesses in this territory.

The opportunities for joint projects, student and lecturer exchange and joint degree programmes were discussed during the meeting.

During the visit a bilateral frame agreement was signed, regulating the cooperation between the University of Ruse  and the Silesian University of Technology.

15 January 2019, Tuesday

A new project starts at the University of Ruse "Live, interactive and virtual environments for the museums of the lower Danube cross-border area between Romania and Bulgaria"  

At a press conference today, the project "Live, interactive and virtual environments for the museums of the lower Danube cross-border area between Romania and Bulgaria"  LIVE was presented. It is implemented under the Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme, financed by the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF) under aim European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) for the participating member states.

The University of Ruse is a Lead beneficiary of the project. Representatives of all four remaining partners were present: Regional Museum of History – Ruse, Regional Museum of History – Silistra, Regional Museum of History – Calaras, and Regional Museum of History – Drobeta-Turnu Severin.

The press conference was opened by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev. The Project leader, assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev gave a brief presentation of the main goals and activities.

The project is under Priority Axis 2 of the Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme: Green region; Specific goal 2.1: Improving sustainable use of natural heritage, resources and cultural heritage.

The main goal is to make a significant step forward in preserving and promoting the natural and cultural heritage through developing complex pilit solutions of various ICT systems, which will provide to the beneficiaries advanced technologies for online presentation of events and new forms of content sharing and visualisation.

With the aim to multiply the effect a number of events for promotion and distribution of project results have been planned. Among them probably the most effective will be the two 3D mapping shows in Bulgaria and Romania, respectively. Representatives of all museums and cultural institutions in the cross-border region will be acquainted with the opportunities to use the complex ICT solutions. Within the framework of the project a strategy "The Path of the Danube Museums" will be developed.

The project value is 479,655.05 Euro, of which 407,706.78 Euro from ERDF;

 

10 December 2018, Monday

The University of Ruse awarded a Quality Sign for their work on the Erasmus+ programme

            On 6 December 2018, the University of Ruse  was awarded a Quality Excellence Sign for their work on the Erasmus+ programme, at a ceremony in the Central Military Club – Sofia. The event was part of the traditional Valorisation conference under the Erasmus+ programme, organized by the Center for Human Resources Development (CHRD)– Sofia, which is the National Erasmus agency in Bulgaria.

Mr. Georg Georgiev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Petar Nikolov – Deputy Minister of education and science, representatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sport participated in the conference. Both Ministers emphasized the extreme importance of the Erasmus+ programme – the largest, most popular and most effective programme of the European Commission in the field of education, training, youth and sport.

The Executive Director of CHRD, Mr. Petyo Kanev, greeted the representatives of the institutions awarded and reviewed projects and activities, implemented in Bulgaria with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. Over 39 million Euro will be granted by the EC under the Erasmus+ Programme for projects and other accompanying activities in 2019. The budget  has a 7% increase compared to this year.

Out of 271 Erasmus projects, selected in 2017, 40 were awarded with Quality Excellence Sign, among which only four are university projects – the University of Ruse, The Medical University – Varna, the Higher school of management – Varna and the national Academy of Music Prof. Pancho Vladigerov.

            The award of the University of Ruse was accepted by the Erasmus Coordinator and Vice-rector of internationalization and communication policy – Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD.

Researchers from the University of Ruse teach rehabilitation engineering to their colleagues in Caza under i-CARE project

The first year of the implementation of the Project „i-CARE Increasing the Conformance of Academia towards rehabilitation engineering, funded by the Erasmus + Programme ended successfully.  Eight universities are partners in this project – four from Gaza and four from the EU, one of which is the University of Ruse. The Al Azar University in Gaza, represented by Ahmed Issa, PhD is the Project Coordinator.

 Within the first year of activities, lecturers from the Public Health and Social Work Department with the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare presented to their colleagues in Gaza good practices in rehabilitation technologies and provided pre-requisites for starting training in Rehabilitation engineering in partner universities in Gaza.

The project has a budget of EUR 914,469.00 and aims at providing transfer of knowledge and skills in rehabilitation technologies from Established European academic institutions to universities and hospitals in the Gaza strip within the three-year duration of the project.

Next year, lecturers from Gaza are to visit Ruse. They are going to attend a crash course in Kinesiology, led by colleagues from the University of Ruse.

5 December, 2018

The University of Ruse builds and coordinates the Fifth Academic Network between Europe and Asia

The University of Ruse has signed a three-year agreement for modernising the education in 15 universities from 5 Central Asian countries and 4 from Europe. The Education Ministries (with their deputy ministers) of Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are partners under this project.

This is the fifth project for establishing an academic network, initiated and coordinated by the University of Ruse. But while the previous four networks were European, the new one is Eurasian.

The University of Ruse will share with its partners the Concept for adaptation of the educational system to the digital generation through intensive use of ICT-based innovation and educational technologies, as well as the draft of the National programme for digital transformation of education.

The University Guidebook of innovative educational technologies will be adapted to the needs of the project and translated into Russian and English. An interactive multimedia version of the Guidebook will be created and published in the project website, thus becoming accessible for interested parties all over the world.

 A Centre for innovative educational technologies modelled after the Centre in Ruse University - http://ciot.uni-ruse.bg/.will be established in each of the partner universities. Study halls of the future, similar to the one that will soon be opened in the University of Ruse, will also be set up.

As the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc noted, through this large-scale project, the educational innovations that have been developed and tested in the University of Ruse for more than 15 years, will be transferred to the partner universities, and through them – into the entire educational systems of their countries.

The signing of this agreement in Brussels showed once again that the digital transformation of education is one of the key priorities of the European commission, emphasized by the European Commissioner on Digitalisation, Mr. Maria Gabriel in her speeches and interviews.

 

Partners from Central Asia

Project logo

21 November, 2018

Fourth Festival of the Chinese Culture at the University of Ruse

On 21 November 2018, at 17.30, in Kaneff Centre-University of Ruse the Fourth Festival of the Chinese Culture, organised by the university team of Confucius Study hall with the financial support of the Confucius Institute – Sofia, will be held.

As in the previous three editions, the Festival Programme includes demonstrations and concert. In the demonstrations part, which will take place from 17.30 to 18.30, the visitors can participate in Chinese games, have hieroglyphs tattooed, paint Chinese masks, learn how to use Chinese sticks, etc. After the official opening at 18.30, the audience will have the chance to enjoy Chinese songs and dances, presented by visiting performers and students from the University of Ruse, Chinese martial arts and fashion show of Chinese costumes. There will be Chinese food tasting as well.

All the academic community of the University of Ruse, citizens and gue4sts of Ruse are invited.

鲁塞大学孔子课堂第四届中国文化节节目单

PROGRAMME OF THE FOURTH FESTIVAL OF THE CHINESE CULTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

21 November 2018, 17.30, Kaneff Centre

17.30-18.30 часа – DEMONSTRATIONS of Chinese games, tatoos with hieroglyphs, calligraphy, painting Chinese masks, Chinese horoscopes, etc.

18.30 – OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE EVENT

18.45-20.00 - CONCERT

1.武术表演 《保国少年爱武术》           表演者：Kalagia武术学校

Demonstration of Chinese martial arts  – Martial arts centre Kalagia

2.扇子舞《Stay open》                   表演者：鲁塞大学孔子课堂学生

Chinese dance Stay open performed by students from the University of Ruse

3.歌曲《芦花》                          特邀嘉宾：李子君

Song <Reed flower> performed by special guest Zijun Li

4.鲁塞大学孔子课堂年度报告              报告者：Hristina Sokolova

Presentation of the Confucius Study hall activities in the period November 2017 – November 2018 – pr. assistant Hristina Sokolova

5.舞蹈 《青花瓷》                       表演者：古赫丽 安娜贝拉

Dance < Blue and white porcelain > performed by students from the University of Ruse

6.古筝 《渔舟唱晚》                     特邀嘉宾：赵星娃/张清

Performance of Chinese traditional instrument gu jung < Flowing Steams and Evening Song of Fishing Boats> by special guest Xingwa Zhao/Qing Zhang

7.歌曲 《沧海一声笑》                   特邀嘉宾：曹相东

Song <See the World Indifferently> performed by special guest Xiangdong Cao

8.街舞表演《你需要什么》                表演者：Brave Dance Studio

Hip Hop dance <what U need> performed byBrave Dance Studio

9.中国传统服饰秀 《锦绣霓裳》           表演者：鲁塞大学孔子课堂学生

Fashion show of Chinese costumes <Splendid Chinese Costume> performed by students from the University of Ruse  

10.武术表演《中国功夫》                 表演者：Kalagia武术学校

Kung-fu - Martial arts centre Kalagia

15 November 2018, Thursday

The University of Ruse participates again in the Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Danube Rectors' Conference (DRC)

            On 8-9 November 2018, at the Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, the University of Ruse, represented by the Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, prof. Juliana Popova, participated in the Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Danube Rectors' Conference (DRC), where the higher school from Ruse has been a member for more than 30 years, as the only Bulgarian university there.

            The papers and discussions on this year's topic, "Universities as Centres of Regional Development" outlined the contribution of the universities from the Danube region for the implementation of the Danube strategy and their role for stimulating the regional development. A special accent was put on DRC's active contribution, marking the 35^th anniversary of the organisation.

            For a second year in a row, during the annual conference, the Danubius Young Scientist Award was conferred to young researchers from the Danube countries. From Bulgaria, the prize was conferred to pr. assistant professor Tsvetelin Georgiev, PhD from the Mechanical Engineering and Technologies Faculty of the University of Ruse.

This prize was founded in 2011 by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) in cooperation with the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM). The criteria for nomination and selection of prize winners are: scientific excellence and innovative approach to academic work, relevance  of research to issues of the Danube region and beyond national boundaries, scientific potential of the candidate, etc.

In the Award Ceremony participated Friedrich Faulhammer, DRC President and Rector of the Danube University in Krems, Austria, Barbara Weitgruber, Director General of Research and International Relations Department of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the former vice-chancellor of Austria, Erhard Busek, PhD, Chairperson of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe and DHC of the University of Ruse, as well as prof. Miroslav Veskovich, PhD, coordinator of the scientific support for the macro-regional strategies of the European Commission, priority axis PA-7 of the Danube strategy and Head of the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

For the previous three years, the young Bulgarian bearers of the award were also from the University of Ruse: 2017 – assoc. prof. Ivan Beloev, PhD from the Transport Department, 2016 – pr. assistant professor Strahil Karapchanski from the Department of European Studies, Deputy-mayor of Ruse Municipality, 2015 – assoc. prof. Daniel Lyubenov, PhD from the Department of Transp[ort.

            On 9^th November, 2018, the Assembly General of DRC elected new leadership of the organisation for the next two years: President – prof. Ivanka Popovich, PhD – Rector of the University of Belgrade and Vice presidents Friedrich Faulhammer - Rector of the Danube University in Krems, Austria, and immediate past president of DRC and Prof. Dietmar Meyer – Rector of Andrashi University, Budapest, Hungary. Prof. Miroslav Veskovich, PhD, Head of JRC, was elected Honorary President of DRC.

            The Rector of the4 University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, DHC, mult. was DRC President in 2010 and Vice pre3sident in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

            During the DRC Conference, the contribution of the University of Ruse was mentioned several times in the presentations in connection with its participation as a key partner in the Danube:Future project, in the frames of the Danube strategy and the organisation and hosting of the International Summer School for sustainable development of the Danube region in September 2018.

7 November 2018, Wednesday

The University of Ruse will cooperate with the Polytechnic University in Shanghai

From 29.10. to 02.11.2108, a group of lecturers from the University of Ruse, led by the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, visited the Shanghai Polytechnic University. In various research laboratories, they were acquainted with the educational innovations, used by their Chinese colleagues, incl. interactive presentation systems, added and virtual reality, etc. Today, at a press conference, some details about the meetings and the agreements signed were shared.

 

The Rectors of the Shanghai Polytechnic University - prof. Yu Tao and of the University of Ruse - Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, signed an agreement for a course of study, ending with a double degree diploma for students from both countries.

The syllabi of the degree programmes in Computer Systems and Technologies at the University of Ruse and Computer Engineering at the Shanghai Polytechnic University are identical and at the moment a screening campaign for the first group of participating students is in progress, said the Rector of the University of Ruse. This group will consist of 10 first year students from the degree programme in Computer Systems and Technologies from the University of Ruse and the same number of students from Shanghai. They will study in their own universities for the first three years and during the last year the Bulgarian students will go to China, while the ten students from Shanghai Polytechnic University will come to Ruse. After they pass their State exams successfully, they will be granted diplomas from the two higher schools.

 

            At a seminar with the participation of nearly 100 lecturers and students from the Shanghai Polytechnic University, the members of the delegation from Ruse shared the 15-year experience of the Center for Innovative and Educational Technologies with the University of Ruse and informed the participants about the draft of the National Programme for Digitization of Education in Bulgaria.

24 October 2018, Wednesday

A French Centre is to be opened at the University of Ruse

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev and Mr. Fabien Flori – Director of the French Institute in Sofia, discussed the opening of a French Centre at the university. The other participants in the discussion were Mrs. Amandine Segers, Mr. Kamen Minkov and Mr. Rosen Novakov, as well as the Vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy – Prof. Juliana Popova.

Details of the future partnership, as well as the recent initiatives of the University as a member of the University Agency of Francophonie were some of the issues discussed. The opening of a French Centre in Ruse will contribute to expanding the activities on promoting the French culture and art in the region. Thematic film festivals, exhibitions, discussions, meetings with actors, language courses and other information and scientific events will be organised by the Centre, which will cover a large part of Northern Bulgaria.

 

10 October, Wednesday

Visitors from Mongolia

А delegation from the Mongolian province Bayanhognor visited the University of Ruse. It was led by the Chairperson of the local Parliament in the province, Mr. Otgonbayar and the Honorary Consul of Mongolia, Kamen Milkov, PhD. The visit to Ruse was the opening of Honorary Consulate of Mongolia in Ruse.

The visitors were welcomed by the Vice rector on Internationalisation and Communication Policy of the University of Ruse, prof. Juliana Popova, who introduced them to the structure of the higher school, its development through the years and the opportunities for studying it offers. The Director of International Students Directorate – Prof. Krasimir Martev, presented the history of the unit and provided information on the conditions for education of international students.

The members of the delegation demonstrated interest in the degree programmes offered by the Agrarian and industrial Faculty, and prof. Plamen Kangalov – Vice Rector on Education, acquainted them with the opportuni9ties for studying and the subjects taught in this faculty. At the end of their visit, the guests were shown around the facilities of the University of Ruse.

27 September 2018, Thursday

The German Ambassador visits the University of Ruse for the first time

The Ambassador to the Federal republic of Germany, H. E. Herbert Salber made his first visit to the University of Ruse. At the meet5ing with the Bodyof Rectors, the diplomat was introduced to the opportunities for studying and the facilities of the higher school.

The vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy, prof. Juliana Popova, presented the profile of the university, the degree programmes offered, the projects of the researchers from the university and its international activities.  The high accreditation grade of the University was emphasized. The Director of the Bulgarian-Romanian Inter-university Europe centre, assoc. prof. Mimi Kornazheva, informed the diplomat about the activities of the Centre and shared the hardships that have been overcome over the years, as well as the challenges facing the team.

BRIE was established as a Stability Pact Project for South Eastern Europe under the initiative of the German Rectors' Conference in 2000 and two years later the first international students started their master degree studies here. The training takes place in Bulgaria, Romania and Germany. To date, there are approximately 200 graduates from 16 countries.

The diplomat expressed his satisfaction from the visit to the University of Ruse and his commitment to aiding the enhancement of cooperation with German higher schools.

