9^th June 2021

Crystal Prizes for the Best paper were conferred at the Innovative Youth EXPO

In the final session Best Paper "Crystal Prize", held during the Innovative Youth Expo participated students, PhD students and young researchers – winners of their respective Faculties student sessions. Their papers were in English and so were the presentations they made face-to-face and online.

9^th June 2021

Fifth Innovative Youth EXPO was held at the University of Ruse

Today the Fifth Innovative Youth EXPO was held within the frame of the 23^rd Spring Science Fest at the University of Ruse. This is a joint initiative of the Academic Management and the Student Council of the University, under the patronage of the Minister of Education and science, who sent an address of congratulations. The event started at 11.30 with words of welcome by the Rector, Cor.Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, who wished the participants success and work in a face-to-face environment. Among the official guests of the event were: the Mayor of Ruse Municipality, Mr. Pencho Milkov and Vice-Mayors, the Governor of Ruse region – Mr. Borislav Bulgarinov and Vice-governors, the Governor of Razgrad region – Mr. Ivan Genchev, and his Vice-governor – Mr. Nayden Kusov, the Vice-governor of Silistra region – Mr. Mincho Yordanov, the Vice-chair person of the National Representation of Student Councils – Mr. Stanimir Boyadviev, representatives of the Ruse University Body of Rectors, business, public institutions, students and high school students.

 The participants were greeted by the Mayor and the Governor, as well as the Vice-Chairperson of the National Representation of Student Councils and finally, Prof. Diana Antonova – Vice-rector for Research, introduced the programme of the EXPO and also extended her greetings.

The Fifth Innovative Youth EXPO started with an extravagant fashion show entitled Мovid-19 Pro Fashion in red and black, with clothes designed by the students of the High school of fashion Design in Ruse. It was followed by presentations of over 250 participants in 38 teams, which had exhibited their projects on 38 stalls. Among them were high school students – winners in national competitions such as School companies ,,BioFoam"  and ,,KafEco"from the High school of Mathematics, Ruse; Gaming club „Zenith" from the German Language High School in Ruse – winner of the competition "Be a Young Entrepreneur, organised by "Bulgarian Entrepreneur "journal and Ruse Municipality; the joint teams of the English Language School and the Faculty of Business and Management – Entrepreneurship Module under the projects „Cooking Masters", „FarinaFlo" and „FutureHow"; the student teams of the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare, which has created the student film "Kinezitherapy after Covid -19"; Agrarian and Industrial Faculty - with 3D models of objects designed by students from Industrial Design, and an almanac – "Remarkable plant species in the University Botanical garden", compiled by students and lecturers from the degree programme of "Plant Growing". The Exhibition "130 years of European spirit in the educational work in Silistra (1890-1913)", organised by the University Branch Research and Educational Laboratory Cultural and Historic Heritage. The activities of the 5D ALLIANCE – laboratory in digital, layered energy-aided innovative technologies and the 5D ALLIANCE – research laboratory Low carbon mobility and intelligent transport systems.

During the exhibition, the prizes of the university Public Speaking in English Contest Inspire were conferred by the head of the Department of Foreign Languages, Sen. lecturer Elitsa Georgieva. The first – year student in Bulgarian language and History, Michaela Georgieva, won the First prize with her presentation The Four Colours of Modern Education and the Grand Prix was won by Nikolay Raykov from the degree programme Informatics and Information Technologies in Business, on the topic The evolution of Smartphone.

The participants were greeted by the dancers from the University Folk Dancing group Harmony.

5-6 June 2021

International Conference with the special participation of His Excellency Christoph Eichhorn, the Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria, organised by BRIE held at the University of Ruse

On 5-6 June in the halls of Kaneff Centre, the University of Ruse an international conference was held, with the special participation of His Excellency Christoph Eichhorn, the Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria, organised by the Bulgarian-Romania Interuniversity Europe Centre (BRIE). The title of the conference was DIVERS. The conference was organised within the framework of the annual Danube school under the slogan „Danube, Inclusive, Value-based, Emphatetic, Responsive Society".

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, President of the Board of BRIE opened the conference with a paper, entitled Cultural diversity of BRIE, followed by the presentations of prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, Director of International Students Directorate, The Cultural Diversity of the University of Ruse; Assoc.prof. Mimi Kornazheva, PhD, Director of BRIE and academic supervisor of PhD students in Political Studies – United in Diversity: Management of language Policies in EU; Eva Parvanova, alumna and assistant in BRIE, PhD in Political Studies -  Linguo-cultural communities and Separatism in the EU; Andrea Radu, PhD, BRIE alumnus from Romania and advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Romania – Cultural Minorities in the Danube Region; Prof. Penka Angelova, DPhSc, Chairperson of Elias Canetti Society – The Cultural Heritage of Elias Canetti.  

The afternoon session included presentations of Master degree students from BRIE and PhD students in Political Science, related to the cultural diversity of Ruse and the region. The first day ended with an interesting role play If I Were You, prepared by Political Science PhD students and improvisation group ViZHna!, led by Ivaylo Nenov and Iliyan Ilkov. It presented some controversial situations with some of the "diverse" members of our society. 

The second day was dedicated to the special participation of His Excellency Christoph Eichhorn, the Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria. He met the Body of Rectors of the University of Ruse. The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, presented the international activities and priorities of the University. Opportunities for expanding the cooperation between the higher school and German educational institutions were discussed. H.Ex.Eichhorn was conferred with the sign of the University of Ruse.

Later, H. Ex. Eichhorn presented to the youth audience of the conference his vision for United Europe. PhD students, and high school students participated in the discussion, named attractively "Same bed – Different dreams? German- Bulgarian discussion about Europe".

At the end of the conference the participants visited Canetti's Home, the Jewish club Shalom, the Armenian Church and the Said Pasha Mosque.

For contacts: Assoc. Prof. Mimi Kornazheva, PhD, Director of BRIE, tel.: 0888 411 953

4 June 2021

Memorandum for cooperation between the University of Ruse and "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy, Constanta, Romania

Today, 4.06.2021,  a delegation from "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy, led by its Rector – Superintendent naval captain Alecu Toma, Ph, accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Colonel Catalin – Vice-rector for international programmes and Captain Marius Cucu – Head of International Relations visited the University of Ruse. Our university was represented by the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, who is also a DHC of the Naval Academy and the Vice-rector for internationalisation and communication policy – Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, as well as Prof. Nikolai Mihailov, PhD – also a DHC of the Academy.

                The opportunities for deepening the cooperation between the two higher schools were discussed and a Memorandum for Cooperation and Partnership was signed. The document envisages the development of cooperation in a wide range of areas, with education and science being in the priority list.

                In the field of education, the document states the following activities: cooperation for development of interdisciplinary education; improving the quality of using information technologies and digital means in teaching and research – exchange of experience and good practices; upgrading the electronic platforms and other advanced educational technologies for teaching and assessment of the results; developing joint syllabi, including some in foreign languages; joint participation in university networks; sharing of educational and information resources.