26 September 2018, Wednesday

A project from Ruse is among the six most attractive and original cross-border projects of the European Union

A project from Ruse has been selected with five other projects to compete for the prize of the most attractive and original project with the votes from the social media. The Project ROBG-9 ARCHIVE - „Interactive visualisation of ancient Roman cultural heritage in the Bulgaria-Romania cross-border region, financed by the Interreg V-A, in which the University of Ruse is a leading partner, will be presented in Brussels on 10 October, during the European Week of the Regions and Cities within the framework of the initiative Interreg Talks: 6 projects, 1 slam, organised by the INTERACT Programme.

The only project with Bulgarian participation is competing for the votes from the social media. The voting is until the end of September directly on INTERACT's website. Those willing to support the project should like the video clip тук. The competitors of ROBG-9 ARCHIVE are projects with a number of partners from countries such as Italy, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, etc.

The Project ROBG-9 ARCHIVE uses information and communication technologies for digitalisation, visualisation, promotion and preservation of ancient Roman cultural and historic heritage from the lower part of the Roman Limes. Under the project, 16 Roman fortresses from the cross-border region between Bulgaria and Romania have been digitalised. One interactive platform and two mobile apps - RomanForts (for iOS and Android) have been created. Two exhibitions with 3D printed models of artefacts and fortresses, accessible in the historical museums in Ruse and Constanta. More information about the project can be found of its website or its Facebook page

13 September 2018, Thursday

First information and motivation campaign of the Resource Centre for Employment with the University of Ruse and Job Fair: Negotiating employment

On 14 September 2018 at 10,00 in room 2.204 the First information and motivation campaign of the Resource Centre for Employment, established under Project 16.4.2.036 „Integrated interventions for employment in the cross-border region Giurgiu-Ruse (MOBGIRU)". The campaign is in the framework of the event Job Fair: Negotiating employment, which provides a platform for the business to meet young people, looking for job opportunities. Employers will have the chance to present their organisations, the job and career opportunities they offer, the requirements they have and the conditions they offer to the employees.

The aim is to achieve better direct contact between employers and job-seekers; more accurate understanding of about the knowledge and skills the employers are looking for in young people; improved skills for performing at job interviews; clarity about the documents, needed for job application.

         The first information and motivation campaign will be held under the slogan „A successful job tomorrow starts with your action today"

Agenda

9.30 Arranging the stands of the participating companies

10.00 Opening of the event

10.10 Presenting new internet platform for employment for the Ruse- Giurgiu region

10.30 First information and motivation campaign of the Resource Centre for Employment with the University of Ruse

11,00 Meetings between employers and young people

 

 

13 Seprember 2018, Thursday

PhD students from 11 Danube countries study Project management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Ruse

In Hall 2 of Kaneff Centre- University of Ruse the summer is still here. For a fifth time in the framework of the project DANUBE:FUTURE, PhD students and post-doctoral students from 11 Danube countries gathered for a Summer School, where they would acquire knowledge and skills in project management and entrepreneurship with the aim to guarantee the sustainable development of the Danube macro region.  

The participants in the Summer School were greeted by the Rector of the host university, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, who expressed his satisfaction from the activities of the young researchers. He stated that the internationalisation of education, manifested through such initiatives, is a successful way of achieving quality of education and finding global solutions of the problems in our countries and regions. Prof. Beloev wished all participants fruitful work and a pleasant stay in our city and the University of Ruse.

The young people are trained by university lecturers from the project partner universities: University of Natural Sciences, Vienna, Austria, Danubius University, Galati, Romania, Sofia University and University of Ruse, Bulgaria, as well as by representatives of the main funding institutions - the Central European Initiative and the Danube Rectors' Conference and the local authorities in Ruse. After the plenary lectures on the topic, the participants formed work groups where they will be implementing the theory into practice and developing research projects on specific problems, to be presented on the last day of the School. On 16 September, after the presentations of the projects, the students will be handed Certificates of Participation.

A considerable contribution to the practical aspect of the School have the field trips to natural park "Rusenski Lom" and to Giurgiu, Romania, which illustrate the achievements in the field of sustainable development, cross-border cooperation and good practices in implementing the EU Directives. The meetings of the young researchers with leaders from the Municipalities – Dr. Strahil Karapchanski, Deputy-mayor of Ruse and Nikolae Barbu, mayor of Giurgiu, undoubtedly support the theoretical studies with examples from practice, as well as provide opportunities for the promising young scientists to get actively involved in the processes of sustainable development of the Danube region.

10 September 2018, Monday

CompSysTech'18 at the University of Ruse on 13-14 September

On 13.09.2018 (Thursday) at 15:00 in Siemens Hall of the University of Ruse will start the International Scientific Conference CompSysTech'18.

Two companies will present their humanoid robots at the opening of the conference

The plenary session promises to attract the searching minds:

Elena Marinova's talk will answer the question: Internet of everything – what is in store for us? (Elena Marinova is the president of Musala Soft LtD)

Prof. Nikola Kasabov (New Zealand), who has nearly 13 000 citations and h-index = 51 will give a talk on artificial intelligence, based on deep self-study in neuron networks.

The innovative and entrepreneurial universities will be the subject of the plenary paper of Prof. Petar Stanchev.

The complete agenda of the Conference can be seen at:

http://www.compsystech.org/docs/CST18-Programme.pdf

10 September 2018, Monday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE HOSTS THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL UNDER THE PROJECT DANUBE: FUTURE IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE DANUBE STRATEGY

            The University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" is the organiser and host of the fifth edition of the International Summer School under the Project DANUBE: FUTURE, declared a key project under the European strategy for the Danube macroregion. The Summer School DIS 2018 will be held in the period 10-16 September in Hall 2 of Kaneff Centre on the topic Project Management and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development of the Regions in the Danube Macroregion.  Participants in the School are PhD students and post-doctoral students from the Danube countries, members of the Danube Rectors' Conference and the Alpine-Adriatic Rectors' Conference: Austria, Albania, Bosna and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine, Croatia, the Czech Republic. The international teaching staff includes lecturers from the University of Natural Sciences, Vienna, Austria, Danubius University, Galati, Romania, Sofia University and University of Ruse, Bulgaria. Managers from the main financing institutions – the Central European initiative and the Danube Rectors' Conference, will be lecturers too.

            The preceding Summer Schools were in Gorizia, Italy and Kremms, Austria, organised by the University of Trieste and the Danube University in Kremms, respectively.

 

4 September 2018, Tuesday

Vietnamese alumni returned to the University of Ruse after 30 years

A group of Vietnamese alumni of Bulgarian higher schools visited the University of Ruse. Two of the men graduated from our university in 1984. They have had a successful career and are proud of their Diplomas from the University of Ruse.

During the meeting with the Body of Rectors, the group was acquainted with the new degree programmes at the University of Ruse, the partnerships with higher schools from Vietnam and the training of international students. The Rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, shared his satisfaction with the work of the Vietnamese PhD students, who have defended their PhD theses successfully under his academic guidance.

The guests were shown around the University and they expressed their delight at the many positive changes in the facilities. They remembered their student years and voiced their greatest wish to visit the Student Hall of Residence where they had lived more than 30 years ago. They admitted that the nostalgia for Bulgaria was what had prompted them to return to the places where they had studied. They also said that they get together to celebrate 8^th December and that they remember and sing songs in Bulgarian. This nostalgia has brought them to Europe and within a week they have visited Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Ruse.

3 September, Monday The University of Ruse starts the academic year with a high accreditation evaluation The high accreditation evaluation is a success, which is not easy to achieve. Besides image, it also brings responsibilities and duties", this is what the rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev said at a press conference today. At the end of July, following a number of checks, The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency conferred a grade of 9.44 on a scale of 10 maximum to the University of Ruse. The high grade means that the institutional capacity of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" is in compliance with the established capacities of the3 professional fields and degree programmes for the regulated professions. „Each increase in the scale after 9.00 in the system is extremely hard. Our previous evaluation grade was 9.28, and we have managed to increase it, proving that we are the university, which guarantees the development of the region", added the rector. The main task facing the University is maintaining high quality of education and avoiding any compromises. The expansion of the cooperation with business – companies, institutions, units, where the students can start their internship and practical classes, so that they could find a successful realisation in the labour market after graduation, will continue. The academic community of the University of Ruse will start the academic year with high confidence after the institutional accreditation evaluation, which comes as a result of 6 years of hard work. The Rector, COR MEM Prof. Beloev, reported that the University of Ruse fulfils the goals it has set and the number of first year students for 2018/2019 is similar to that from the last few years. There are vacant places in some of the engineering degree programmes, but they will be occupied by the start of the academic year. For other degree programmes: Computer Systems and Technologies, Software Engineering, Transport Management and technologies, Computer Science, there are numerous candidates. The academic year will be officially opened on 17 September at 10.00 in front of the Main Building.

August 2018, Tuesday

Greetings to the Rector of the University of Ruse from the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Her Excellency Angela Merkel, DHC of the University of Ruse, sent a Congratulatory address to the Rector of the University of Ruse, COR MEM Hristo Beloev on his 60^th anniversary.

The text reads: „Most cordial greetings on the occasion of your 60^th anniversary! It is common to send a wish for happiness to the birthday person. Happiness cannot be presented as one single mold – it consists of numerous stones, representing the moments of happiness, carefully preserved in the life memories of each person. He, who artfully directs his life, could gather these stones in one mosaic picture, which is the cause of joy and admiration. Be a Master in this art! I am pleased to use this occasion to express my appreciation for your achievements and to wish you all the best for the future, and most of all, happiness, health and success!"

This is another letter in the correspondence, which started in 2008, between the Rector of the University of Ruse, COR MEM Hristo Beloev and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany - Her Excellency Angela Merkel.

13 August, Monday

The University of Ruse transfers innovative educational technologies from Europe to Central Asia

Brussels approved the 5^th proposal of the University of Ruse for creating a university network. This time the network is not just European, but Eurasian because several universities from 5 countries from Central Asia have been involved in it – Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The goal of the project is modernisation of the higher education systems of these countries through active and efficient application of innovation educational technologies. Among the project objectives are the development of a Concept for adapting the education system to the digital generation and, based on this Concept, formulating a Programme for digital transformation of education. For this reason, in the project are involved the Ministries of education of the partner countries, which will be represented by the sectional vice ministers.

From a total of 32 proposals only 6 have been approved. Our University project was second. The Agency has not cut any amount of the budget proposed. The project duration is three years.

The approval of this large-scale project is one more recognition of the leadership role of the University of Ruse in the field of ICT-based innovations, which have been developed and implemented at our University ever since the year 2000.

 

H.E. Gurbanova outlined the interests in the cooperation between her country and Bulgaria. Focusing on the sphere of education, she offered cooperation with several Azeri universities. In their turn, the vice-rectors informed her that there are two frame agreements signed between the University of Ruse and the Khazar University and Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University.

In 2015 the University of Ruse supported the opening of a Bachelor degree programme in Automation at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University  and  provided a comprehensive training programme in English, methodological support and exchange of students and lecturers. This useful cooperation could be enhanced with a Master degree programme in the same field.

The Ambassador of Azerbaijan invited representatives of the University of Ruse to the annual Exhibition on Education in Baku, in October, 2018, where universities from Russia, Turkey, Iran, the USA, thye Central Asian countries, etc. participate.

7 March 2018, Wednesday

A visit from Galati

The Vice-rector of Danubius University in Galati, Romania, prof. Emanuel Marinesku was on a visit at the University of Ruse. At the meeting with Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the guest extended his congratulations to the newly elected rector. Issues of cooperation between the two universities were discussed. This cooperation dates back to 2013 and is growing more and more intensive. The University of Ruse was invited to become co-organiser of the International conference "European integration – reality and perspectives", which will be held on 18-19 May 2018 at the Danubius University http://www.conferences.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/EIRP/EIRP2018

            For five years noe the two universities have been co-organisers of the International conference "The River Danube – an axis of European identity", which is held annually on the Day of the Danube – 29 June, and is quite popular with lecturers and PhD students.

2 March 2018, Friday

Excellent presentation of the University of Ruse at an International conference in Brussels

At the end of February, in Brussels, the International conference "HEInnovate: Make Innovation Work in Higher Education" was held under the patronage of the European Commission and the United Nations Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The University of Ruse was invited to share their experience in stimulating entrepreneurial attitude among its academic community.

At the workshop in the frames of the forum, the Head of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Ruse, Assoc. prof. Daniel Pavlov, pointed out the key benefits from the activities undertaken from the higher school in 2014 in response to the initiative of HEInnovate. The students were also given the chance to present their expectations for the improvement of the performance of EU Universities. During the conference, "Student HEInnovate Hackaton" was held for the first time. At this event, the Chairperson of the Student Council of the University of Ruse, Stanimir Boyadjiev, took part together with 30 other students from 19 countries.

Besides the two representatives of the University of Ruse, Bulgaria was represented by Ivana Radonova, PhD (Ministry of Education and Science) and Dimka Mihajlova-Radeva (Center for Human Resources). Dr. Radonova announced to the participants that the next international conference will be held at the University of Ruse, 14-16 June 2018. The event will be coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science within the framework of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of Europe.

1 March 2018, Thursday

Chinese Lantern Festival at the University of Ruse

Confucius study hall in the University of Ruse decided to welcome the Bulgarian Baba Marta with the Chinese Latern festival, which took place in the connecting unit to Building 2.

The Lantern Festival is celebrated everywhere in China on 15 January from the Lunar calendar, immediately after the Spring festival, and is part of the holidays, connected to the coming of spring. The Chinese tradition calls for celebration by hanging colourful lanterns and garlands in their homes and in the streets. The festival is marked by concerts and fireworks while the participants a treated to Chinese dumplings with sweet rice Yuanshyao – an attractive continuation of the Spring festival.

The students from Ruse had the chance to take part in the traditional Chinese game opf puzzles – The Lantern Puzzle. On each lantern there is a puzzle written and he, who solves it, gets a prize. The game originated at the time of  Song dynasty, when games, which brought entertainment through wisdom became popular.

27 February 2018, Tuesday

The University of Ruse will support methodologically the accreditation of the Tarakliya State University

The Rector of Tarakliya State University "Grigorii Tsamblak", assoc. prof. Maria Paslar, visited the University of Ruse and had a meeting with the Body of Rectors. They discussed an activity plan after the establishment of the Bulgarian-Moldovian university consortium. The Agreement for the International consortium in the sphere of science and education between the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" and Tarakliya State University "Grigorii Tsamblak" was signed last autumn. Development and exchange of educational and methodological literature, joint research monographs and research and methodological publications, academic exchange of specialists in the framework of educational and research programmes, lecture courses, joint research, student exchange, etc.

After presenting the current state of Tarakliya State University "Grigorii Tsamblak", the rector outlined the tasks and problems they face. Assoc. prof. Paslar admitted that a small part of the staff have academic ranks and this problem can be solved with lecturers from the University of Ruse and the University of Veliko Tarnovo, who can give lectures to the students from Moldova.

Some issues related specifically to the accreditation process and the methodological support which the University of Ruse can provide for the successful completion of the accreditation procedure.

At the meeting, the Body of Rectors of the University of Ruse declared once again their unreserved support for the Tarakliya State University, which is the largest spiritual and cultural centre of the Bulgarian diaspora and the ethnic Bulgarians in the region.

26 February 2018, Monday

The Ambassador of the State of Kuwait visited the University of Ruse

The Ambassador of the State of Kuwait – His Excellency Jaqoub Youssef al-Attiki visited the University of Ruse and had a meeting with the students. 

In his lecture for the students and the lecturers from the degree programmes European and Global Studies; European Studies and Multi-level Governance and Euro-Atlantic and Global Security he spoke about the relations between the State of Kuweit and the European Union. Some topics about the Kurdish issues were also discussed after the diplomat presented his research on the topic.

At a meeting with the Body of Rectors later, His Excellency Jaqoub Youssef al-Attiki shared his expectations for strengthening the cooperation between Bulgaria and Kuweit both in the sphere of economy and education.

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev stated that the University of Ruse is ready for an exchange of students and lecturers and for cooperation in the field of research.

His Excellency Jaqoub Youssef al-Attiki  is well acquainted with the research and human resource potential of the University of Ruse because he has a Master degree in International Cooperation and European Projects in the professional field Political Sciences from this university.

20 February 2018, Tuesday

COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, DHC mult. – elected the Rector of the University of Ruse

COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, DHC mult. was elected the Rector of the University of Ruse with 176 votes. He will be at the head of the institution until the end of the mandate in 2019. The elections were conducted after the Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva handed her resignation from the post on 24 January.

The only candidate for the rector's post, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, was nominated by 17 departments, 5 faculties, the three branches in Silistra, Razgrad and Vidin and the Student Council. At a session of the Assembly General he presented his platform for management of the University.  

„I am perfectly aware of the fact that the dynamic times, the economic crisis and the demographic collapse require new approaches to solving the problems, new modes, methods and tools for work. We will be searching for them and implementing them together, we will change and move forward. But there is one thing I will never change, because it is deeply embedded in my beliefs – my trust and respect towards people, the firm conviction that they are our most valuable capital and we need to invest in them continuously", said COR MEM Beloev in his speech.

In her address to the academic community, Prof. Velizara Pencheva thanked them for the mutual understanding and joint efforts in the past two years.

19 February 2018, Monday

Language courses in Chinese at the University of Ruse

The Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Ruse and Confucius study hall announce to the general public that they will be offering courses in Chinese language and culture for university and high school students, as well as adults. The courses are:

1. Introductory course in Chinese language and culture for university and high school students with 60 classes duration – 15 weeks, 4 classes a week.
2. Introductory course in Chinese language and culture for university employees and adults with 60 classes duration – 15 weeks, 4 classes a week
3. Preparatory course for the HSK test (for professional competency) in Chinese with 60 classes duration – 15 weeks, 4 classes a week.

For information and enrollment:

The Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Ruse

Main building, first floor, room 213.1

Tel. 082 888 567

15 February 2018, Thursday

New project under Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme

The University of Ruse became a partner in the project Integrated Interventions for Employment in the Cross-border Region Giurgiu - Ruse (MOBGIRU) under the Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria, in which the leading partner is the Red Cross Branch in Giurgiu, Romania and another partner – the Institute on Metal Science with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

The common goal of the project is to develop the capacity for employment of unemployed and inactive individuals from the region Giurgiu-Ruse for the period of 18 months through:

• Research for identifying measures for better correlation between individual skills, education, employment potential and opportunities offered by the labour market;
• Establishing two regional employment resource centres – in Ruse, on the territory of the University of Ruse and in Giurgiu;
• Organising two employment fairs in Giurgiu and in Ruse;
• Organising of information motivational campaigns among the project target groups;
• Developing a web based platform for labour mobility with the purpose of increasing the professional mobility in the region Giurgiu – Ruse and meeting the specific needs of the common labour market. The platform which is being developed by Romanian and Bulgarian experts will be accessible for users from the region and beyond, both by users of the employment service and by employers. Each user will be able to create his account and look for or offer jobs in the cross-border region Giurgiu-Ruse.

On 14 February 2018, the first job fair was held in the Resource centre in Giurgiu, where Romanian and Bulgarian employers, as well as representatives of the target groups under the project from Romania and Bulgaria. The fair was visited by the Mayor of Guirgiu, Mr. Nikolae Barbu.

2 February 2018, Friday

Frame agreement signed between the Rectors of the University of Ruse and the University of Karaiova, Romania

The final meeting under the project "Risk Management for Large-scale Infrastructures in the Romanian-Bulgarian Cross-border Area", in which the University of Ruse is a partner, was held in the Grand lecture hall Mihai I of the University of Craiova. The rectors of the two largest universities in the cross-border region, Prof. Velizara Pencheva and Prof Cezar Spinu, signed a frame agreement for cooperation.

The signing of this document is a continuation of the work under bilateral agreements, signed years ago between the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation and Razgrad Branch of the University of Ruse and the Romanian university and the joint projects realised under those agreements.

The Frame agreement provides opportunities for student mobility and cooperation in research. At the University of Craiova there is a Research centre with four units – Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Biotechnologies and Вioengineering, and Computer Sciences. There are laboratories in each of these units, whose teams will collaborate with PhD students and lecturers from the University of Ruse.

The project "Risk Management for Large-scale Infrastructures in the Romanian-Bulgarian Cross-border Area" , which started 24 months ago aimed at reducing the risk probability in various large-scale infrastructures in the cross-border region Bulgaria-Romania, including dams and electrical power stations, chemical, military and wastewater treatment plants.

22 January 2018, Monday

New joint projects discussed the governing bodies of the University of Ruse and the Naval Academy – Constanta

A delegation from "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy, led by the Vice-rector in education, prof. Aleku Toma, visited the University of Ruse. Projects of mutual interest were discussed, with an emphasis on cooperation in the field of engineering sciences. Exchange of lecturers from the two higher schools would contribute to the strengthening of the partnership, was the view of the participants in the discussion. Joint research, publications in specialised journals and publishing books were also discussed at the meeting.

The participants in the meeting agreed that the short distance between Ruse and Constanta would facilitate the realisation of a joint study programme for students. The key to an improved cooperation is the close contact between researchers from Ruse and Constanta, noted prof. Toma.

Discussions with the management of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Еlectronics and Аutomation, visits to their laboratories and introducing the new projects of the University of Ruse were also part of the visit.

The cooperation between the University of Ruse and "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy dates back to 2011, when a three-year project in the field of human resources and RES started. In 2015 the project was awarded the RINNO award for most active inter-university cooperation in the cross-border area between Bulgaria and Romania. Gradually the joint activities have been diversified. An annual exchange between students and lecturers is carried out while researchers from the two institutions participate in international conferences with joint papers. Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev became Doctor Honoris Causa of the Naval Academy in 2015 and a year later the Rector of the Academy – Rear Admiral Prof. Vergil Kitsak was awarded the highest academic title – DHC of the University of Ruse.

15 January 2018, Monday

An international alumni visits Ruse University after 30 years and shares successful professional experiences

Nidal Saleh Hamda was the first Palestinian who graduated from the University of Ruse. In 1986 he obtained his degree in Engineering in the degree programme "Automobiles, Tractors and Fork-lifts". At a meeting with the Rector, prof. Velizara Pencheva and the General Assembly Chairperson, Cor.Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, he shared moments from his professional development, which has been successful due to the knowledge, acquired at the University.

„When I was studying here in the 1980s, there were 27 Palestinian students in the preparatory language course, who are still in my list of contacts today", recalled Mr. Hamda. His first work place was in one of the large construction companies in the region, and his first building project was a university in Jordan. „I was not worried that I would not know anything because the preparation I had at the University was not merely theoretical, but such that provided confidence that I will manage", shared our guest. For 10 years he had been Head of the Transport Department of the Jordan Ministry of Healthcare and, as an engineer, he was responsible for over 800 vehicles, including specialised ambulances. His professional development continued in Canada, but today he is back in Jordan, where he is running his own business.

Every week alumni from Bulgarian universities, living in Aman, get together. There is a special place in their hearts for the Student Day celebration on 8 December and the Day of Bulgarian education, culture and letters – 24 May. They always organise a special celebration on this day, just like they had experienced it in Bulgaria.

During the discussion with the University Management, Nidal Hamda declared his readiness to cooperate for establishing contact between the University of Ruse and higher schools in Jordan and developing common research projects. Mr. Hamda saw the exhibition, presenting the 70-year history of the higher school in Ruse and was impressed by the section, dedicated to the international students and the faculty of Transport, he had graduated from.

In the next few days, Mr. Hamda will meet the team of the Transport department, where he had his specialisation and developed his diploma thesis, dedicated to road safety. Some of his lecturers are still working there.

1 December 2017, February

Possible partnerships between the University of Ruse and higher schools from Mongolia

Cooperation with Mongolian universities was discussed by the University of Ruse management and the Ambassador of Mongolia to Bulgaria, Mr. Dashjamts Batsaihan. Members of the Body of rectors, Assoc. prof. Kiril Panayotov – Manager of Medica hospitals and lecturer at the University of Ruse, Dr. Kamen Milkov – future honorary consul of Mongolia in Ruse in Ruse and the First secretary in the Embassy of Mongolia Tulshig Tuvshin.

The Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva presented the fields of study in the University of Ruse and shared her satisfaction from the agreement signed with the Training Centre for Traditional Mongolian Medicine "Manba Datsan" in Ulan Bator. In May, a team of the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care visited Mongolia.

The diplomat commented that Mongolian young people are interested in computer sciences and prof. Beloev answered that the University of Ruse is the best choice for this degree programme, which is internationally acknowledged. Prof. Pencheva announced that the University has a long-standing e3xperience with managing four international computing networks.

A future objective will be finding partners in the multi-profile higher schools in Mongolia to develop joint projects with researchers from the University of Ruse.

REGIONAL MEETING „CAREER IN ROMANIA"

23.11.2017

            On 23 November 2017, the University of Ruse hosted and co-organised the Regional meeting „Career in Romania". The event was organised by the Bilateral Commercial Chamber Bulgaria – Romania and is aimed at attracting the attention of young professionals with Bachelor or Master Degree, or students at pre-graduation stage to working positions in Romanian companies.

            The forum was held at KANEFF Centre with the participation of:

His Excellency Ion Galea – Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Bulgaria

Mr. Galin Grigorov – Governor, Ruse Region

Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD – Rector of the University of Ruse

COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beleoev – Chair Person of the Municipal Council. Ruse Municipality

Mr. Ivaylo Marinov – First Secretary and Commercial Attaché with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Bucharest

Mrs. Lily Gancheva – Executive director of Association Euroregion Danubius

Mr. Doru Dragomir – President of the Bilateral Commercial Chamber Bulgaria – Romania   

            The participating companies from Romania were presented at special stands, where they recruited for the following positions:

1		-Machine Operator (Bucharest) -Electronic/Automation Engineer (Bucharest)
2		-Administrative Assistant (Sofia) -Net FullStack Developer (Bucharest) -Magento Developer (Bucharest or remote) -Logistics Assistant (Sofia)
3	MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY	-Snr Application Engineer -Digital Design Engineer -Senior Layout Engineer – 8 bit Microcontrollers -Software Applications Engineer -Sr. Switch-Mode Power Supplies Engineer -Embedded Software & Tools development Engineer
4		-Commercial Assistant with French and English -Locksmith -Production engineer

            Detailed information about the work places offered can be found on the website of the Career Centre with the University of Ruse www.ckr-firmi.uni-ruse.bg

Interested candidates should submit a short CV in English to projects@bccbr.com  Some knowledge of English is needed.

For more information: Prof. Ivan Evstatiev – 00359 886 337 544

20 November 2017, Monday

A new Erasmus project on Innovation and Exchange of good practices starts at the University of Ruse

On 20 November, at 9.00 a.m. in Siemens study hall (2Г. 204) of the University of Ruse, prof., Velizara Pencheva, PhD Rector of the University of Ruse opened the first meeting on the international project Building Bridges of Europe in the frame of Erasmus+K2 – Cooperation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices.

The International consortium of the project involves 3 associations of more than 100 universities and civil society organisations, as well as one institute, 5 universities and 1 civil society organisation from Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy.

The main goal of the project is scientific – developing criteria, analysis and evaluation of projects with good practices, related to new methods of learning, and thus supporting the exploration and studying of European countries, fighting against the stereotypes and prejudices to Eastern Europe, actively including people over 55+ in social activities in the state and forming European consciousness in the contest  of trans-national European cooperation for various target groups and educational institutions.

The partners will present their research at international conferences in Ulm, Germany – 2018, Zagreb, Croatia and Mola di Bari, Italy - 2019.The project result will be an online toolbox of innovative methods of learning such as learning through new media, through social participation, intergenerational learning. These methods will be used by the students in all participating universities, including students from the degree programmes Pre-school and Primary School Pedagogy, Primary School Pedagogy and a Foreign Language and Social Pedagogy at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education with the University of Ruse.

In 2014, with the support of the Union of pensioners'2004 the first Centre for Third Age Education in Bulgaria a set up within the structure of the University of Ruse. The Centre has participated in 18 international projects coordinated by Ms. Carmen Stadelhofer, Germany. Specialists, Специалисти – partners in the project, ill exchange experience in formal and informal education.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Emilia Velikova - 00359885635874

16 November 2017, Thursday

The Deputy Head of Mission of the State of Israel in Bulgaria spoke to students

„Despite the complex geopolitical context, Israel is trying to be a good neighbour and friend because all countries in the region aim at achieving and maintaining stability!" this was the summary that Ms. Eman Amasha – First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission of the State of Israel in Bulgaria during her lecture in front of students from the degree programmes Euro-Atlantic and Global Security and European and Global Studies  of the University of Ruse „Angel Kanchev". 

Ms. Amasha was greeted by a multifarious audience of students, lecturers, high school students and representatives of the Jewish community in Ruse during her first visit to the University. She opened a photo-exhibition and spoke to the Body of Rectors, which in its   turn, presented the opportunities that the Ruse Alma Mater provides. 

The visit of the Israeli diplomat was made possible through the invitation of the European Studies and International Relations Department, as part of the advanced forms of learning applied in the degree programmes from the professional fields of security and political studies. Israel in the aspect of regional and global security was the topic of the lecture, which Ms. Amasha has prepared especially for the students from the degree programmes Euro-Atlantic and Global Security and European and Global Studies.  In the discussion took part students from the High school of English Language "Geo Milev", who have become traditional partners in the initiatives of the European Studies and International Relations Department. With her personal experiences, interesting geopolitical story and competence, the Deputy Head of Mission of the State of Israel won the admiration of the audience and raised many questions about the role of Israel, politics, security and human destinies in the state of civil war in the neighbouring Syria.

During the discussions with the academic leadership of the University, opportunities for establishing contacts with higher schools from Israel, which have similar profile to that of the University of Ruse.

Iman Amasha defended Master degree in Political Science and Leadership at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Tel Aviv University in 2010, and at the end of 2011 she graduated from the Programme for cadets of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and started her career in the institution. From 2011 to 2015, she occupied different positions in the Latin America Directorate, the Directorate of Economics – Middle East Econo0mic Bureau, Middle East Directorate and Europe Directorate – the Department of European Organisations. Since August 2015, Ms. Amasha is the Deputy Head of Mission of the State of Israel in Sofia.

3 November 2017, Friday

National workshop for Bulgarian higher schools at the University of Ruse

Representatives of more than 30 higher schools, experts from the Ministry of education and science, the National centre for information and documentation, the Centre for Human resources development participated in the workshop, dedicated to modernization of curricula and syllabi in the universities. The participants discussed the implementation of the instrument HEInnovate in support of entrepreneurship studies in the Bulgarian higher schools.

Ms. Andrea-Rosalinde Hoffer, an expert in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with UN, explained how and why HEInnovate tool can be used (and is already being implemented) as a leading framework for innovative and entrepreneurial institution for tertiary education.

The Director of Higher Education Directorate in the Ministry of Education and Science, assoc. prof. Maria Fartunova, presented the project BGTITHE – „Innovative instruments for improving the skills of university lecturers and the quality of higher education in Bulgaria", posing the questions to what extent it is possible for higher schools to become entrepreneurial and how we can modernise the curricula.

The challenges for the universities such as the demographic crisis and globalisation, were presented by the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velizara Pencheva. Vanya Grashkina, executive director of the National centre for information and documentation and a national Bologna counsellor, spoke about the contemporary models of higher education and the guidelines, recommendations and practices in the EU.

Two lecturers from the University of Ruse shared their experience with the participants. Prof. Angel Smrikarov demonstrated using innovative educational technologies in teaching and answered the question How to make a lecture more interesting for students from the digital generation?". Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice –rector of the University of ruse and national Bologna counsellor, informed the participants about education in support of the regions.