                 In the field of science, research and innovations, agreements were reached on the following: joint work, including: research and innovation activities at a national and international level; participation in projects under regional and transborder programmes for cooperation and joint scientific journals; organisation of national and international scientific forums; joint teaching and supervising of PhD students and supporting the career development of young and established scientists.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD Vice-rector for Internationalisation and Communication Policies tel.: 0888 983 334

31 May  2021

Winners of the Inspire Speaking Contest, 2021

The Foreign Languages Department would like to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in our contest and helped make it a success!

First Prize goes to Mihaela Georgieva for her presentation The Four Colours of Modern Education. Her inspiring speech and vivid presence won the hearts of the audience and the panel of judges.

Second Prize goes to Hristo Chukurov for his presentation Finding Talent in Education for great passion and personal involvement and interest in the topic he presented on.

Third Prize goes to Mario Nikolov for his presentation Five Ways Technology Is Changing the Automotive Industry for the Better for his tremendous enthusiasm and great public speaking skills during the competition.

We are proud to announce that there are also winners in several special categories:

Grand Prix for Excellent Presentation Skills goes to vNikolay Raykov for his presentation The Evolution of the Smart Phone. The panel of judges would like to congratulate Nikolay on his eloquence and enthusiasm.

Petar Stoilov receives our special prize THE GREAT INSPIRER.

Hristina Darakeva receives our special prize the Most Extensively Researched Presentation. Her well-researched topic and the logical order of ideas impressed the judges.

Selina Sindjo receives the prize A Presenter with Potential. Well-done Selina!

Kristian Dimitrov, Ivaylo Enchev and Daniel Nikolov receive the special prize Efficient Team Work. Working and presenting as a team is not an easy job and Kristian, Ivaylo and Daniel did really well!

Denis Assenov receives the special prize for the most Creative Presentation. The original way to present combined with ease of speech classified Denis among our winners.

Nikoleta Goranova receives the special prize for the most Captivating Presenter. It was a pleasure listening to you!

All winners will receive special prizes and certificates. We would like to thank the rest of the contestants and their excellent performance will be acknowledged with a certificate.

The prizes will be awarded during the Innovative Youth Expo on June, 9th. The ceremonies will begin at 11.30.

For more information: Sen. lecturer Elitsa Georgieva, Head of Dept. of Foreign Languages - 082-888-230

31 May  2021

Successful ending of the academic year at Confucius study hall of the University of Ruse

                On 31 May 2021 a solemn gathering marked the end of the academic year at the Confucius Study hall of the University of Ruse. The Rector of the University, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the Vice-Rector in internationalisation and communication policies, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD attended the event.

                The Rector Prof. Beloev, conferred the certificates for participation in the international competition "Chinese Language Bridge" to three students from the University: Hristina Krumova (Countering Crime and Maintaining Public Order degree programme at the Faculty of Law), Philip Petkov (European and Global Studies at the Faculty of Business and Management) and Karina Zavlieva (European and Global Studies at the Faculty of Business and Management). Recognition of the high achievements of the students from the University of Ruse in studying Chinese language and culture is the second place won by Hristina Krumova in the prestigious competition, which gives her the right to attend the final stage of the competition in China. At present, Hristina is expecting the approval of the Chinese government for a scholarship, which will give her the opportunity to study Chinese for a year at a prestigious Chinese University.

                With true satisfaction and pleasure the Rector, prof. Beloev, also handed the certificates for the completion of the subsequent level of the course in Chinese language, organised annually at the University of Ruse as one of the traditional activities of Confucius Study hall. Among the successful course attendants are the lecturers from the University of Ruse Assoc. prof. Zornitsa Yordanova, PhD (Faculty of Law), Pr. Assistant Tsvetelin Georgiev (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technology) and Pr. Assistant Elena Ivanova (Faculty of Electrical Engineering Electronics and Automation).

                At the end of the solemn event, Prof. Beloev conferred honorary diplomas to the two Chinese lecturers Uang Bing and Hu Yuan, whose four-year stay in Bulgaria is soon to be over. Thanks to their dedicated work and numerous initiatives, Confucius Study Hall at the University of Ruse, under the auspices of Confucius Institute, Sofia, serves as an example in Bulgaria of as a well-functioning hub for promoting the Chinese language and culture, as well as a working model of active Bulgarian – Chinese friendship and cooperation.

Date: 14 May 2021

THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE TOOK A LEADERSHIP POSITIONIN THE EUROPEAN STUDENT UNION

The Chairperson of the Student Council of the University of Ruse – Stanimir Boyadjuev, was elected a member of the newly-formed Executive Committee with the European Student Union. He is an alumni of the Faculty of Law in the master degree programme of Law and a Vice Chairperson in International activities in the National Representation of the Student Councils in Bulgaria.

„It is a privilege and an honour for me to represent the students from the entire European community next year!" said Stanimir.

We wish Stanimir success and new horizons!

Date:13 May 2021

Francophonie'2021 at the University of Ruse in partnership with the University Agency of Francophonie (UAF)

Francophonie at the University of Ruse continues even through the pandemic restrictions of COVID 19. The student  activity is versatile and the events are numerous, attracting high school students from language high schools as well. The International Francophonie Day was also marked by many events, not just on the day itself – 20^th March. For some of the students it is not the first time they celebrated the solemn day, but others met Francophonie for the first time and they were really enthusiastic.

Traditionally, from the first year of Ruse University's UAF membership, an essay competition in French was organised. The topic this year was " Work keeps away three big evils: boredom, vice and avarice" (Voltaire). The competiton was announced by the University of Ruse and the University Agency of Francophonie – Sofia.

The students from the degree programme of European and Global Studies have participated in other competitions and events as well. The most active ones are Lora Dimitrova – first year, Vitorio Venkov, Plamen Bonev and Veronika Dimitrova – second year, Denislava Kuncheva and Elizabet Tsvyatkova – third year. They translated French poems into Bulgarian, visual French poetry and caligraphy.

Other competitions were held on the topics of "Calendar of Bulgarian holidays", " My Town", Entrepreneurship/ Hospitality Management" and "Europeanization and Globalisation" all of them in French.

This year, besides the students from the High School for European Languages in Ruse, some students from the First English Language School and Ninth French Language School "Alfons de Lamartine" in Sofia took part in the competition. The competition was contested and the essays were of high quality.  Rostislava Ruseva from Ruse participated for a third time in a row. Most of the participants were from 12^th grade but there were also some 9^th graders to add to the topic palette – Desislav Nikolov, for example.

Each participant felt the festive spirit and the richness of the French language not just for a day, but for the whole period of studying the French language with its melody, the French  spirit and knowledge.

For the Unibversity of Ruse, all these events marked the fifth anniversary of its joining the large Francophone community of educational institutions.

Other initiatives are awaiting you on the website of UAF – one more open dor for the University of Ruse:

https://www.auf.org/europe-centrale-orientale/nouvelles/appels-a-candidatures/

The competition ranking can be ssen on the Website of the University of Ruse.