During her visit in the University of Ruse, Ms. Hoffer met the HydRU team and got acquainted with their development of a car driven by a fuel cell.

24 October 2017, Tuesday

„Industry 4.0. Business environment. Quality of life"is the topic of the annual Scientific Conference of the University of Ruse

The 56^th annual conference of the University of Ruse „Industry 4.0. Business environment. Quality of life" convened participants from 10 countries. During the forum, 414 papers were presented in 28 sections. Co-chairpersons of this year's edition were Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, Rector of the University of Ruse and COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Chairperson of the Union of Scientists – Ruse with the special participation pf Maria Gabriel, European Commissioner, responsible for Digital Economy and Society.

The Conference started on 27 October, Friday, at 11,00 in Kaneff Centre. Immediately after the official opening, the plenary session began with the lecture of prof, Rumyana Tsenkova, PhD from the University of Kobe, Japan, on the topic of Aquaphotomics as a new industrial field. Therapeutic applications of bioelectronics implants was the topic of Ivan Minev, PhD from the Technical University I Dresden, Germany. The third plenary lecture was given by Liviu Popesku – Head of the research centre Renault Technologie Roumanie, who presented to the audience the topic of System engineering in car manufacturing.

Several scientific events were included in the parallel programme of the forum:

On 26 October, Thursday, at 5 p.m. in Hall 1 of Kaneff Centre, there was a Round table on Higher education. Accreditation system. Entrepreneurship, with the participation of vice-manager of Innovations and EIT department in the European Commission – Georgi Dimitrov. The discussions were organised in two panels – Key national opportunities in the higher education system in the seven areas of HEInnovative and Quality of education in the accreditation system of Bulgaria in accordance with the Standards and guidelines for providing quality in the European higher education space (ЕSG)".

In the evening on 26 October at 19:30 in Grand lecture hall 2.101 the Art Hour initiative of the Institute for Art Studie, BASwas be a guest to the University of Ruse. The concert lecturers Petya Stefanova, PhD and Polina Antonova, PhD presented "Sketches from the music of the XX and XXI century for flute and piano".

On 27 October, Friday at 10 a.m., was held International mathematical workshop ''NODDEA'2017'', dedicated to the 65^th- birthday of prof. Stepan Terziyan. On Sunday, 29 October, in the lecture hall Siemens the forum „EDIT on the ROAD with Google: Google Growth Engine – digital tools supporting the development of markets and competitivenes was held. Moderatorswere Sasha Bezuhanova, Georgi Kadrev, Bilyana Panteva, Irina Goryalova and Petar Goryalov.

7 October 2017

 HydRU Team of the University of Ruse won Best Design Prize of Shell Eco-Marathon Challenge Event – Turkey 2017

A team of the University of Ruse  took part in the preliminary round of Shell Eco-marathon –Challenger Event in Istanbul on 22-24 September for the first time.

This is the latest Bulgarian team to get involved in the race and it managed to secure a place for the finals in London in 2018. During the competition the technical panel evaluated the quality of the car and its design highly, which resulted in the team winning the prize for Best design at the competition. This prize was not only for the exterior design, but also for all details and systems. This is the first time a Bulgarian team has won such a prize.

HydRU team was represented by 15 students, PhD students and lecturers, but the whole team consists of about 40 representatives from four engineering faculties of the University of Ruse: Transport; Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, Mechanical Engineering and Technologies and Agrarian and Industrial Faculty. The automobile is driven by a fuel cell and is designed and produced by the HidRU team. They worked all summer to improve the systems and the exterior and the prize the won is deserved.

Shell Eco-marathon is a unique competition, challenging students from all over the world to design and build highly energy-efficient automobiles. Three locations in Europe, America and Asia select the participants in the finals to compete who will drive the longest distance with the lowest fuel or energy consumption. In Europe, the competition started in 1985 in France with 25 wooden cars while today more than 4000 students from over 30 countries measure their knowledge and skills in the field of energy efficient automobile construction.

The fuel cell car of HidRU will compete in the category Urban concept and is the second car of the University to take part in Shell Eco-marathon. The team is supported by the Municipality of Ruse and the Foundation "Ruse – the free spirit city". The team is inspired by the recognition of their endeavour and at their reception by the Minister of education and science, Mr. Krasimir Valchev, they declared their ambition to build a laboratory for automobile prototypes, alternative to the conventional ICE ones. This is the future and the young researchers will be looking for innovative and ecological solutions in the automotive industry.

4 October 2017, Wednesday

The University of Ruse joint the Consortium of 16+1 universities from Central and Eastern Europe (CEESs) and the People's Republic of China

           The University of Ruse, represented by the vice-rectors prof. Juliana Popova, PhD and prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhD, was the only higher school from Bulgaria that took part in the Fourth international meeting of institutions of higher learning from Central and Eastern Europe and the People's Republic of China (Consortium 16+1) and the Fifth dialogue for educational policies. The events took place at the end of September in Novi Sad, Serbia, and were hosted by the University of Novi Sad, which was chosen as the headquarters of the Consortium for the next two years.

            Representatives of 80 universities from China and 16 countries from Central and Eastern Europe participated in the meetings. The Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development of Serbia, Mr. Mladen Sharchevich, the Deputy Minister of Education of China, Mr. Zhanyuan, the Chairperson of the provincial government of Voyvodina, Mr. Igor Mirovich, the Mayor of Novi Sad, Mr. Milosh Vuchevich and the Rector of Novi Sad University, prof. Dushan Nikolich, PhD, as the host.

Within the frames of four work meetings, discussions were held on interinstitutional cooperation, with a special accent on joint capacity building in the field of higher education, science and innovations. The participants in the conference pointed out the significance of mutual exchange of information and other resources, joint curricula, research and development projects, current and planned mobility programmes, as well as international conferences, forums and other significant activities of the universities.

During one of the panel sessions direct negotiations with partners from Chinese universities were held for future cooperation in the field of education and research. The University of Ruse was the object of significant interest for partnership.

At the end of the conference  the Platform for joint capacity building of universities in the countries from Central and Eastern Europe and China in the field of higher education. This is a key document for further development of multilateral and bilateral cooperation. 

23 new universities from Central and Eastern Europe and China were accepted as members of the Consortium.

For more information:

Prof. Juliana Popova – 0887 899 654

7 September, Thursday, 2017

An automobile for research and education purposes was presented to the University of Ruse under the programme „Renault Technologies – Romania"(RENAULT TECHNOLOGIE ROUMANIE)

The University of Ruse received an automobile, which will be used by students from the Transport Faculty, the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation for their projects and research.

Mr. Liviu Popescu – manager of the Research centre of „Renault Technologies – Romania" (RENAULT TECHNOLOGIE ROUMANIE) and the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, signed today а protocol of acceptance for the automobile. The academic management was represented by the Chairperson of the Assembly General COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc. and the Dean of the Transport Faculty – assoc. prof. Vasko Dobrev. The possibility for signing an agreement for student practices in the plants of Renault Technologies – Romania.

The agreement for collaboration between the University and the company under the programme of Renault Romania, called AUTOLAB, was signed by the two parties on 19.06.2017.

The main goal of this initiative is to help the training in automobile machinery, providing opportunities for lecturers, students and PhD students to work and do research on real automobiles. The company has provided automobiles to universities in Romania, and student teams have made a number of improvements on those.

Some preliminary ideas for student activities in the higher school in Ruse include: new design of elements from the automobile's structure; investigation of harmful emissions when using alternative fuels; investigating fuel consumption and dynamic indexes; preparing the automobile for investigating sensors and executive mechanisms from electronic control systems.

At the end of his visit, Mr. Popescu was shown the preparation of Ruse University's automobile HydRU R1, driven by hydrogen powered cell, which will take part in the next edition of Shell Eco-marathon. The guest was impressed and asked for permission to take in his hands some of the parts, like the fuel cell. The young team felt flattered by this attention and its members answered all questions with pleasure. Mr. Popescu learned from the young people that there are graduates from the University of Ruse already working in „Renault Technologies – Romania".

31 August 2017, Thursday

Visit of academic delegation from the University of Ruse to Vietnam

In August, prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, Rector of the University of Ruse, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Chairperson of the Municipal Council of Ruse and of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse, and Prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, Director of International Students Directorate visited Vietnam. During the visit a number of meetings were held with the academic leaderships of Vietnamese universities. One of the most significant of those meetings was with prof. Nguen Cha, PhD, Rector of the Agrarian and Forestry University in Ho Chi Min and his team. This was the second meeting for the representatives of the two universities. In the autumn of 2016, a delegation, led by the Dean of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty of the Vietnamese university visited the University of Ruse and got acquainted with its traditions in education of international students. Detailed talks were conducted on the education of Vietnamese students in the higher school in Ruse and the possibilities for dual programmes. The foundations for training PhD students were also laid.

Another meeting was with Pham Anh Tuan, PhD – Director of VIAEP (Institute of Agricultural Machinery and Technologies for Storage of Crops). Arrangements have been made for joint research in the field of agricultural machinery. An agreement was signed for joint training of the Institute's employees in a PhD course.

During the visit, the university lecturers had exciting daily meetings with former students of the University of Ruse, who were convinced that their good professional realization in Vietnam was a result of their high quality education at the University of Ruse. The graduates expressed their gratitude to their lecturers for the knowledge and skills they have acquired with their help, to their colleagues and the citizens of Ruse – for the friendly attitude they have experienced. They shared the fact that among the Vietnamese people, they are known as the Bulgarians and the Vietnamese - Bulgarian societies they had established, not only help them preserve their good memories from Bulgaria, but also provide the latest information about the social and political reality in this country.

The Vietnamese graduates of the University of Ruse fondly remembered the 15-day train journey to   the student life there. The conversations were interrupted by songs of Lili Ivanova, Emil Dimitrov and Pasha Hristova. Those graduates, some of whom are directors, managers of companies and researchers, shared that in their busy schedules they have the dates of some typically Bulgarian holidays underlined – 24^th May, 8^th December, etc. – and they always get together in order to mark those holidays accordingly. Many of them had visited Ruse in the years past, together with their grown-up children, to show them the University, where they had studied.

14 August 2017, Monday

The management of the University of Ruse and the Association of Vocational Education in Vietnam discussed opportunities for joint projects

The Chairperson of the Association for Vocational Education and Social Work in Vietnam, Phang Sih Nghi, met the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva. During their talks, the opportunities for developing joint programmes in the field of vocational training between the University of Ruse and higher schools in Vietnam were discussed with Prof. Krasimir Martev – director of International Students Directorate and Assoc. prof. Chavdar Vezirov – Scientific Advisor of Mr. Nghi.

came back to Ruse 30 years after defending his PhD thesis under the scientific guidance of Assoc. prof. Chavdar Vezirov. Dr. Nghi finished the University of Ruse in 1978 in the Faculty of Mechanisation and Electrification of Agriculture, predecessor of today's Agrarian and Industrial Faculty. From 1984 to 1987 he did his doctoral studies at the same Faculty. Before heading the Vietnam Association of Vocational Training, Dr. Nghi was the Rector of Hanoi Pedagogical University, which prepares teachers for the vocational schools in the country. About 7000 students study in 15 degree programmes in this university, said Dr. Nghi.

Vietnam is aiming at becoming a highly industrialised country by 2020, and in this connection the government invests in preparing specialists with technical vocational education. The Government's plan is the qualified workers to become 55% of all employed people by 2020, a substantial raise from the 30% at present. In the implementation of these objectives, vocational training is adapting to the needs of businesses and expanding.

18 July 2017, Tuesday

First International Scientific Conference in Occupational Therapy – Bacau, Romania

The University of Ruse was the co-organiser of the First International Scientific Conference in Occupational Therapy, held in June in Romania. The forum took place in Bacau and had the slogan "Occupational therapy – present and future perspectives". The event was initiated by "Vasile Alexandri" University in Bacau and the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", together  with the Romanian Professional Association of Occupational Therapists and the Association of Bulgarian Occupational Therapists. The two higher schools are long-standing partners in the development of Occupational therapy as academic programme and profession on a national level.

More than 150 university lecturers, as well as representatives of a number of national and local health and social institutions took part in the conference.

The forum was greeted by the President of the European Network in Occupational Therapy in higher education and the Vice-President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Assistant professor Elitsa Velikova, who is a member of the Executive Committee of th Occupational Therapists Council for European countries, greeted the participants in the conference.

The programme included plenary sessions, papers and 4 workshops, led by lecturers from Finland, the Netherlands, Romania and the USA. The need for including occupational therapists in multidisciplinary teams, which participate in the processes of deinstitutionalising and reforming of social services. The participation of occupational; therapists in these teams would ensure the full participation of people with work impediments in public life.

At the end of the event the host university conferred an honorary diploma for exceptional contribution to the development of occupational therapy in Romania to the University of Ruse.

For additional information:

Assoc. prof. Liliya Todorova – 0886 781 013

7 July 2017, Friday

Opportunities for cooperation between the University of Ruse and ROSSPECMASH were discussed during the visit of a representative of the Association to the University

On 05.07.2017 Olga Serebrennikova – vice-director on transport development in the Russian association of manufacturers of specialised machinery and equipment ROSSPECMACH visited the University of Ruse. COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc – Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse, Prof. Gencho Popov, PhD – Dean of the Agrarian and Industrial faculty, and assoc. prof. Kaloyan Stoyanov – vice-dean of the same faculty were present at the meeting.

COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev informed the visitor about the profile of the University and the examples of good partnership between the higher school and companies, producing agricultural machinery and equipment. He also provided information about the relations and cooperation with foreign universities, particularly those from the Russian Federation.

Mrs. Serebrennikova, in her turn, informed the university management about the structure of the Association, which combines 80 Russian plants, producing not only agricultural machinery and equipment, but also road construction and other transport equipment.

The representatives of ROSSPECMACH spoke about the interest of the Russian Association to the opportunities, provided by the Bulgarian market. She mentioned the Russian Programme for Support of Export, highlighting the four industries, which were allotted with the biggest funding: aviation and railway machinery production, automobile industry and machine building. She also announced the development of a project for creating a service system for exportable equipment.

The visitor presented the potential of the Association to develop training courses for universities, including study materials and machine specimen to be used by the learners.

Professor Beloev expressed the willingness of the higher school to start cooperation for re-furnishing laboratories and creating a training centre, as well as exhibiting machinery. The opportunities for organising jointly exhibitions in the University and in the city of Ruse. He can help this initiative in his capacity as a Chairperson of the Municipal council - Ruse.

6 July 2017, Thursday

Promising perspectives for cooperation with St. Petersburg State Technological Institute

            In the period 26 June - 1 July 2017, the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velizara Pencheva paid a working visit under the Erasmus programme to the State Technological Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was accompanied by the Vice Rectors, prof. Plamen Kangalov and prof. Juliana Popova, as well as the Director of Razgrad Branch, assoc. prof. Stanka Damyanova, DTSc. In 2015, a bilateral agreement under the Erasmus+ programme was signed with this University, in the field of chemical technologies and biotechnologies. Moreover, Razgrad Branch has been in cooperation with the Russian partner in research projects under the 7^th Frame Programme for almost 10 years.

            St. Petersburg Technological Institute is one of the oldest higher schools in Russia, founded in 1828. Dmitrii Mendeleev, the creator of the Periodic System of Chemical Elements, lectured there and some memorabilia of this period is kept in one of the lecture halls while in the courtyard of the University a monument has been erected of the great chemist. The father of the present Russian Prime Minister Medvedev was also a lecturer there.

            The Bulgarian delegation was met by the Rector of St. Petersburg Technological Institute, Andrei Pavlovich Shevchik – DTSc, who presented the profile of the higher school. In turn, Prof. Pencheva pointed out the strengths of the University of Ruse and its leading role in the Danube region.

            The two rectors outlined the areas of further cooperation between the two universities: exchange of students and lecturers, participation in conferences, joint publications, work on educational and research projects, etc.

            The Rector of St. Petersburg Technological Institute invited his Bulgarian colleagues to take part in marking the 190^th anniversary of the Russian higher school, which will take place in November 2018. Then the completely renovated (with investments by the Russian government of about 30 mln Euro) Main building will be opened.

            The Bulgarian delegation visited two laboratories for innovative developments in the field of biotechnologies, in one of which a new formula for cancer medicine was being tested. The laboratories are equipped with the most advanced apparatuses, their financing amounting to 5 mln Euro each.

30 June 2017, Friday

Estonian students implementing summer internship at the University of Ruse

The International summer internship within the framework of the program Erasmus+ finished on the 30^th of June 2017 for the students from TTK University of Applied Sciences – Tallinn, Estonia: Ken Kaljurand, Konrad Ilustrumm, Vahur Lükk. Altogether 14 students from different European countries will benefit from the opportunities of the International summer internship at the Transport Faculty during the summer of 2017 within the same program.

The internship is the third issue of this international activity. It started as an initiative of the department Machine Science, Machine Elements and Engineering Graphics at the Transport Faculty and it is coordinated by Prof. Antoaneta Dobreva. This international internship began during the summer of 2015 thanks to the support of the Rector management of the University of Ruse on behalf of Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and Prof. Juliyana Popova, PhD.

During a period of two months the Estonian students carried out laboratory work in the area of Machine science and Machine elements, solved design tasks with the application of CAD systems, licensed for the University of Ruse, carried out scientific assignments in the area of Fluid and Technical mechanics based upon the usage of the software product ANSYS. These students implemented also experimental tests in the area of Hybrid Automotive Technologies and they increased their practical skills for working with CNC machines.

Lecturers from different departments at the Transport Faculty, the Agrarian & Industrial Faculty, the Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Faculty and also the International Office team of the University of Ruse contributed to the successful implementation of this International internship.

For additional information:
Prof. Antoaneta Dobreva, PhD – 00 359 887 746 311

27 June 2017, Tuesday  

Work meeting under project „Preserving Bulgaria's Soils" for university lecturers and farmers from Northeast Bulgaria

The project team of the University of Ruse, led by assoc. prof. Georgi Mitev and research adviser prof. Harold van Es from Cornel University, the USA organized a third annual work meeting under the project AGR0042.20140328 „Preserving Bulgaria's Soils". Farmers from Northeast Bulgaria, representatives of institutions and university lecturers gathered together in Kaneff Centre.

Interesting moments from the development of agriculture were shared with the participants in the meeting by the researchers from the team. What was new this year were the testimonies of farmers, who had provided land for trials of the new technologies, proposed by the specialists from the University of Ruse, in real conditions – they shared from firsthand the results and their opinions.

During the meeting, the team manager Brian Goggin, spoke about the economic aspects of implementing the technologies for soil conservation while prof. Harold van Es, President of the Association of agronomists in the USA, presented some technical aspects of implementing green cultures and their importance for conserving the soils and increasing the yields.

The participants were shown the laboratory "Management of soil and water resources in agriculture".

22 June 2017, Thursday

The Rector of the University of Ruse conducted successful meetings at two Turkish Universities

A frame agreement for cooperation, a bilateral Erasmus agreement and one in the frames of the Mevlyana Programme were signed between the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and the Thracian University in Edirne. Prof. Velizara Pencheva – Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Krasimir Martev – Director of International Students Directorate and inspector Nevin Hebibova were invited to visit the Republic of Turkey by the Rector of the Thracian University in Edirne, prof. Erhan Tabacoğlu, PhD.

The visit in Edirne started with a meeting at the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in the city. prof. Velizara Pencheva presented the University of Ruse and its mission. Some useful information was exchanged and advertising materials, presenting the opportunities for studying for international students were left at the Consulate for dissemination.

During the official meeting at the Thracian University in Edirne the two universities and the opportunities for cooperation and exchange of students and lecturers within the frames of the two programmes – Erasmus and Mevlyana as well as for developing joint research projects were presented. The Thracian University 47 thousand students study at the Thracian University. The Medical Faculty is the pride of the University with its 500-year history. The two Rectors discussed the activities of the Balkan Universities Association and exchanged ideas for future cooperation. 

The meeting in Tekirdag with the Rector of the "Namık Kemal" University, Prof. Osman Shimshek, PhD and the Vice-Rector, Prof. Ismail Yılmaz, PhD was conducted in a friendly atmosphere. 35 thousand students study at "Namık Kemal" University. It became autonomous in 2006 (before that it was a Branch of the Thracian University in Edirne) and since then it has developed at an impressively fast rate. The relations between the University of Ruse and the "Namık Kemal"University are based on a long-term cooperation and joint work. Opportunities for student internships from the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care at the newly built University Hospital in Tekirdag were discussed.

20 June 2017, Tuesday

Agreement for working under the Renault programme was signed between the University of Ruse and Renault - Romania

On 19 June Renault – Romania and the University of Ruse signed an agreement for working under the company, called AUTOLAB. Liviu Popescu, Head of the research centre of Renault-Romania presented the activities of the centre and the cooperation with Romanian higher schools to the Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Prof. Hristo Beloev, the Vice rector on research Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD and the Dean of the Transport Faculty, Prof. Vasko Dobrev, PhD.

The main purpose of the initiative of Renault is to help the training in automobile machinery, providing opportunities for lecturers, students and PhD students to work, do research and implement their original ideas on real cars. Under this programme, Renault Romania has given cars to universities in Romania, to0 be used in testing and implementing innovations.

The University of Ruse will be given a Dacia to be used by students from the Transport Faculty and the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty, as well as the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation for projects and research.

Some preliminary ideas for student activities involve: new design of elements from the car structure; investigating harmful emissions when using alternative fuels; studying fuel consumption and the dynamic indexes of the car; preparing the car for investigation of sensors and executive mechanisms from the electronic driving systems.

15 June 2017, Thursday

A laboratory will be built at the University of Ruse under the guidance of Prof. Samuil Refetov

The American professor in genetics, Prof. Samuil Refetov, visited the University of Ruse and had a meeting with the academic management. The Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, the Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the Vice rectors Prof. Plamen Daskalov, and Prof. Juliana Popova, the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, Prof. Daniel Bratanov, the Vice dean, assoc. prof. Liliya Todorova, the Department head, assoc. prof. Ivanichka Serbezova and assoc. prof. Nikola Sabev – Head of Medical activities in the University were present at the meeting. The guest was accompanied by his son and his classmate from Ruse – Veselin Petrov.

In the beginning, prof. Pencheva made a retrospective review of the two years that have passed since Prof. Refetov's last visit and noted that Ruse already has two University hospitals and is working in very good cooperation with them. The need for medical st5aff in Bulgaria has been discussed, as well as the education that is offered in this field. A great part of the young doctors are leaving our country with 60 GPs in deficiency for Ruse region alone, said assoc. prof. Sabev.

Despite the inevitable human factor in the treatment of different diseases, medicine will be turning more and more dependent on technology and technical advancement, said prof. Refetov. He noted that a tendency for cooperation between medical and engineering universities can be observed in the USA. It is possible to develop degree programmes, related to the engineering support with medical equipment and working with it at the University of Ruse, said prof. Beloev.

During the discussion some topics of mutual interest for the American scientist and the lecturers at the University of Ruse were touched upon. Prof. Refetov agreed to Head a laboratory and to work with lecturers from the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, supporting them in their research.

The management of the Faculty invited Prof. Refetov to give a lecture to students, studying the subject "Medical Genetics". With the help of advanced technologies, this lecture will become a fact really soon. Prof. Refetov suggested including the medical specialists from the University in the discussions of medical cases and complex clinical cases, which he holds with colleagues from other countries. He emphasized the usefulness of such discussions for all participants.

13 June 2017, Tuesday

Vladimir Koilazov will have a plenary paper at CompSysTech'17

Over a hundred scientists from 14 countries will participate in the forum

The 18^th edition of the international research conference CompSysTech will be held from 23 to 26 June. The forum is held under the auspices of the University of Ruse and will be opened on 23 June, Friday, in Siemens Hall. Over 1000 researchers have registered for participation.

The Plenary session, which will be broadcasted live on the Internet, will start with a presentation of Vladimir Koilazov, the first Bulgarian Oscar winner. During the forum a meeting will be held for electing a new Board of the Academic computing community.

On 24 June almost 50 papers, indexed by SCOPUS, will be presented at the sessions. The papers have been selected by a reputable international programme committee through triple reviewing under the double blind, i.е. 100 % anonymity. In the afternoon the authors of the best papers will be awarded the Best Paper Crystal Prize. The Association for Computing Machinery will publish the proceedings.

30 May 2017, Tuesday

360 kilometres were covered with only 1 кWh by the electronic drive car of the University of Ruse at the London Shell Eco-marathon

171 teams from 29 countries took part in this year's international competition of  energy efficient automobiles Shell Eco-marathon. In this tenth year of Bulgarian participation in the competition, the teams have achieved a dignified performance. The electronic drive car of the University of Ruse ran 360 kilometres with only 1 кWh and was among the first 12 teams in the category "Prototypes" with electric battery.

Once again the pilots Iliyana Minkovska and Elitsa Nakova relied on the team: assoc. prof. Simeon Iliev – Team leader, Salim Kuytov – Team captain, Teodor Nenov, Milko Milkov, assoc prof. Dancho Gunev and pr. assistant Georgi Kadikyanov.

Shell Eco-marathon 2017 had changes of the tracks in the Olympic park in London. The new track and the numerous accidents on it slowed down the speed of the participants and this led to deterioration of some results, compared to last year's ones. The "Motorist" Team leader, assoc. prof. Simeon Iliev mentioned that in one of the accidents there were 6 cars, which stopped the movement on the track entirely for some time. He shared that the team has passed technical inspection successfully and really fast before the start of the race and during the first day of the competition DTT-2 ranked third. This means that the team was very well prepared and had foreseen all technical obstacles that could slow it down.

The fourth participation of the students from the University of Ruse in Shell eco-marathon Europe 2017 has become possible with the financial support of the academic management of the University and the companies „Saksa Fuels", "Discordia", „Hobi Car", „Quis Nostrum", „Vitto", „Karnes", „Gera", „М.А. Design" and „Miro Design". A number of companies have been helping the team through the years, including also the Foundation "Ruse – a Free Spirit City".

26 May 2017, Friday

Conferring the honorary title „DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse to Prof. Karol Karski

On 26 May 2017, Friday at a formal meeting of the Academic Council, Prof. Karol Karski, a professor of International Law at Warsaw University, a Member of the European Parliament and a Member of the Bureau, was awarded the honorary title „DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse.

The academic activity of prof. Karol Karski started in 1990 at Warsaw University, the Faculty of Law and Administration, Institute of International Law, Department of International Public Law. Since 2011 he has been the Head of this department. From 2012 to 2014 he was an extraordinary professor at the Warsaw school of humanities "Boleslav Prus", Faculty of Social Sciences. Since 2015 he has been an extraordinary professor at the Higher School of Economics in Byalistok, Department of Management and Law.

He has published 92 academic works – monographs, textbooks, articles and papers.

In 2004-2005, Prof. Karski was a Deputy Chairperson of the EU Committee of the Regions, in 2007 he was a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, and from 2007 to 2009 he was a Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Polish Institute for International Relations. From 2005 to 2011 Prof. Karski was a deputy in the Sei9m of the Republic of Poland (a Chairperson of the Committee on European Issues and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs). Since 2014 he has been a deputy in the European Parliament and a member of the Bureau. For the same period he has been a vice-director of "Fundamentals of European Reform".

15 May 2017, Monday

Representatives of seven countries take part in the Fourth International Erasmus Week at the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"

Nineteen lecturers from 7 universities from Europe and Asia are taking part in the Fourth International Erasmus Week at the University of Ruse. Representatives of the academic community of Armenia, Germany, Georgia, Estonia, China, Latvia and Russia are exchanging experience and good practices in the various forms of the Erasmus Programme.

Today's event started with a welcome address from the Vice – Rector on European Integration and International Relation, prof. Juliana Popova and another one from the Secretary-in-chief of the University, Assoc. prof. Tanya Grozeva.

The topics of the Fourth International Erasmus Week are dedicated to the 30^th Anniversary of the Erasmus mobility programme. Special emphasis is put on ebcouraging the participation of young people with disabilities in it. On Thursday, 18 May, at 11:30, the participants will meet the members of the University club "Diverse and Equal" and exchange ideas for cooperation with the students with special needs.

28 March 2017, Tuesday

Third Annual Conference of the Balkan Universities Association

            On 24 and 25 March 2017, at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" the Third Annual Conference of the Balkan Universities Association (BUA) took place. The University of Ruse has been a member and co-founder of this Association since 2014. More than 70 participants from about 40 universities from the Balkan countries registered for the Forum.

            The Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD and the Vice-Rector of International Relations Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD took part in the Conference. The Ruse Higher School demonstrated its active position in the Conference through a presentation on the topic "Perspectives for enhancing the influence of the Balkan Universities Association in the Danube Region". The leadership position of the University of Ruse in the Danube higher education space, as well as its long-term active membership in the Danube Rectors' Conference were highlighted as justification for the efforts of University of Ruse to serve as a mediator in the cooperation between the two organisations and the development of joint initiatives.

            The Chairmanship of BUA, which is realized on the principle of rotation, was taken over by the Rector of Tetovo University, Macedonia, Prof. Vulnet Ameti, after the present Chairperson, Prof. Ivan Ilchev of Sofia University reported on the annual activities of the organisation.

24 March 2017, Friday

Representatives of the Russian Cultural and Information Centre discussed with the academic management of the University of Ruse opportunities for education and research in the field of nuclear energy

Representatives of the Russian Cultural and Information Centre in Sofia, the Director Pavel Juravlev and his colleague, Prof. Kosta Peev, discussed with the management of the University of Ruse a proposal for study and joint research in the field of nuclear energy. During the meeting a proposal by the State Corporation of Nuclear Energy "Rossatom" and the National Nuclear Research University "MIFI" for specialized lectures in the field of nuclear energy. The two institutions are ready to support interuniversity mobility for study and joint research papers.

„We would like to note that the opportunity to work with the National Nuclear Research University "MIFI" is unique because it has been classified for many years and only last year half of its degree programmes were declassified", said Juravlev.

The Russian party is ready to present the opportunities that the National Nuclear Research University offers in all contemporary fields of study: nuclear chemistry, nuclear physics, etc., to prepare a course of lectures for both lecturers and students, to work out programmes for the selection of trainees in the Nuclear University at all levels – Bachelor, Master and PhD.

In turn, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, presented the Faculties and the international contacts of the University, emphasizing those with Russian institutions. The Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, highlighted the collaboration with the universities in Volgograd, Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The guests were informed about the syllabi for training and qualification of university graduates in nuclear energy, developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic Institute in Saint Petersburg, and learned that 324 graduates of the University of Ruse are working at the Nuclear power station in Kozlodyi at present.

At the end the hosts showed the guests the University Exhibition and Kaneff Centre.

21 March 2017, Tuesday

Joint research and educational projects agreed on by the Academic Managements of the University of Ruse and the Higher Vocational School in Ipsala, Turkey

Cooperation in the field of mechatronics, joint research projects and participation of students in competitions in robotics, as well as an agreement under the Erasmus+ Programme were some of the joint activities discussed and agreed on by the managements of the University of Ruse and the Higher Vocational School in Ipsala, with the Thracian University in Edirne.