Author: Kremena Tsaneva – 4^th year European and Global studies, University of Ruse

For more information: sen. Lecturer Rumyana Ivanova, tel.: 0885022985

Date: 11 May 2021

The European Universities Association celebrates its 20^th Anniversary

​At the end of April, the European Universities Association celebrated its 20th Anniversary. The University of Ruse has been part of it for more than 10 years. On the occasion of the celebration, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc conferred his greetings online to the President and the management of the association, saying that out membership there is a privilege and a responsibility.

The European Universities Association creates the most advanced educational policies. It brings together the Universities in Europe.

The University of Ruse has broad leadership positions in the Danube region. The higher school is striving to be on the spearhead of innovations and entrepreneurship and is constantly developing broad education and research networks with its European partners.

Date: 29 April 2021

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE " ANGEL KANCHEV" PARTICIPATED IN A TRAINING OF LECTURERS AND STUDENTS FROM 7 ASIAN UNIVERSITIES FROM THAILAND, LAOS AND CAMBODIA

Within the project ASEAN FACTORI 4.0., teams of lecturers from the departments of Telecommunications and Automation and Mechatronics of the University of Ruse conducted seminars, training lecturers and students from 7 universities from South East Asia: Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Mae Fah Luang University (Thailand), National University of Laos (Laos), Savannakhet University (Laos) and University of Health Sciences (Laos), Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Institute оf Technology Of Cambodia (Cambodia). 

Coordinator of the consortium is Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France). The seminars are part of the project activities, funded by the Erasmus+, Key activity 2. The training is related to  building capacity in these universities in the field of industrial automation and information technologies and the topic of the traing are: Introduction to telecommunication networks and cybesecurity; Programmable logic controllers (PLC) and programming languages; Modern industrial networks and application of PLC, Databases and MySQL.

The lecturers from the University of Ruse participating in the training are: Prof.Plamen Daskalov, PhD, Assoc. prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhD, Assoc. prof. Tsvetelina Georgieva, PhD, Assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov, PhD, Pr. assistant Diyana Kinaneva, PhD. The training is conducted online via ZOOM. The number of students, registered in the Mooldle platform and participating in the training is between 50 and 100 from each participating university. In the first phase if the training, an intensive course for the lecturers from the Asian universities in the laboratories of the Bulgarian and French universities is planned. The second phase of the training will be held in the newly built innovative laboratories and the Centre of Excellence, built in cooperation with European partner universities.

Date: 29 April 2021

RECOGNITION FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE AND INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD FORUM FOR MODERNIZATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION

From 5 to 7 September 2021 in Bishkek – the capital of Kirgizstan, a World Forum of University Rectors will be held. Over 200 rectors from all over the world will be present.

The forum will emphasize the digital transformation of education – a topic made  particularly relevant by the pandemic.

From Bulgaria, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc was invited to participate in the forum. The main reason for this is the fact that the University is the initiator and coordinator of an Eurasian project, whose purpose is to modernize the system of higher education in Central Asia by innovative educational technologies. Such technologies have been developed at the Centre for innovative educational technologies at the University of Ruse for more than 20 years. They have proved extremely useful in the conditions of pandemic. 

Prof. Beloev will participate in the section „University 4.0 Outlook" with a paper on the vision for a university of the future. 

27 April 2021

The University of Ruse hosted an international webinar

On April 23, the University of Ruse hosted the online webinar COPILOT World Cafe "AROUND THE WORLD FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY", which is the third multiplier event of the COPILOT project. The event was attended by teachers from Belgium, Lithuania, Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria. The participants were welcomed by the Rector of the University, Cor.Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DSc, who wished them fruitful work and new successful projects. The webinar was organized by the teaching staff of the Occupational Therapy programme Assoc. Prof. Lilia Todorova, Assoc. Prof. Petya Mincheva and Assist. Prof. Margarita Asparuhova-Kandilarova with the support of partners Elisabeth Fattinger from Austria, Anja Christopher from Switzerland and Maria Prellvitz from Sweden.

The COPILOT project (Cooperative Online Peer-assisted and Intercultural Learning in Occupational Therapy) is the result of a long-term cooperation between six European universities from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland in the online module ICC@Home with over 300 participating students. The partners developed a model for collaborative online international learning (COIL) with instructional materials for its application, as well as a collection of digital tools and open educational  resources (OERs) on free access. 8 modules for training in Occupational Therapy, which are transferrable to other healthcare studies, have been fully developed and piloted. From the end of June, all products will be available on the website of the European Network for Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (https://enothe.eu/).

COPILOT provides an opportunity for enriching of the international and intercultural experiences of students parallel to their normal studies, without financial costs and leaving home.

 22 April 2021

The University of Ruse celebrated the international Earth Day

Today 22.04.2021 The University of Ruse celebrated the Earth Day and the Day of Trees, celebrated in China. To mark the activity of the study hall "Confucius" with the University of Ruse, three coniferous trees were planted and a special plate was put by them as a sign of the eternal friendship between Bulgaria China.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc congratulated the lecturers in Chinese on all the educational and cultural initiatives  during the years , and, in their turn, they thanked him for the hospitality, concern and support. Then the Rector and reperesentatives of the academic management planted the trees, symbolising the dtrong friendship between the two countries, and the students who are studying Chinese at the University watered them.

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD – Vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD – Chairperson of the Assembly Genera and Prof. Juliana Popova – Coordinator Interinstitutional Communications.

Date: 21 April 2021

INCREASED INTEREST TO THE VIRTUAL LIBRARY IN INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE  

Nearly two years ago dtarted the Eurasian project Modernization of higher education in Central Asia using new technologies with the University of Ruse as a coordinator.

The transition to online education due to the COVID-19 pandemic made this project relevant and useful, but created personal problems both for the coordinator and the partner universities.

One of the main goals of the project was training lecturers from 15 central Asian universities to use innovative educational technologies (IET) in their activities. To facilitate the implementation of this objective in the conditions of pandemic, the University of Ruse created a virtual library with syllabus, guidebook, multimedia presentations and video lectures in IET – in Russian and English.

At the suggestion of the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the library was transformed into open source for all interested lecturers. Recently, the number of visits to the library exceeded 340 thousand and keeps growing by 2 – 3 thousand daily, which means that the universities in Central Asia, which   330, are using this library actively for training their lecturers.

The fact that the Belgian educational council, which has conducted a cycle of master classes, dedicated to IET has used the Ruse University virtual library is indicative.

https://hiedtec.ecs.uni-ruse.bg/ru/?cmd=cmsPage&pid=38

15 April, 2021

The University of Ruse welcomed the Ambassadors of Slovakia, Slovenia and Cyprus

His Excellency Manuel Korček, Ambassador to the Slovak Republic in Bulgaria, together with His Excellency, Anžej Frangeš, Ambassador to Slovenia in Bulgaria and His Excellency Marios Kountourides, Ambassador to Cyprus in Bulgaria, as well as Ms. Dagmar Ostranska, Director of the Czech Centre in Sofia and Ms. Ivana Marksfeldova, Consul of the Slovak Republic in Sofia visited the University of Ruse today.