The participants in the meeting were: the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, the Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, the Vice-Rectors: in Education, Prof. Plamen Kangalov; in European Integration and International Cooperation, Prof. Juliana Popova and the Director of International Students Directorate, Prof. Krasimir Martev. The Turkish delegation was led by the Director of the Higher Vocational School, Assoc. Prof. Hayati Arda, accompanied by lecturers from the school.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, presented the University and its Faculties. It turned out that some of the degree programmes studied here correspond with similar degree programmes in the Higher Vocational School in Ipsala. Education in mechatronics, electronic technologies, logistics and management can be the foundation for research and educational partnerships.

COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev addressed the issue of concluding agreements for joint study of the University of Ruse and a University from Turkey.

The first steps to be taken by the managements of the two educational institutions will involve exchange of student teams for the competitions in robotics and establishing a connection between the Robotics clubs of the University of Ruse and the Higher Vocational School. During the visit of the Bulgarian delegation in Ipsala, a Frame Agreement for Cooperation will be signed with the Thracian University under the Erasmus Programme.

​​​

17^th March, 2017, Friday

On 14^th March, 2017, two lecturers from the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University in Erevan, Armenia, Shushan Melik-Adamyan – linguistics and English language and Jaquelin Minasyan – French lexicology and grammar, visited the Silistra Branch of the University of Ruse as part of their visit under the Erasmus+ agreement between the two universities.

Shushan Melik-Adamyan gave a lecture to the students from the Branch on the topic "Contemporary aspects of teaching English", applying interactive approach in her presentation. The students participated actively in the intercultural communication.

Jaquelin Minasyan presented and interesting lecture in the Language High School on the topic "Intercultural communication through advertising in teaching French" to senior students and interns from the degree programme "Pedagogy of teaching Bulgarian and French". She revealed the hidden messages of adverts and their influence, guiding with great mastery the students in their quest for finding associations and challenging aspects, using their imagination.

During the meeting with the Branch Management, some opportunities for expanding the international relations and organising student and lecturer exchange were discussed.

The visit of the two lecturers from the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, Erevan, Armenia was in the frame of the Information days under the Erasmus+ programme in the Branch, which continued with meetings of first year students, a seminar, organised by students, who had studied under the Programme and which will finish with an exam in a foreign language for the mobility candidates for next year's academic exchange.

7 March, 2017, Tuesday

Erasmus + Project Meeting in Galati, Romania

                A team of lecturers from the University of Ruse: Angel Kanchev”, headed by prof. Nikolay Mihailov, took part in a two-day meeting under Project FAIRGUIDANCE 2015-1-DE02-KA202-002527 with partners from Germany and Romania in Galati, Romania on 22-23 February, 2017. Final, adjustments were made on the main intellectual outputs of the project, whose aim is to support the training of career consultants to disadvantaged groups such as long-term unemployed, low-skilled, minority groups, etc.

                Seven project partners from different organisations in this strategic partnership project, funded by the European Commission under Erasmus+ Programme (with duration September 2015 – August 2017) met in Galati. The Bulgarian Partners are the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” and TOR – Ruse; from Germany there are teams from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Baden Württemberg and ttg, Tubingen (Project coordinator); from Romania the partners are AMFSS, Galati – social organisation for supporting disadvantaged families, ANOFM – Regional Employment Agency in Galati and AIDRom – a church association in Bucharest.

                Within the course of two days then deadlines for the final version of the Manual in Career Guidance, which will be published in English, German, Romanian and Bulgarian and will include modules, developed by the partners on the basis of research conducted in the three countries within the frames of the project. This Manual will be ready for free dissemination among the stakeholders in June 2017, when it will be introduced at specially organized training workshops in Bulgaria, Germany and Romania. Within the same time limits, to illustrate the topics, practical exercises will be developed and uploaded on an e-platform for individual use by career counsellors in the four languages. These two products, as well as the country reports and the online resource library will be presented at the closing conference in Stuttgart, Germany, on 28-29.06.2017.

                During the meeting, prof. Mihailov had a parallel talk with Prof. Andy Pusca – Rector of Danubius University, Assoc.Prof.Emanuel-Stefan Marinescu, Direct5or of International relations in the same University, Prof.Stefan Balta, Vice-rector on strategic planning, quality and student issues of “Dunarea De Jos” University of Galati, Assoc.Prof.Gelu Gurguiatu, Dean of the Electrical Engineering Faculty at the same university and the Executive director of ANOFM- Cesar Nastase. Issues related to the development of partner relationships between the organisations and opportunities for participation in projects, financed by various European programmes were discussed. Prof. Mihailov invited his colleagues to visit the University of Ruse so they can explore the opportunities for cooperation. The invitation was accepted with gratitude.          

23 February 2017, Thursday

Work visit of the First secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bulgaria at the University of Ruse

The Body of Rectors and  the First secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bulgaria, Robert Shestakov discussed joint training of students at the University of Ruse. The Body of Rectors was represented by prof. Velizara Pencheva – Rector, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev – Chairperson if the Assembly General, Vice Rectors prof. Plamen Daskalov and prof. Juliana Popova, the Secretary General – assoc. prof. Tanya Grozeva and Assistant Rector Valeri Gegov. Mr. Robert Shestakov was accompanied by Marina Sergunina – Attaché at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ruse.

The two parties discussed the involvement of educational institutions from Russia in European projects, coordinated by the University of Ruse, the organizing of exhibitions and joint participation in specialized educational events.

The guest expressed an interest to possible instruction in Russian of Russian students in some degree programmes offered by the University of Ruse. The academic management of the University informed him that there are 15 bilateral agreements with Russian Universities and around 20 Russian students are expected to study in Ruse in the summer semester of this academic year under the Erasmus Programme. The opportunities for developing joint Master degree programmes with Russian universities were also discussed.

At the end of the meeting, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev – Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse pointed out the fruitful cooperation with the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ruse, as well as the joint exhibitions we have realized during the years.

15 February 2017, Wednesday

His Excellency Krzyszrof Krajewski: „My first visit to the University of Ruse will certainly not be the last"

Krzyszrof Krajewski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Bulgaria, visited the University of Ruse today. During his meeting with the Academic Management he was acquainted with the history of the University and the opportunities for study that it offers. The Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, introduced the faculties and branches and shared information about international relations of the University. It has over 350 bilateral Erasmus agreements, 18 of which are with Polish Universities. Three Polish students are studying at the University of Ruse at present under the Erasmus Programme.

Possible enhancement of the relations between the University of Ruse and Polish Universities in the field of research in various areas of knowledge, participation in conferences and joint publications were some of the opportunities discussed.

His Excellency Krzyszrof Krajewski was shown around the facilities and was impressed by the interactive exposition "Chronicles of Growth," dedicated to the 70^th anniversary of the University. After seeing Kaneff Centre, the diplomat  said it would be a perfect venue for events during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. „Although this is my first visit to the University of Ruse, it will certainly not be the last." said Ambassador Kraevski, who accepted the invitation to give a lecture to our students.

At the end of the meeting with the University Management, prof. Pencheva conferred to the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland the Crystal sign of the University of Ruse for his contribution to deepening the warm relationship and strengthening the friendship between our two peoples.

1 December 2016, Thursday

Laos expresses readiness for cooperation with Bulgaria in the field of environment

The Deputy Minister of environment and water, Ms. Atanaska Nikolova and the Minister of natural resources and environment of Laos, Mr. Sommad Folsena, discussed the possibilities for signing a memorandum for cooperation in the field of environment. They met in Ruse at the 5^th Dialogue for sustainable development within the Cooperation initiative Danube Mekong. The topic of this year's forum is "The water nexus in the third decade".

"Bulgaria has been an active participant in the partnership Asia-Europe. Such platforms for cooperation are of great significance for the exchange of experience and the sustainable development of the countries, said deputy minister Nikolova. The focus of the annual seminar is environmental protection and green growth. This year it is hosted by the University of Ruse.

In his welcome address, the Chairperson of the Municipal Council in Ruse,  SOR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, put an emphasis on the contacts to be established at this forum and their future development. „The good relations, which we have been developing with our Vietnamese partners from the twin city Can Tho, provide one more opportunity for cooperation and exchange of ideas in the field of water nexus and twinning of cities:, said he. The Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velisara Pencheva, encouraged the participants in the seminar to be the "ambassadors" of the academic spirit of Ruse all over the world. 

Sustainable water resource management is a key factor both for the improvement of the quality of life and for the balanced social and economic development of th

24 November 2016, Thursday

A Chinese language classroom opened at the University of Ruse

Students from the degree programme European and Global Studies at the University of Ruse will have their classes in Chinese language in the specialized classroom, equipped by Confucius Institute, Sofia. It was opened by the directors of the Confucius Institute, prof. Ge Zhiqiang and assoc. prof. Aksinia Koleva, the Rector of the University of Ruse – prof. Velizara Pencheva and the Chairperson of the Assembly General and the Municipal Council – COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DSc and representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Sofia.

In her opening address, the Rector, prof. Pencheva, pointed out that the classroom provides the opportunity to all students of the University – over 9000, to get acquainted not only with the Chinese language, but also with the culture. The library, which has over 1000 volumes of study and interactive materials, can be used by the citizens of Ruse as well, added the Rector.

The relations between Bulgaria and China have been revived and we are happy that this is the fourth such classroom, which the Confucius Institute has opened in the country. These rooms are not only in Universities but also in high schools, said assoc. prof. Koleva.

Chinese has been taught at the University of Ruse for four years, by native speakers. At the moment, more than 20 students from the scientific field Political sciences study Chinese.

Besides serving as a Chinese language centre, the Confucius classroom will be used as a "bridge" between the Bulgarian and the Chinese culture, which is one of the main tasks of the Confucius Institute in Sofia. The Directors of the Institute prof. Zhiqiang and assoc. prof. Aksinia Koleva, were awarded with the Crystal sign of the University of Ruse while the teacher of Chinese at the University of Ruse, Hong Haiju, received an address of gratitude.

After the opening ceremony, the Second Festival of the Chinese culture stared in Kaneff Centre. There were participants from Sofia and Ruse, who demonstrated tai chi softball, wu shu, and traditional Chinese dresses. There were unique performances of Chinese songs and dances by Bulgarian singers and dancers and a Chinese singer sang the Bulgarian song "Oblache le byalo".  

14 November 2016, Monday

Participation of the University of Ruse in the annual meeting of the Danube Rectors Conference /DRC/

            'From 9^th to 12^th November, 2016, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD and the Vice-rector, Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD participated in the annual meeting and the Assembly General of DRC, held in the Danube University in Krems, Austria.

The authoritative international organization, which has a definitive voice in the higher education space in the Danube region was founded in 1983, and the University of Ruse is а long-time member, as well as the only Bulgarian University in it. In the period 2010-2012 the Presidency of this organization was held by the University of Ruse and its then Rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Berloev, DSc.

The annual meeting of DRC in Krems had as a topic „Vision-Knowledge-Prosperity. Contributions of the universities to the good practices and the challenges of the European Strategy for the Danube Region".

During the first day of the event, an Awards Ceremony was held for conferring the Danubius Awards in two categories – for a renowned scholar from the Danube region and for young scholars. In the first category the award was conferred to Prof. Ingeborg Fialova from the Czech Republic, who is a scientist in the humanities. In the second category, one young scholar from each of the 14 Danubian countries was awarded. Bulgaria was represented by Rossitsa Yaneva, PhD, who has defended her science degree in the field of geography at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In 2014 and 2015 the Danubius award was conferred to representatives of the University of Ruse - Assoc. prof. Daniel Lyubenov from the Dept. of Transport and Strahil Karapchanski, PhD from the Dept. of European Studies and International Relations, Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality.

The Award ceremony was opened by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Rossen Plevneliev, who highlighted the role of our country in the implementation of the European Strategy for the Danube Region.

The annual DRC conference was opened on the second day by Johannes Hann, PhD – European commissary on the policy for territorial cooperation and expansion of the EU and Erhard Busek, PhD – former Vice Chancellor of Austria, DHC of the University of Ruse. In a conversation with Prof. Pencheva, Dr. Hann expressed his satisfaction from the visit to the University of Ruse in 2010 for the opening ceremony of Building 2, and Dr. Busek accepted the invitation for a lecture to the students of the University of Ruse.

The Conference was organized in three panels, dedicated to the role of the Danube Universities and DRC for the development of the European Strategy for the Danube region. The presentations of Mrs. Charlina Vicheva – vice director general of the Joint Research Centre with the European Commission and prof. Miroslav Veskovich – expert in the same centre.

Two strategic projects for the implementation of the Danube strategy were highlighted – Danube-Inco.net and Danube: Future, in which the University of Ruse is a key partner. The name of our University was mentioned numerous times in the presentations of the panelists, which confirms the international prestige of our Alma Mater and its important role in the Danubian space.

During the third day, the Assembly General of DRC was held, in which the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Pencheva, voted for the Report of the organization for the previous year, the plan for the following year and the election of the new President of DRC – the Rector of the Danube Univewrsity of Krems – Fridrich Faulmacher. The next  DRC meeting will be held  on 8-10 November 2017 at the University of Zagreb, Croatia.

10 November 2016, Thursday

Work visit to the Slovak Agrarian University in Nitra, Slovakia

The Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse – COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DSc and the Vice-rector on Education, Prof. Plamen Kangalov were on a work visit at the Slovak Agrarian University in Nitra, Slovakia. They participated in the sessions of the Scientific Council of the Technical Faculty for electing a professor. COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DSc is one of the reviewers of the research work of the lecturer at the University of Nitra Assoc. prof. Pavel Findura, PhD. The other two reviewers are Prof. Ian Mareček from the Czech Agrarian University in Brno and Prof. Vladimir Krochko, from the University of Nitra. Members of the panel were also Prof. Plamen Kangalov from the University of Ruse, Prof. Ian Turan from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, Prof. Vladimir Yura from the Czech Agrarian University in Prague. The Chairperson of the panel was Prof. Zdenko Tkach, Dean of the Technical Faculty of the University of Nitra.

The Technical Faculty of the University of Nitra has a long-standing contact with the University of Ruse and the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty, and COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev is a DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA since 2009 of the Slovak Agrarian University.

„I can call the Slovak Agrarian University my University because I have been here more than 30 times. My first visit was in 1981 as a student. Then in a few successive years (1982 – 1985) I visited the University to sign agreements for exchange of student internships and work placements. After a short break after 1989, the contacts between our universities were restored in 1996 and since then we have developed numerous joint activities – work on common projects; joint textbooks, books, monographs and publications; participation in scientific conferences and workshops; publishing a joint scientific journal; exchange of students, PhD students and lecturers", commented COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DSc.  

Future joint initiatives have been discussed at a number of meetings with the Board of Rectors of the Slovak Agrarian University, the Dean's team and Heads of Departments of the Technical Faculty. During discussions with long term partners from academia in the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Serbia, who were also in Nitra a joint participation in a project under Horizon 2020 has been agreed on. Another common activity would be the formation of joint research teams for solving specific problems.

28 October, 2016, Friday

Students Celebrated the World Occupational Therapy Day

Students from the University of Ruse celebrated the World Occupational Therapy Day. The young people studying in this degree programme organized  the celebration of their professional holiday in front of the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare building at 97 Aleksandrovska str. The students informed the passers-by about the profession „occupational therapist", handing them some promotional materials made by them. Four students from the Higher School of Occupational Therapy ETOS in Osnabrück, Germany took part in the celebration. They are in Ruse for a four week internship under the Erasmus + Programme.

The World day of Occupational Therapy is 27^th October, marked for the first time by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, (WFOT) in 2010. Since then, it has become an important date in the calendar of the specialists, practicing this profession. WFOT includes 92 national organisations, united in their efforts to develop the profession and promote the activity of the organization on a local, national and international level.

The University of Ruse is a pioneer in introducing the degree programme of Occupatio0nal Therapy in Bulgaria. Supported by the |Association of the Bulgarian Occupational Therapists (ABOT) – member of the World Federation, the University of Ruse is active in the promotion, consolidation and development of Occupational Therapy as academic subject, field of research and professional practice on a national level.

Adolf Meyer, a renowned psychiatrist and one of the founders of occupational therapy, defines it in this way: "Our role is to provide opportunities, not to prescribe treatment. Everybody should have the opportunity to work, to produce, to plan and to create…..."

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20 July 2016, Wednesday

Students from Estonia have summer practice at the University of Ruse

Five students from Estonia have summer practice in Ruse. They are here as a result of an agreement signed between their higher school and the University of Ruse. Arthur, Tamara, Valentin, Maxim and Anastasia study in the degree programme Technology of fuels in the town of Kohtla-Yarve, Estonia.

The young people shared that they have been impressed from their visits to companies in the region, which have business in the production and processing of fuels. „We saw how the processes, which we have studied theoretically, happen in reality. In the laboratories of the University of Ruse, we got acquainted with the devices and apparatuses used by the students in Ruse. At the Branch in Razgrad, we learned the secret of the Bulgarian yoghurt and the technology of its production", shared the students from Estonia.

Besides studying, the students also had the chance to see some of the sights in Bulgaria. They conquered Tsarevets, Shipka and Buzludzha, and the museums of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo and of the Rise in Kazanluk, as well as the Ethnographic village Etura showed them interesting moments from the life of Bulgarians in the past and today. Undoubtedly, the Black sea coast has been the biggest attraction for the Estonian students, who were pleasantly surprised by the sea water temperature.

The two month exchange under the Erasmus programme is part of the education of the students from both universities. ​

19 July 2016, Tuesday

A delegation from the Agrarian University in Nitra, Slovakia on a visit to the University of Ruse

Four representatives of the Agrarian University in Nitra, Slovakia visited the University of Ruse. They were: prof. Wladimir Krochko, DHC of the University of Ruse, prof. Zdenko Tkach – Dean of the Technical Faculty, prof. Roman Galik – Vice –dean of the Technical Faculty and assoc. prof. Pavel Findura – Head of Department Agricultural Machinery. During the meeting with the Rectors' body joint master degree programmes and opportunities for Erasmus exchange of students have been discussed, as well as joint participation of lecturers from the two universities in international conferences and in projects.

The delegation also met the management of the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty.

The cooperation between the University of Ruse and the Agrarian University in Nitra dates back to 1986, but in the last 13-15 years, the contacts between the researchers have been revived and strengthened. The two parties organise student practices, as well as exchange of lecturers and researchers. Several projects for sustainable maintenance of agricultural machinery, using biofuels and oils have been implemented successfully.

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15 July 2016, Friday

Twelve topics from the 70-year history of the University of Ruse are displayed in the exposition "Chronicles of Growth"

An exposition on the history of the University of Ruse since its founding date has been arranged on an area of 300 sq.m. in the main building of the University. The long and successful road of development of the University is exposed in 12 topics. The first 8 are related to the development of the faculties, and the remaining ones cover the successful achievements of alumni, bearers of DHC , rectors, as well as the opportunities for the students' leisure time. 

The main structural units of the higher school, present the achievements of its researchers and its distinguished alumni, award bearers and rectors. The modes of presentation include audio and video demonstrations and interactivity, providing opportunities for searching and sharing information, as well as illustration through symbolic objects. Multimedia, touch-screen computers, audio points are used with specially designed media. They allow animation of characters and including stories "in first person singular". The choice of the 12 topics is closely linked to the development of Ruse in the Lower Danube region at the time of modernity.

One of the aims of the exhibition is to preserve and present the history of the University, but also to connect it to the present day. Thus, the messages are topical and create information medium, which reflects the position of the University in the life of the city, country and academia.

The exposition "The University of Ruse - Chronicles of Growth" has the functions of a digital archive, where entertaining and educational theme games are created, video and audio content is shared, individual search is performed, collections are designed and virtual walks in time are offered. This exposition, built on the principle of social inclusion of stakeholders, provides the University with a new tool for working with different audiences – alumni, currents students and guests, as well as prospective students.

​The working time of the exposition "The University of Ruse - Chronicles of Growth"  is Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

​ 

12 July 2016, Tuesday

Academic visit from Uzbekistan to the University of Ruse

In the period 04-14.07.2016, 21 representatives of academic institutions from Uzbekistan are visiting the University of Ruse under the Project MATcHES (TEMPUS). The University of Ruse is the leading partner.

The initiative is under TEMPUS IV — Reform of higher education through international university cooperation (2012/C 375/07).

The project title is: Towards the Modernization of Higher Education Institutions in Uzbekistan/ MATcHES

The goal of the project is: to modernize the higher education institutions in Uzbekistan in compliance with the European reforms (particularly the Bologna process), thus contributing to an economy, based on sustainability, knowledge and innovations. To strengthen the knowledge triangle: education – research – innovations, through local, regional, national and international cooperation.

The schedule of the visit includes meetings with the Rectors' Body of the University of Ruse and with the Dean's team of Business and Management Faculty, participation in the International conference of the Association of lecturers in economics and management (organised with the active involvement of the University of Ruse), workshops for work on international projects at the University of Ruse. The members of the delegation had useful meetings with researchers, who are working on applied research under international projects, and they also visited technological parks for RES energy production.

The guests will be meeting representatives of the local authorities in Ruse, visiting companies in the region and discussing issues of mutual interest with representatives of the business at the Chamber of Commerce.

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14 June 2016, Tuesday

Farmers and scientists discuss soil conservation in Bulgaria

70 participants – farmers, representatives of companies offering equipment and services in the field of agriculture, scientists and representatives of institutions, discussed the conservation of soil diversity and soil health in Bulgaria. The forum was opened by the vice-rector of the University of Ruse – Prof. Juliana Popova. Welcoming words were extended by COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, Chairperson of the Municipal council and of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse; Stanimir Stanchev – vice-governor​ of Ruse region and Violeta Nedeva – programme director of agriculture in the America for Bulgaria" Foundation.

The Project "Preserving Bulgaria's soils", funded by "America for Bulgaria" Foundation is implemented by the University of Ruse for the duration of 4 years (until September 2018). Its goal is to encourage local farmers to adopt new technologies for soil treatment and thus, to reduce their losses due to fast destruction of the Bulgarian soils, due to climate change and inappropriate treatment.

The latest research shows that many farms, particularly in northern Bulgaria, lose more than 5 tonnes of soil per hectare annually due to water and wind erosion. The tendency for such losses is growing with the intensive ploughing, the use ​​of heavy machinery and inappropriate methods of tilling.

The two American speakers - Prof. Harold van Es and Brian Goggin, shared their experience with the participants, talking about soil health and some economic aspects of implementing the new technology for soil preservation.

Harold van Es is a scientific advisor in the project. He is a professor in soil and water management, former Chair of the department of Soil and plant sciences with Cornell University, USA. He was elected President of the American Society of Soil Scientists and agronomists.

Brian Goggin has rich experience in agriculture, managing projects for technical assistance in agriculture and as an Agricultural attaché in agriculture with the American Embassy in Sofia from 2001 to 2006.

For more information, see the project website: www.cbs.uni.ruse.bg. ​​

13 June, 2016, Monday

International Academic Erasmus week at the University of Ruse

The University of Ruse is hosting the Third International academic Erasmus week. The events, which start today, have as their topic "The New Agenda of the European institutions for higher ed​​​​​​​ucation". The forum was opened by the vice-rector in Education, Prof. Plamen Kangalov, who greeted the participants and wished them efficient work and useful meetings in Ruse and the University.

In the course of 5 days, 14 representatives of partner universities from Latvia, Turkey, Estonia, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Slovenia, and Albania will exchange experience and good practices in different spheres of the Erasmus Programme. Two PhD students from China, who are currently studying at the University of Ruse are among the participants in the Erasmus week.

​The vice-rector in European integration and international cooperation, Prof. Juliana Popova presented the agenda of the forum for the whole week. The meeting started with a presentation of the University of Ruse and the opportunities for studying in it. Later the guests will have a lesson in Bulgarian language and culture. The discussions on the main topic will be on Tuesday and Wednesday. The programme includes a tour of Ruse and participation in university sports event on Thursday.

The participants will discuss the development of new technologies, the globalisation of the economy and culture, the competition on the education services market, the cultural diversity in the context of the new agenda of higher institutions in Europe, where modernisation and internationalisation have no alternative.

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8 June 2016, Wednesday

Tastes of Danube: Bread, Wine and herbs, shown in Brushlen

On 8 June 2016 in the tourist complex in the village of Brushlen The Union of pensioners 2004 from Slivo pole Municipality and the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", under the patronage of the Mayor, Mr. Valentin Atanasov, and with the cooperation of Slivo pole Municipality, organised an event under the project Tastes of Danube: Bread, Wine and herbs of the international Association Danube Networkers (DANET). Non-government organisations from countries along the Danube such as Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, etc. take part in this project. They will presented their ideas and traditions for creating Danube bread, bread products and wine, and their role in the family, work community, holidays, religion, etc. An anthology of bread, a photography contest, an exchange of recipes and technologies, advertising of bread products and wine, stamps, posters, etc. will be organised.

In Brushlen, baking bread, using technologies from our childhood was organised. Rituals, showing the way of bread, starting from sowing of the grain, to putting the bread on the table for bringing the people closer were demonstrated. The competition with bread and wine tasting will contribute to the variety of the programme events. 

The Governor of Ruse Region, Mr. Stefko Burdjiev, was present at the event, as well as the mayors of 5 municipalities of the region. There were guests from Bucharest - Prof, ion Secheleany and his wife, as well as representatives of the municipalities of Slivo pole, Ryahovo, Brushlen and Babovo. From the University of Ruse, Assoc. prof. Emilia Velikova, coordinator of the project for Bulgaria and member of the DANET Board was present and made a presentation about the project and the involvement of different organisations in it. There was an exhibition of bread and bread products and some prizes were distributed. A quizz for all the participants, related to the topic of bread, sent some of these products to the winning participants, who knew the answers to the questions.

The project Tastes of Danube: Bread, Wine and herbs will apply for European recognition. The last project, The Wanted Danube (http://thewanteddanube.eu/bilder-2) won for DANET two European prizes, awarded in Brussels and Berlin, European Citizen Prize - 2015 and the Europe Lilly Prize.

Photographs, books, posters and other project outcomes like bread and bread products and wine will be presented at the Danube Festival in Ulm, Germany, 1 - 10 July 2016.

This international project generates interest among the general public in the countries from the Danube region, and attracts the support of the local and national authorities. The national heritage gems of the different nationalities are preserved and an environment of cooperation, information exchange, and friendship is created between the people from this region. ​

See more on www.tastes-of-danube.eu​

11 May, 2016, Wednesday

The Ambassador of the Netherlands talks to students from the University of Ruse

His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria, Tom van Oorschot, visited the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" for a second time this year. Invited by the University management, he led an interactive discussion with students from the Department of European studies and the Bulgarian-Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre (BRIE) on the tоpic of "The challenges of the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers for the Kingdom of the Netherlands".

His Excellency, Tom van Oorschot described the practical aspects of the Presidency and the priorities, which his country identified even before embarking on it. The three leading principles are related to helping the ordinary European citizens understand the policies of the EU, focusing these policies only on the crucial issues, and, last but not least, to encourage innovations and create new work places and economic growth.

The Netherlands chairs the EU Council of Ministers for the twelfth time, while Bulgaria is to chair it in 2018 for the first time.

The two main challenges for the Dutch Presidency are the migration crisis and the referendum in Great Britain. The Ambassador praised Bulgaria for its achievements in defending the outer borders of the EU. "Our task is to defend those who need defence, but the problems appear when these people mix with the economic migrants. This whole process was not understood by all member-states and some adopted internal national measures, which undermines the European tool for crisis action". Shared the Ambassador with the students.

Today, many of us, especially those who have not seen the atrocities of war, take the EU Project, thanks to which we live in freedom and cooperate, for granted, said the diplomat, but if we look at the world around us, we will become aware of this great achievement and realise that the Eurosceptics should think about history when they present their arguments.

After his diplomatic posts in Hungary and Turkey and his work for the Ministry of foreign Affairs, Mr. Oorschot has been an Ambassador in Sofia since 2013.​

26 April 2016, Tuesday

Rear Admiral Vergil Chitac is the 42^nd bearer of the Honorary title DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse

The Rector of Mircea cel Batran Naval Academy, Constanta, Romania, Rear Admiral prof. Vergil Chitac is the 42nd bearer of the Honorary title DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse. He was granted the honorary title for his contribution in the field of interuniversity cooperation. The ceremony was led by the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Pencheva.

„I am moved and deeply honoured by the title conferred to me by a most prestigious university not only in Bulgaria, but also in the European research and education space", started his talk prof. Chitac. "The time when the higher schools were closed systems and education was accessible to the elite only are long gone. Now we are facing the challenge to open the universities and to train people, who acquire serious knowledge and can cope with the new realities," said the rector of the Naval Academy in Constanta. In this context, prof. Chitac reminded the audience of the four pillars of education, according to Jacqueс Delors: Learning to know; learning to act; learning to live together; learning to be.

The Vice Rector for Education and research, prof. Diana Antonova, presented the professional life of prof. Chitac. His research activities include a long list of publications in national and international professional journals. He has participated in a number of educational and research projects and has six patented innovations.

Today's solemn act is an expression of gratitude of the academic community of the University of Ruse for the extremely active and fruitful cooperation with the Naval Academy Mircea cel Batran in Constanta. The two higher schools signed an agreement for cooperation, in 2010, and they have interacted actively ever since then, working on joint projects, exchanging students and lecturers, participating in conferences, etc. ​

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25 April 2016, Monday

His Excellency Tom van Oorsschot, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands: „I will be happy to meet the students of the University of Ruse"

​The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, His Excellency Tom van Oorsschot, visited the University of Ruse and had a discussion with the Academic Body of Rectors. „I am extremely impressed by your University, after I was one of the participants in the citizens dialogue with the Vice Chairperson of the European Commission Frans Timmermans" were the first words of the visitor.

During the discussion with the academic management, the Rector, prof. Velizara Pencheva informed the ambassador that the University of Ruse has four bilateral agreements with universities in the Netherlands. We endeavour to be the leader in our region, so we offer a wide range of degree programmes from 23 professional fields. Besides, for the last 7-8 years, we have been working actively in cooperation with the business on practical training and internships and even on developing the training materials for our students, mentioned prof. Pencheva.

His Excellency Tom van Oorsschot was interested in the training in English at the University of Ruse. He declared his willingness to meet our students from different degree programmes and discuss with them interactively the challenges for the European Union in the light of the Dutch Presidency.

19 April 2016, Tuesday

The Chairperson of the University Senate of Vasile Alexandru University in Bacau, prof. Valentin Nedeff, meets with the academic management of the University of Ruse.

The Chairperson of the University Senate of Vasile Alexandru University in Bacau, and bearer of the honorary title DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse, prof. Valentin Nedeff visited the University today. During the discussions with the Rector, prof. Velisara Pencheva, the opportunities for joint master degree programmes, research and PhD training were reviewed.

„It is a happy coincidence that we have similar scientific and professional interests with the Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev. When I was Rector, he too was at the head of the University of Ruse. After two rector mandates, I am now Chairperson of the University Senate in Bacau, just like him.", said prof. Nedeff.

The guest conveyed the invitation of the Rector of Vasile Alexandru University to the academic management of the University of Ruse, for participation in the events, dedicated to the 55^th Anniversary of the higher school in Bacau.

11 April 2016, Monday

Katarzhina Deda, Head of the Consular Department of the Republic of Poland, visited the University of Ruse

Grateful for the hospitality and the interest of the academic community to the exhibition „The Poles in and for Independent Bulgaria", the Head of the Consular Department of the Republic of Poland, Katarzhina Deda, came to meet the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velizara Pencheva in person. "We will be glad to share more events like the exhibition because we have many initiatives that may be attractive for the academic community", said Ms. Deda.