The meeting at the University was the first of a number of meetings at institutions in Ruse.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, presented the state-of-the-art facilities, the modern resources for research and education, the long-standing traditions in education and the authoritative leadership position of the University. The meeting was also attended by Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policies and prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhD, vice rector in development, coordination and continuing education.

The hosts and the visitors discussed the opportunities for establishing mechanisms for sustainable partnerships and dialogue through online meetings and visits. The meeting was beneficial to both parties as the establishment of such viable partnerships provides an advantages in the current conditions.

The diplomatic visit was organised on the occasion of an exhibition in the Historical Museum of Ruse "Significant women in history: from Prague, through Bratislava to Ruse"

14 April, 2021

The University of Ruse recognizes a test of Oxford University

With a decision of the Academic Council, the University of Ruse has become an institution, recognizing Oxford Test of English (ОТЕ) на Oxford University for the needs of training Bulgarian and international students.

ОТЕ is suitable for students, applying students and adults and determines the level of English language proficiency within valid levels A2 to B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It will be recognized for incoming and outgoing mobility for students and PhD students under the Erasmus programme. Applicants to the University of Ruse can also use it for admission, including admission to bachelor and/or master degree programmes, offered by the University of Ruse in English.

The University of Ruse recognizes other standardized tests like those of Cambridge English and IELTS.  In this regard, the Department of Foreign Languages and the Centre for Continuing Education organise courses in business English, preparing for the Cambridge English exams: B1 Business Preliminary and B2 Business Vantage.

For more information: tel.: 082 888 230 and 082-888-406; e-mail: edgeorgieva@uni-ruse.bg

13 April, 2021

The University of Ruse joined the Association of the European Research Libraries (LIBER EUROPE)

The University of Ruse joined the Association of the European research Libraries (LIBER EUROPE) (Ligue des Bibliothèques Européennes de Recherche – Association of European Research Libraries).The organisation whose headquarters is in the Hague, the Netherlands, is the voice of the research libraries in the European community.

The Association of the European Research Libraries organises and holds conferences, seminars and webinars for keeping the librarians informed about the research policies of the European Union and the new developments in the library services. The work groups, functioning in the organisation, promote and aid the development of key competencies, the exchange of experience and expansion of professional contacts. In addition, the association includes the research libraries as partners in international projects and creates project consortiums.

The members of the Association are over 450 institutions. Four other institutions from Bulgaria besides the University Library of the University of Ruse have membership: the Central University Library of Sofia University, The library of New Bulgarian University; the Library of Medical University, Varna and the Library and Information Centre of the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies.

12 April, 2021

The University of Ruse is participating in the opening of an international conference in Baku

Today, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the vice-rector in internationalization and communication policy – Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, took part in the opening of the online Second International Student Research and Science Conference, organised by Baku Higher Oil School, Baku, Azerbaijan. Prof. Beloev greeted the participants and thanked for the invitation the Rector of the Higher Oil School, Prof. Elmar Gasimov. The Conference has three fields – „Oil Science and Engineering", „Process Automation and Information Security 2021" and „Sustainable Development in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering". Over 880 participants and guests took part in the opening of the conference.

The relationship between the University of Ruse and the Higher Oil School in Baku Azerbaijan date back more than 10 years ago. In 2017, they became official through signing an agreement for a bachelor degree in Automation in Baku in English, using the curriculum and syllabi of the same degree programme at the Univeristy of Ruse. Now a new agreement is being prepared for a master degree in the same field.

25 March, 2021

Start of the new seven-year period of the Erasmus+ Programme

On 25 March, 2021 the start was given of the new seven-year period of the Erasmus+ Programme (2021 – 2027), which has existed since 1987, and in which the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" has participated for 22 years.

The programme for cooperation and mobility in the field of education, training, youth and sport is emblematic for the European Union and is one of its greatest achievements. The start was given by Maria Gabriel, a Commissary on the issues of innovations, research, culture, education and youth, who said: „The fact that the Erasmus+ budget for the next seven years is almost twice as big as the previous one (28,4 bln Euro), shows the significance attached to education, lifelong learning and youth in Europe. Erasmus+ is still a unique programme in terms of its size, scope and global recognition, with 33 countries participating in it and access for the remaining part of the world through its international activities".

During the last three decades over 10 million people in 33 countries (EU plus Iceland, Lichtenstein, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey) have participated in it. The international field of the Erasmus+ Programme provides opportunities for mobilities and cooperation all over the world.

For the period of its participation, the University of Ruse has implemented dozens of projects for cooperation with European higher schools and has sent over 1400 students and PhD students for exchange study and internships to European Universities and companies. Within the framework of the4 Programme, over 1300 lecturer mobilities with the purpose of giving lectures or gaining experience have been organised. The Erasmus+ programme allowed the University of Ruse to become an accepting institution for over 400 incoming students from European partner universities. In recent years, the University of Ruse has been using the opportunities the Programme offers for partnerships all over the world, and has realized projects and mobilities with higher schools from Asia. With one of them, the Shanghai Polytechnic University, The University of Ruse has expanded the cooperation by signing an Agreement for education with the purpose of obtaining a dual diploma for students from both countries.

With over 500 bilateral agreements for mobilities with Universities from and outside the EU and an annual funding of over 500 000 Euro, the University of Ruse offers its students and lecturers huge opportunities for exchange, funded by the Programme. The students have the opportunity to apply for Erasmus exchange to the University Erasmus office twice a year. They can use 12 months for each of the three levels of education, which they could use for a mobility of minimum 3 months for studying and 2 months for internsgip.

During the last seven-year period of the Programme (2014-2020), the University of Ruse was awarded with a Certificate  for quality work on mobility projects under the Erasmus+ Programme, conferred by the National Erasmus Agency, which is the financing unit for Bulgaria and monitors the work and reports of the Bulgarian Universities.

23 March 2021, Tuesday

The University of Ruse Angel Kanchev hosts an International conference "The power of peer learning and management of change during a pandemic"

On 23.03.2021, an International conference "The power of peer learning and management of change during a pandemic" was held online under the project Beyond Scale (Developing the organisational capacity of higher education institutions with the support of the HEInnovate platform, in order to facilitate university learning and applying the European practices in the communities). The conference was hosted by the University of Ruse.

Over 57 participants from various national and international institutions were involved in the conference. The students from the Business and Management Faculty of the University of Ruse, where the entrepreneurship and innovations training is taking place, demonstrated particular interest to the topics of discussion.  

 The special guests of the event greeted the participants in the forum:

• Brigitte Ecker, PhD – executive director of WPZ Research, Research Centre for economic and innovational studies in Vienna, Austria;

• Barbara Hermans – project advisor and coordinator with the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Commission, Brussels, Belgium;

• Ivana Radonova, PhD – state expert in Higher Education Director\ate of the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria;

• Ruaidhri Neavin – special advisor at the Irish Higher Education Agency on the higher education policies and programme development activities - HEA, Ireland; member of EU's HEInnovate Expert Group; OECD's Group of National Experts on Higher Education; Regional University Network of Europe; and member of the Science, Research and Higher Education Coordination Council in Portugal.

In the first panel of the conference, Brigitte Ecker, WPZ, Austria presented the three goals ofthe BeyondScale Project: (1) developing the entrepreneurial capacity of the higher education institutions in the common European practical community; (2) further upgrading and implanting of the HEInnovate approach in European university education; and (3) documenting and sharing emerging practices in the project partner organisations: WPZ-Research GmbH, Austria (coordinator); University of Twente, Center for Higher Education Policy Studies, Нидерландия; University of Ruse „А. Kanchev"; FH-Campus Wien; Austria; Cork Institute of Technology - Ireland; Dublin City University – Ireland; Stichting NHL Stenden Hogeschool – the Netherlands;  Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo - Portugal; Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Portugal; Universität Innsbruck - Austria.

The HEInnovate tool of self-evaluation approach has been developed with the aim to help strengthen the entrepreneurial approach of the higher education schools and their stakeholders, both internal and external. It can have a significant positive impact on higher schools to strengthen their vision for future education through developing innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to education, research and counselling activities. Beyond Scale seeks to create a pan-European community of practices to be shared and documented, based on the outcomes from the individual and joint activities of the participants.

Representatives of leading research structures from Bulgaria, Austria, Ireland and Portugal were invited to deliver plenary papers.

The first plenary paper „Activities of the University of Ruse in a COVID-19 environment" was presented by the rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc.

Here is part of his exposition: Today the University of Ruse has included a number of research characteristics in its activities, which trace its development as a fourth generation university. Our most convincing competitive advantage in the sphere of research is our development as an open innovation space, evidenced by the building of infrastructure complexes of the Centre of Excellence and the Center for ICT competences. The 5D ALLIANCE 2019-2028 Project, which permanently puts the University of Ruse on the European Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure, provides for the establishment of 7 mega laboratories as part of a research complex with no analogue in Bulgaria and the Danube3 area. The newly established Institute for technology and Innovation also has its leading role.

Another proof of the innovative and leadership potential of the University of Ruse are the activities undertaken to cope with the challenges, caused by the global pandemic of COVID 19. In an extremely short time we have readjusted all our systems for working in an electronic environment, and from the first days of the pandemic, we organised the production of shields and other protective materials for the medical staff at the front line.

Next came the patenting of protective filters for masks, applicable also in the production of protective clothing for medical and laboratory staff, working in a highly aggressive infectious environment. The innovations can be used in air and bus transport, as the companies, running these businesses, will be offering the passengers masks, disinfected in mobile containers, supplied with ozone generators and/or UV rays. Furthermore, the protective filters can be used in air-conditioning systems in public buildings, transport (river, urban, air, etc.) and in households.

Today, when influenced by the Corona virus, all people started talking about online learning, the University of Ruse is proud of the fact that as early as the beginning of this century, it developed the first in Bulgaria own platform for online learning - e-Learning Shell 2; the first web-based course – now there are 1300 such courses; the first virtual laboratory –now they are 9, and later, the first video lectures – now over 300 and growing.

In the University was developed the Concept for digital transformation of education and the Vision for the University of the Future. Under the Eurasian project „Modernisation of the Higher Education System in Central Asia through the New Educational Technology", initiated and coordinated by the University of Ruse, a unique virtual library in Innovation and Education Technologies (IET), which integrates the 20-year experience of the Ruse Alma Mater in this field."

Presentations and papers were presented by:

• Frank Zigele, CHE Center for Higher Education, Digital transformation & peer-learning

•Karl-Heinz Leitner, Austrian Institute of Technology &University of Graz, Transformation through strategic foresight

• Zsuzsa Javorka, Technopolis Group, HEInnovate future outlook

•Bárbara Coelho Gabriel, University of Aveiro, THEI 2.0

• Susanna Boldrino, FH Campus Wien, BeyondScale inbound perspective

•Helen McGuirk, MTU, BeyondScale Outbound perspective

•Ben Jongbloed, Andrea Kottmann, CHEPS, The accompanying research of BeyondScale

Straight after the end of the international conference, the first feedback for the successful team work of the hosts were received:

"Dear colleagues from the University of Ruse,

Many thanks on our part, especially for the fascinating plenary paper of Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc on the role of the University of Ruse as a research organisation of the fourth generation. Thank you very much! We consider the Conference a huge success.

Best wishes, Brigitte Ecker, WPZ, Austria"

"I completely agree, I think we all can be proud 😊 - your platform and the technique worked perfectly, very good presentations and a happy audience! Thank you!!!

Susanne Fröhlich, WPZ, Austria"

17.03.2021

"Changing geopolitics – pathways  for universities in Europe" webinar hosted by the University of Ruse

Today, 18.03.2021, a webinar on the topic "Changing geopolitics – pathways  for universities in Europe" was held at the University of Ruse.

The University of Ruse was reoresented by the vice-rector on internationalisation and communiucation policy – Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhDПредставител от Русенския университет „Ангел Кънчев".

Pathways for achieving the desired vision and opportunities for "universities without walls 2030" and other issues related to the global changes were discussed .

Over 40 participants  from European countries such as Spain, Italy, Austria, Poland, Russia, Turkey and others.

16.03.2021

International Webinar within BEYONDSCALE Project

Today, 16.03.2021, an International Webinar within BEYONDSCALE Project  was held with the University of Ruse as a host, represented by assoc. prof. Daniel Pavlov, PhD. The Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria is an associated partner in the project. The project coordinator, Ms. Brigitte Ecker (Austria) and Mr. Ruaidhri Neavin (Ireland) were   present as well.  

Over 20 students from the degree programmes in  Business Management and Industrial Management took part in the webinar. The University of Ruse is the only participant in the project from Eastern Europe.

The ability of the НEInnovate platform to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and the cooperation between business and university. Assoc. prof. Pavlov gave an account of the webinar, held on 08.12.2021 and showed a preserntation on the webinar topic. He encouraged the students to share their personal experiences in entrepreneurship.

The University of Ruse is a pioneer in the field of academic entrepreneurship and has a long history of projects and practical events such as fairs and field trips as expressions of the successful partnership with business.  

11.03.2021

Leading position for the University of Ruse in a world ranking system

For another year the University of Ruse occupies a leading position in the information-retrieval system for universities around the world UniRank (World Universities Search Engine). It provides an answer to the question „Which are the most popular universities by regions and countries?",  searching among 13 800 universities around the world.