In turn, the Rector, prof. Pencheva, stressed the fact that four lecturers at the University of Ruse e graduated in Poland. Together with Juliana Popova, Vice Rector for Euro integration and International Cooperation, prof. Pencheva presented the activities of the Bulgarian and Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre. The bilateral Erasmus agreements of the University of Ruse and the contracts with the higher schools in Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan and other Polish cities were also among the discussion topics.

The exhibition "The Poles in and for Independent Bulgaria" was exhibited on the campus of the University of Ruse and, in 10 days, the academic community had the chance to observe the 15 panels with photographs, text and facsimiles, which track the contribution of some Poles to the unification and the establishment of the Bulgarian state after the Liberation. The same exhibition will be set up tonight in the lobby of the Theatre building.​

8 March, Tuesday, 2016

PRESS RELEASE

ON THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING UNDER THE PROJECT

FairGuidance

Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership

Project No: 2015-1-DE02-KA202-002527

The team of the Centre for Adult Education with the University of Ruse, led by Prof. Nikolai Mihailov, is the organizer of the second meeting under the project FairGuidance of the Erasmus+ Strategic partnerships Programme. The meeting will be held on 9 and 10 March 2016 (Wednesday and Thursday at 9 o'clock a.m. in room 1.322 in the Main building of the University of Ruse. Representatives of the eight partners under the project from Germany, Romania and Bulgaria, as well as Directors of Centres with the University of Ruse and representatives of the Labour Office - Ruse.

The main goal of the project is better integration of disadvantaged people (low educated, migrants, ethnic minorities, long-term unemployed and others) into the education system and on the labour market. In the course of the project, qualified consultants in the field of vocational education and job training will be prepared. Taking into account the specific needs of the end beneficiaries, they will facilitate not only their access to career orientation services, but also their transition to continuous education, training and professional realization.

Materials presenting good practices in the field of career consultancy will be discussed at the meeting. Collected in an online library, these materials will be used in the development of training courses for counsellors, helping those who are looking for a job. During the meeting, the partners will exchange ideas about the structure and content of the modules and will determine criteria for evaluation of the study materials. The first pilot course will be conducted in Germany with the participation of counsellors from the three countries.

The international partners are representatives of the Ministry of culture, youth and sport of Baden-Württemberg province, Germany, The Regional Employment  Agency, Galati, Romania, TTG team training GmbH, Germany, coordinators of the project, Association St Spiridon, Galati, managing a Day care centre for disadvantaged people and two church organisations from Germany and Romania. Bulgaria is represented by the teams of the Centre for Adult Education with the University of Ruse and the Territorial organization of research specialists-Ruse. The varied experience and competence of the partners are a guarantee for the success of the project.

For more information:

Prof. Nikolay​​ ​Mihailov – tel. 0888 539 388

19 February 2016, Friday

Opportunities for cooperation with higher schools in Belarus were discussed at the meeting of the academic management of the University of Ruse with the Ambassador, His Excellency Vladimir Voronkovich 
 

The partnership agreement between the University of Ruse and the State Agricultural Academy of Belarus in Gorki is one of the agreements signed between higher schools in Bulgaria and Belarus. A total of 17 universities from both countries have such agreements, announced the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, His Excellency Vladimir Voronkovich during his visit to the University of Ruse.

The Rector, prof. Velizara Pencheva, presented the faculties and degree programmes at the University of Ruse. She also shared some of the experience, which the team of the University has in the training of international students and Erasmus students.

Two of the Vice Rectors – in Education, prof. Plamen Kangalov and in European integration, prof. Juliana Popova, as well as the chairperson of the General Assembly, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev, took part in the meeting.

His Excellency Vladimir Voronkovich invited the academic management of the University of Ruse to visit the State Agricultural Academy of Belarus and to participate in joint educational and research conferences, as well as to prepare syllabi. Some possible spheres of closer cooperation are agricultural machinery repair, business and management, and ecology.

The possibility or student exchange under Erasmus + from the academic year 2017/2018, as well as the training of students in joint Master degree programmes between the University of Ruse and higher schools in Belarus was discussed. Prof. Pencheva gave an example of good practice with the Centre for Continuing Education, which has conducted such an exchange for a given period.

Some of the paramount issues for the agriculture and ecology in both countries could be solved using the contacts with partner universities from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, said the chairperson of the General Assembly, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev. He promised to organise a meeting between teams from the University of Nitra (Slovakia), Brno (the Czech Republic and Gorki (Belarus) in Ruse, together with the Vice Rector prof. Plamen Kangalov. Issues related to recovery, repair and reliability of machinery will be discussed at this meeting, and scientific areas of common interest will be identified for future projects. ​

​​​8 February 2016, Monday

​Delegation from the Technological Academy at Rezekne met the Governing Body of the University of Ruse

Lighting projects, including LED, developed by scientists at the University of Ruse are of interest for a team of researchers from the Technological Academy at Rezekne, Latvia. Lecturers from the two higher schools cooperate in the field of engineering sciences and are in the process of expanding their partnership. It was discussed during the working meeting between the delegation, led by the Rector of the Technological Academy at Rezekne, Prof. Edmunds Teyrumnieks, and the academic governing body of the University of Ruse. New opportunities for joint research developments and training of students were shared during the talks.

The Latvian Higher School has developed technology for ultrasound processing of metal items, improving the mechanical properties of the material, announced the Rector, Prof. Teyrumnieks. On this basis, cooperation with some of the Faculties of the University of Ruse is possible. Moreover, the field trials are conducted in Bulgaria (in a German and Bulgarian joint company, based in Gabrovo). 

The idea of developing a master degree programme that would allow students from the University of Ruse to study at the Technological Academy at Rezekne. An example was provided with an agreement signed between the Latvian higher school and a German university last September. The students, who graduate the Master degree course receive a German and a Latvian Diploma. If the University of Ruse is interested, it could join the agreement too, said the Rector, Prof. Teyrumnieks.

We have experience with two similar joint programmes, shared the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva. One of them is established with the support of the German Rectors' Conference and is in partnership with the Academy of Economics in Bucharest, and the other is in Management of Quality and Metrology, in cooperation with Romanian and French universities.

Prof. Pencheva suggested working out a joint programme of the scientific conferences of the two higher schools and coordinating the participation of students and lecturers in them.

2 February 2016, Tuesday

The University of Ruse will have new Vice Rectors in Education, Research, Development, Coordination and Continuing Education for the next four years

Vice Rectors, Directors of Branches in Silistra and Razgrad, as well as directors of Directorates, Sectors and Centres were elected on 2 February by the new Academic Council of the University of Ruse.

Prof. Plamen Kangalov, PhDEng, who was the Dean of the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty, was elected Vice Rector in Education. Another new member of the Rector's team is Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, who was Vice Dean in Research and Personnel Development of the Faculty of Business and Management. She will be in charge of Research and Development /R&D/. Prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhDEng was elected Vice Dean in Development, Coordination and Continuing Education while preserving his position as the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education. Prof Juliana Popova, PhD continues as Vice Rector in European Integration and International Coope​ration. The Deputy Rector Valerii Gegov is also to keep his position, as well as the Secretary General – Assoc. Prof. Tanya Grozeva., PhDEng.

The Directors of the Branches in Razgrad and Silistra remain the same – Assoc. prof. Stanka Damyanova, DSc and Assoc. prof. Temenuzhka Buhcheva, PhDEng, respectively.

The Directorate on Quality of Education will be headed by Assoc. prof. Emil Trifonov, PhD; the Research Sector – by Assoc. prof. Danko Tonev, PhDEng; the Education Sector has as a Director Assoc. prof. Valentin Stoyanov, PhDEng. The University Sport Centre will be headed by Prof. Borislav Angelov, PhDEng; the Centre for Technology Transfer – by Assoc. prof. Teodor Iliev, PhDEng; and the Centre for Intellectual Property – by Assoc. prof. Todor Delikostov, PhDEng.

Besides the personal changes, the Academic Council supported the conception of the Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhDEng for the following changes in the university structure:

To improve the efficiency of student admission, a new Sector is formed with the Vice Rector in Education, called New Students Admission, with a Director – Assoc. prof. Julian Angelov, PhDEng and a coordinator – Assoc. prof. Vyarka Ronkova, PhDEng;

For the organization of Master degree programmes and Student Practice at an institutional level, in the Education Sector there will be two coordinators – Assoc. prof. Margarita Teodosieva, PhD and Prof. Todorka Stefanova, PhD, respectively.

The position Coordinator of Publishing activity will be eliminated and tis activity will be managed and controlled by the Vice rector in Education through the Director of Education Sector;

There will be a Coordinator of PhD students, who will have the responsibility of organizing the admission and training of PhD students, and the information support of the work with them. This person will also be the Head of the PhD Centre. This position will be occupied by Assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

The Bulgarian and Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre, the International Students Directorate, the Centre for Information and Computer Services and the remaining Centres will preserve their current Directors.

Project  „Contemporary Methods for Training and Education Activities in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies"

Contract BG04-04-05-02-07

Project  „Contemporary Methods for Training and Education Activities in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies"is funded within the frames of Programme BG04 under the financial mechanism  of the European economic space 2009-2014.

The main goal of the project is to contribute to the successful implementation of the various financial instruments, directed to reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency (ЕЕ) and sustainable development of energy production from renewable energy sources (RES).

The project target groups include:

- municipal and government officials from the Municipalities in the Danube regions;

- energy managers;

- experts;

- power engineers;

- individuals dealing with development of plans and projects on energy efficiency;

- individuals, performing audits.

The project team includes:

-  distinguished lecturers from the University of Ruse„Angel Kanchev" in the fields of ЕЕ and RES;

- Eminent specialists form the company „Enkon Services" Ltd, specializing in the fields of EE and RES.

The duration of the project is from November 2015 to April 2016, with three types of activities:

-training;

- consultancy;

- visualization and publicity

Training will be held in the Municipalities of Vidin, Vratsa, Montana, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Svishtov, Ruse, Razgrad, Tutrakan, Silistra and Dobrich. It is planned to conduct training of 300 municipal, regional and other officers, responsible for implementing measures for EE and RES. The topics covered, each with 6 academic hour duration include:

1) Energy management in buildings;

2) Energy standards;

3) Developing plans in accordance with the national legislature and the respective EU directives, related to measures in buildings;

4) Reporting  the implementation of the action plans;

5) Possible measures for EE and RES in public transport;

6) Foundation of energy audits;

7) Contracts for energy efficiency;

8) Legislature in the field of energy efficiency and energy from RES;

9) Best practices concerning measures for energy efficiency of buildings;

10) Best practices concerning measures for using RES in buildings;

11) Solving case studies.

Consultancy activities of municipal, regional and other institutions' staff responsible for implementing measures for EE and RES includes:

- Providing consultancy services during the training;

- Providing distance consultancy service via e-mail and Skype, as well as scheduled consultancy;

- Providing specific consultations when solving more complex case studies.

It is envisaged to review, summarize and publish information, concerning current municipal plans and projects in the cities where training is conducted;

Publicity and visualization of the project according to a plan, including:

- Press releases;

- Information days in the cities of Razgrad, Silistra, Ruse and Montana;

- Providing  wide media coverage of the project activities.

For more information about the goals, participants, team and project activities visit our web site at:

http://eere.eu/

For contacts with the team you can use the information on the site:

http://eere.eu/index.php/bg/contacts

or to write directly to:

contacts@eere.eu

Date: 18 January 2016, Monday

International forum „Innovations and creativity for life" gathered students from 7 European universities at the University of Ruse

The Faculty of Public Health and Health Care of the University of Ruse is hosting the international forum „Innovations and creativity for life". 54 students and 14 lecturers from universities in Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, Finland and Great Britain will be sharing experience in the course of one week in Ruse.

The training is interdisciplinary and young people studying occupational therapy, computer sciences, business and information technologies, social work, engineering take part in it. The methods used by the forum participants has been developed by a team from the University of Olu, Finland. The lecturers have prepared interactive workshops, where students design and make an object with practical application, using available materials.

​​

The module „Innovations and creativity for life" started in 2014, as an intensive Erasmus programme. Taking part in it, the students work in an intercultural environment and get the opportunity to find realization in the professional field of their choice of study. On the other hand, they acquire valuable experience in cooperation with colleagues from other countries and update their practical skills for working with people with disabilities.

The international forum „Innovations and creativity for life" will continue until 23 January and is held in room 2,203 from 9.00 to 16.30. On 19 January, the organisers from the degree programme "Occupational therapy" will organize "An Evening of Cultures", where participants from different countries will demonstrate specific customs. On 21 January, Thursday, at 17:30 in room 2.203, the hosts from Bulgaria will show some of the traditional rites of Babinden (the mid-wife's day).

Date: 12 January 2016, Tuesday

Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD is the new Rector of the University of Ruse

For the first time in the history of the higher school a woman takes the highest executive position

With 138 votes Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD was elected the Rector of the University of Ruse for the 2016-2019 mandate. For the first time in its 70-year history the higher school will be governed by a woman. Until now Prof. Pencheva was Vice rector on Development, coordination and continuous education at the University of Ruse.

 „I realize that it will not be easy and the responsibility is extremely high, but I am certain that together we will achieve more success", said Prof.Pencheva minutes after the results of the voting were released.

At the General Assembly's meeting 261 representatives of the academic community cast their vote.

The new Chairperson of the General Assembly is COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, who garnered 212 votes, and his deputy is Assoc. Prof. Anelia Manukova with 241 votes. The Chairperson of the Control Council in the new mandate is Prof. Vladimir Hvarchilkov, who was elected to this position with 219 votes. The members of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse also decided that the new Academic Council will consist of 45 members and the Control Council – 11.

​

In the beginning of the meeting, the former Rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev reported the activities during his second mandate, focusing on the growth of the academic staff, deepening the international cooperation, the visibility of the university and the renovation of facilities.

The four candidates for the leading position, Prof. Mihail Iliev, PhD, Prof. Rossen Ivanov, PhD, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD and Prof. Krasimir Enimanev, DSc presented their platforms and answered to questions from the audience, related to the future of the higher school.

The voting continued an hour and a half and each attendant had to make four votes – one for the Rector, one for the Chairperson of the General Assembly,DSc.

 ​

Date: 8 January 2016, Friday

The Center for Education of the Third Age organized a meeting on the topic of Bread and Wine

More than 80 representatives of pensioners' clubs from the Union of Pensioners Ruse – 2004 gathered in Kaneff Centre for a meeting on the topic of Bread and Wine, organized by the Centre for Education of the Third Age (CETA) with the University of Ruse.

Professor Nikolay Mihajlov, Director of the Centre, greeted all the participants and expressed his satisfaction with the joint work of the Centre and the Union of Pensioners on several European projects.

Assoc. prof. Emilia Velikova made a presentation on the results of the activities of CETA during 2015, and Assoc. Prof. Yoana Ruseva informed the attendants of the proposal by German partners for participation in a new European project with a working title "Tastes of Danube". This Danube project wants to motivate people of all generations, ethnic groups, social and educational backgrounds to take part. The focus is not only to enhance mutual knowledge and to find out more about traditions and values common to all countries. The focus is also to exchange experience and to meet – in real life as on the internet by pictures, skype, and videos. The participants get the chance to become acquainted to each other within a country or across the borders. Additionally, they get the possibility to create something as a team – an experience that fills the idea of an European identity with life. Finally, Milena Popova talked about the opportunities for training in 2016.

After the official part and the report on the Centre's activities, representatives of the pensioners' clubs displayed ritual breads and home-made wines, made by their members. The exhibition was also a competition. The jury, formed by representatives of the two organisations, found it hard to rank the exhibits, but after a serious debate, they picked the winner in the category "Ritual Christmas Breads" the pensioners' club in Sredna kula. The prize for home-made wines went to pensioners' club No.1.

The meeting continued with informal talks between the participants and tasting of the exhibits.