According to the ranking of UniRank for Bulgaria, the results repeat those from last year placing the University of Ruse in third position among the state universities, after Sofia University and Technical University – Sofia, and in fourth position among all 48 participating Bulgarian universities. The University of Ruse is the only one outside the capital that has found a place in the leading section of the ranking, which is a recognition for its undisputed leadership position in the surrounding area and its educational, scientific and innovation potential.

UniRank's web metrics takes into account objective criteria such as accreditation of the higher school by a state agency; offering higher education in the three cycles – Bacheror, Mater and OhD (or in some of them); implementing classical academic education. In addition, UniRank offers a ranking of the popularity of the universities in the social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as the YouTube Channel.

The fact that for another year the University of Ruse occupies leading position in UniRank's ranking is a proof of the consistant aspiration of the University to maintain high quality of education and research, realising its mission and vision to be a driver of the regional innovation growth and a leader in the cross-border Bulgarian-Romanian region and the Danube space. With its good academic practices, the University of Ruse has long since reached the stage of third generation universities (the entrepreneurial ones) in the evolutional development of the university model and is working actively towards achieving the next goal – to be a fourth generation university – an enabler and a motivator in value creation .

https://www.4icu.org/bg/public/

https://www.4icu.org/bg/

05.03.2021

Multiplication event under ЕduLab4Future Project of the Faculty of Business and Management  and the English language School "Geo Milev"-Ruse

Today, 05.03.2021, a team of the Faculty of Business and Management of the University of Ruse organised a multiplication event under ЕduLab4Future (Laboratory for education of the future) on the topic: Enhancing education for responsible management through innovative curricula for civic and sustainable business development. The event started with a welcome address by the Rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, who wished all the participants good luck. The project funding is under the Erasmus+ Programme of the EC, Prioruty Axis KA 2, with a Lead partner University Politechnica – Bucharest, and partners: UNIVERSITY OF LODZ  (Poland); Brno University of Technology (the Czech Republic) and centres  for vocational training - INFOR ELEA (Italy) and EUROTRAINING SOLUTION (Romania).

The Bulgarian party was represented by lecturers from the Faculty of Business and Management, teachers and students from the English Language School, who have developed a very successful partnership since mid-2020, implementing the agreement for joint activities between the English language School "Geo Milev"-Ruse and the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev". The cooperation is directly supported by the Ministry of Higher Education  and aims at acquiring high quality knowledge, skills and competences in the field of information technologies, STEM and entrepreneurship.

The project team had invited representatives of businesses in the dairy industry throughout the value chain, to present their activities and give direct feedback to the students.

The work in this educational project gives an opportunity to the Ruse team to use the experience and capacity it has accumulated so far in training in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurship. By organising this public multiplication event in the Transnational Laboratory for education of the future EduLab4Future, the specialists in corporative social responsibility of the University of Ruse will realise a successful exchange of innovative practices in teaching and business councelling in this area. The aim of this practical workshop is to motivate competitive young people to understand the point of sustainable business as a guarantee of their future in the active cross-border area. The activities are carried out and coordinated by Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD – vice rector in Research, Pr. assistant Irina Kostadinova, PhD (team leader) and Pr. assistant Svilen Kunev.

05.03.2021

Congratulatory address to the Taraklia Regional Council and the State University "Grigorii Tsamblak" on the occasion of 3^rd March

Today, 05.03.2021, The rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc conferred a congratulatory address to Mr. Ivan Paslar, Chairperson of the Regional Council of Taraklia Region, Moldova and to Assoc. Prof. Maria Paslar, PhD, Rector of State University "Grigorii Tsamblak" on the occasion of the Independence day of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The address was read online by Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, vice- rector on internationalisation and communication policy, to the participants in the solemn meeting, dedicated to the Liberation of Bulgaria. The meeting was organised by the Taraklia Regional Council and the State University "Grigorii Tsamblak".

02.03.2021

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates visits  the University of Ruse

Expanding the partnership relations between the University of Ruse and thye higher schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was discussed at the meeting between the Rector's Management and a delegation of the UAE Embassy. It was led by the Ambassador His Excellency Sultan Rashid Sultan Alkaitub Aliumaimi, who was pleased to state that " there is a lot to be learned from the Bulgarian educational system." The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, expressed the readiness of the University of Ruse to expand its network of international partenrtships and share the experience and good practices of the academic community with colleagues from UAE.

The talks continued with a discussion of the opportunities for signing agreements and establishing mechanisms for sustainable partnership and dialogue through online meetings, discussions and visits. The two parties found common grounds for the development of cooperation and mutual support between the Ruser Alma Mater and the Universities in UAE for combining efforts to face today's challenges of the transforming digital society.

The meeting was useful, because the ever increasing expectations to the quality of higher education require such viable partnerships, which could provide advantages in the conditions of hyperdynamical and often critical social and economic environment.

02.03.2021

Online conference under the project „ Talent Magnet"

Attracting and retaining talents is a key factor for the competitiveness of cities and regions

Why do talented people leave our cities? Why is this a serious problem and what can we do to address it?

These issues were in the focus of the discussiobs during the online conference  under the project DTP3-454-4.1 TalentMagnet, financed by the Programme for transnational cooperation „Danube" 2014-2020, which was held on 24 February 2021. During the event, more than 160 participants  from over 20 countries, among which a team from the University of Ruse, participated in discussions with the aim of engaging the local authorities with the questions, related to attracting and retaining talented young people.

Talented young people from the new generation are extremely mobile as they are free to pursue the best opportunities for them not only locally. They choose to live and develop their talent in places where they find the best environment for themselves and their families. The cities where most  well-educated specialists settle down turn to be more competitive and their economies are developing more dynamically. That is why it is important the city authorities to undertake specific steps in order to attract and retain more and more talented people.

As a result of the ever growing globalisation, the movement of talents is becoming more intensive all the time. While some decades ago young people had to choose between their native town and the town where their university was, today they can practically aim at any part of the world. And as the talents have specific knowledge and skills, the companies are fiercely competing for them globally. Talents offer them new approaches, creative perspectives and non-standard solutions, providing them with key competitive advantage. The tendency is similar for cities.

The emphasis of the guest lecturers, presenting good practices, related to talented people from Studtgart, Helsinki, Ostrava, Velene, Varazhdin, Klaipeda and others, was that city authorities should be aware of the importance  of attracting and retaining young talents. Undoubtedly, it is a new vocation for the local authorities although the successful city mayors worldwide have already started to implement initiatives for attracting and retaining talents in their strategies and programmes.

The main target froup of the Talent Magnet Project are talented young people, whose development is the priority of the project. In the session of the conference, which was dedicated specifically to them, participated 86 young people from 21 countries, among which was Bulgaria. Spread into 11 focus groups, they identified the factors, which make the cities attractive to them. As a result from the discussions, a set of criteria, leading to their choice  of  a certain place to live, was identified. Among then stand out factors like the attractiveness of the settlement, its appearance and established image, its territorial structure, the opportunities for mobility offered, the security the residence facilities, opportunities for culture, entertainment and rest, and, last but not least – the availability of attractive employment.

The Project 'Improved Institutional Capacities and New Multilevel Governance for Talent Attraction and Retention in the Danube Region - TalentMagnet has been developed  by the Lead partner – Research Centre Bistra Ptuy, Slovenia. Eighteen partners from 12 Danube countries, among which regional and local public authorities, NGOs, research centres  and sector agencies participate in the project consirtium.

Visit the project webpage at https://www.facebook.com/TalentMagnetProject

The Project is financed by the European Union (European Fund for Regional Development , Pre-accession Assistance Instrument, European Neighbourhood and Natioanal Co-financing Instrument).

For more information and opportunities for cooperation:

Management team of the University of Ruse

Prof. Mihail Iliev, DSc – Project leader – miliev@uni-ruse.bg

Liliya Ilieva, PhD – Communications manager - lilieva@uni-ruse.bg

02.03.2021

Three prizes  for students from the University of Ruse in the  "STUDENT OF THE YEAR" competition

On 1^st March, 2021, in the ceremonial Grand Hall of Sofia University the 14^th edition of "STUDENT OF THE YEAR" competition, organised by the National Representation of Student Councils, was held. This year, three students from the University of Ruse were awarded for high achievements during the past year.

Alexandra Klimenko, a fourth year student in Financial Mathematics degree programme, won the prize STUDENT OF THE YEAR in the category "Natural Sciences , Mathematics and Informatics".

Angel Georgiev, a third year student in  Plant Growing degree programme, won the prize STUDENT OF THE YEAR in the category "Agrarian Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.

"Slavi Georgiev, a PhD student in the faculty of Natural Sciences and Education, was ranked second in the category PHD STUDENT OF THE YEAR. He was the winner of the STUDENT OF THE award in 2018.

The delegation from the University of Ruse was led by Stanimir Boyadjiev, Chairperson of the Student Council.

This year 10 students and PhD students from the Ruse Alma Mater applied for the prize.

01 March 2021

STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATED SUCCESSFULLY IN THE HACKATON FOR ECONOMIX EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN, VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE

Following active analytical and creative activities for economic empowerment of women, victims of violence, students from the degree programmes "Social work", "Medical Nurse', "Midwife"  and others from the University of Ruse, as well as social workers from social services and employees from the Humanitarian Activities Directorate of Ruse Municipality presented their project proposals on 27^th-28^th February, 2021. The HACKATON was held under an international project "Building economic independence: the way out of intimate partner violence" WE GO2 (GA number: 810371) (http://www.wegoproject.eu/). In the last two days of the online event, students and specialists from the field of social work took part in training modules, in which they were introduced to new approaches for solving problems, techniques and methods for successful presentation and interpreting of specific content. Following that with the help of mentors from Association "Centre Dynamika" – Ruse and Diana Georgieva from the Centre for Development of Sustainable Communities  (https://cscd-bg.org/bg/proekti/proekt-we-go-2), the teams had the opportunity to seek solutions of specific problems, related to economic empowerment of women, victims of violence through attracting the resources of business, educational and social institutions, NGOs, volunteers, etc. by forming partnerships.

The members of the jury congratulated all successful participants in the HACKATON from the University of Ruse and the specialists from the sphere of social work, for their active and responsible attitude to the fulfilment of tasks, for the innovative ideas presented and the well-structured project proposals.    

The Director of the Centre for Development of Sustainable Communities, Stranimira Hadjimitova and the project coordinator, Diana Georgieva also greeted the participants. They expressed their gratitude to Prof. Sasho Nunev, DSc and Pr. assistant Evgeniya Bratoeva, PhD for their cooperation in the organisation of the event. They also expressed their willingness to continue working in joint project activities with students and lecturers from the degree programme "Social work" and the University of Ruse. The idea of Prof. Sasho Nunev DSc, member of the jury, to hold a "market" of ideas and project proposals of all participants for the stakeholders, so the most successful ones could find realisation was accepted unanimously. This will encourage  the students from supporting specialities and professions, as well as specialists from the field of social work to increase their commitment for overcoming the serious problem of violence against women and find more opportunities and solutions for  economic empowerment of women, victims of violence.   

Essay Competition in French

On the occasion of the Day of Francophonie - 20 March, the University of Ruse  "Angel Kanchev"and the Francophonie  Agency announce an essay competition in French on the topic "Le travail éloigne de nous trois grands maux : l'ennui, le vice et le besoin" (Voltaire) / "Work keeps us away from three big evils – boredom, vice and avarice" (Voltaire).

University students from Bulgaria and abroad, as well as high school students from French Language schools can participate in the competition.

The essays will be evaluated on several criteria – compliance with the topic, structure, spelling, style and vocabulary, originality.

The best authors will be awarded by the Rector of the University on the Day of Francophonie.

All participants will receive a certificate, which will provide for them admission to the University of Ruse.

Requirements:

Length – 200 words.

Deadline for submission: 17.03.2021, 24:00

The essays are to be sent via e-mail to: ruivanova@uni-ruse.bg

The participants should include three full name, institution, year of study, e-mail and telephone number.

Bonne chance!

26.02.2021

The Rector of the University of Ruse opened a session ubder the Project "Modernisation of Higher Education in Central Asia through New Technologies"

"Today, 26.02.2021, The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev DTSc, opened a session of the Academic Universities Network, established under the project "Modernisation of Higher Education in Central Asia through New Technologies". The University is an initiator and coordinator of the network. All Central Asian partner universities participated in the meeting. The next one will be attended by many other higher schools from the region.

Prof. Angel Smrikarov, PhD presented the goals and objectives of the project. The main goal is the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices in the field of innovative educational technologies. The University of Ruse has been working actively in this area for more than 20 years. The pandemic added value to these technologies and the project itself, especially for the educational system in the countries from Central Asia.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

24 February (Wednesday), 2021

Working meeting between the Rector of the University of Ruse and the Chairperson of Taraklia region, Moldova

Today, 24 February 2021, a working meeting was held between Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc – Rector of the University of Ruse And Ivan Paslar - Chairperson of Taraklia region, Moldova.

Several topics were discussed at the meeting:

- The activities so far, related to the transformation of Taraklia State University “Grigorii Tsamblak” into a Branch of the University of Ruse, as well as the meetings held at government level. The establishment of a Branch in Taraklia region will be the best solution for supporting the development of education for young people of Bulgarian origin and the whole Bulgarian community. The expectations of all institutions engaged with the process of transformation are for it to be finalized by June.

- The training of 24 students for the academic year 2020-2021 in the degree programme Business Management, conducted jointly by the two universities. The engagement of both students and lecturers despite the pandemic situation was found highly satisfactory.

- The three degree programmes for joint training in the next academic year (2021-2022)  -  in Business Management, Computer Science and Agricultural and Transport Machinery.

- The prospective joint activities between the Universities, the Municipality of Ruse and the Bulgarian communities in Taraklia region.

During the meeting, some issues related to the facilities and the transformation of units from Taraklia State University, its budget for this and the following years, commemorating holidays and anniversaries were discussed.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

12.02.2021, Friday

First online meetings of participants in the International Academic Network INTERGEN

   Participants from two continents gathered for their first online meetings withing the framework of the International Academic Network INTERGEN, held between 09-11.02.2021. The network was founded in 2018 and conducts active surveys among students from 12 universities in 6 countries for studying  the entrepreneurial attitudes through intergenerational family businesses. In 2020, more universities from Asia and Europe joined it. Thanks to the virtual rooms, the online meetings were conducted with the voluntary participation of researchers from two continents. Participants in the Network from Bulgaria are: the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", University of Shumen „Konstantin Preslavski", Sofia University „St. Kliment Ochridski", Veliko Turnovo University „St. St. Cyril and Methodius", Academy of Economics „Dimitar Tsenov"- Svishtov, Economic University - Varna. Other participating universities are from Albania, Iran, Poland, Romanuia, Russia, Serbia and Uzbekistan.

For more information: Assoc. Prof. Daniel Pavlov at: dpavlov@uni-ruse.bg

12.02.2021, Friday

The University of Ruse  - a partner in an international project on gender equality

In the period 03-04.02.2021 the first formal meeting of the international project consortium ATHENA, funded under HORIZON 2020 Project of the European Commission 101006416-ATHENA-H2020-SwafS-2018-2020 / H2020-SwafS-2020-1.

At this meeting, the vision on the main project components and basic activities under its planning were presented. Key representatives of the 10 research organisations, participating in the Consortium attended the Webinar, which allowed the roles  of each member  of the international network to be discussed.

The aim of the  European research team is to outline the prospects of a research career, set with the European Commission's strategic commitment to gender equality, and the established reference framework, based on the need for greater efforts at all levels of policy development to improve gender equality. The main documents, on which the conceptual framework of Project ATHENA-H2020 is based are: EUR-Lex: Directive 76/207/EEO of the of the Council, concerning equal treatment of men and women and the European Commission: Strategic commitment for gender equality.

The duration of ATHENA is 48 months and includes the period 01.02.2021 – 31.01.2025. In the founding Webinar participated  representatives of:

- European Commission (DG for Research and Innovation);

- Research Executive Agency;

- Related scientific consortia under H2020 - SPEAR and CHANGE Programmes.

- Consulta Europa projects and innovation sl (Canary Islands-Spain) – Lead Partner

- INSTITUT JOZEF STEFAN, Slovenia

- UNIWERSYTET JANA KOCHANOWSKIEGO W KIELCACH (UJK), Poland

- UNIVERSITATEA DIN BUCURESTI (UB), Slovenia

- UNIVERSIDAD DE LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA (ULPGC), Spain

- CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR), Italy

- USTAV VYSKUMU SOCIALNEJ KOMUNIKACIE SLOVENSKEJ AKADEMIE VIED (UVSK SAV), Slovakia

- UNIVERSITY OF RUSE ANGEL KANCHEV (URAK), Bulgaria

- GOBIERNO DE CANARIAS (GOBCAN), Spain

- FUNDO REGIONAL PARA A CIENCIA E TECNOLOGIA (FRCT), Portugal

During the forum, the participants introduced their academic organisations and exchanged various ideas for the successful implementation of the project.

The invitation for participation of the University of Ruse Angel Kanchev is a result if previous successful research projects of the team from the Faculty of Business and Management in consortia with the Lead partner.

For more information: prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, Vice-rector of Research, tel.:0878822303

3 February 2021, Wednesday

Foreign language exams for PhD candidates held at the University of Ruse

                Today, 3 February 2021, foreign language exams (in English, French and German) for PhD candidates held at the University of Ruse. The exams were held on schedule by four exam panels in four virtual classrooms by lecturers from the Foreign Languages Department.

            There will be additional admissions session to be announced in February. Follow the information for the new session at:

 https://www.uni-ruse.bg/education/phd

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, director of PhD Centre, tel.: 0888245697

28 January 2021, Thursday

Students of the University of Ruse won gold medals in an International Olympiad

Today, 28 January 2021, the rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc officially handed the medals and congratulated the students, who participated in the Fifth International Student Olympiad on financial and actuarial mathematics. The Olympiad was held online on 19 December 2020 with more than 100 students from Bulgaria, Russia, the Netherlands and Macedonia participating in it.

The award ceremony was attended by the Dean of the faculty of Natural Sciences and Education, prof. Velizar Pavlov, the Head of Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Assoc. prof. Iliyana Raeva and the Head of the Ruse University team, Slavi Georgiev, doctoral student. Prof. Beloev congratulated the students for the success they had achieved and thanked them for defending the positions of the University at an international level. Prof. Pavlov introduced the students from first to fourth year in the degree programme Finacial Mathematics. Two of the students are already doing their Master degree in Mathematic Modelling in finance, insurance and social work.

                A total of 16 students from the University of Ruse participated in the Olympiad. Gold medals were awarded to: Vyara Kostadinoiva, Iva Stefanova, Preslav Karanedev, Simona Petrova. Silvewr medals were obtained by: Mihaela Dimitrova, Petya Georgieva, Daniel Grancharov. The bronze medal winners were: Emiliya Pancheva, Marinela Dimitrova, Preslava Dimitrova, Gabriela Milanova, Alexandra Klimenko, Viktoria Deniska, Teodora Klimenko. Certificates for participation were given to Ayshe Ahmed, Elif Sali and Mertan Ismet.

For more information:

Prof. Velizar Pavlov, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education,tel.: +359 887618850

The students and lecturers from the Social Work degree programme received high evaluation for the activities under the international project „DARE TO CARE"

In February 2020 Ahmed Husham, a student in Social Work degree programme  at the University of Ruse, participated a one-week training in Riga, Latvia, under activity No. 1 in Project № 2019-3-LV02-KA105-002799 DARE TO CARE with the Erasmus+ Programme. The lead partner of the project is Centre "Martha" – Riga, Latvia. This participation is based on our partnership with Centre Dinamika – Ruse, Bulgaria. After the student's return, together with his colleagues and partners, successful training was organised in 15 thematic modules from the project programme. Students from different years in Social work degree programme participated in the training with great interest. In the organisation and realisation of the training participated the lecturers in social work Prof. Sasho Nunev, DSc and Principal assistant Evgenia Bratoeva, PhD.   

At the end of the training, a survey for identifying the opinion of the participants on its quality and effectiveness was conducted and Prof. Sasho Nunev, DSc sent information on the results achieved to the Lead partner under the project – Centre „MARTA" – Riga. The Director of the youth programme in Madara Mazzhane Centre and the project team expressed their respect and gratitude for the activities realised at the University of Ruse. In their view, the online trainings conducted have contributed to acquiring the necessary competencies for creating and maintaining healthy relationships between the participants, with their peers and other members of the society, as well as raising their awareness concerning issues of gender-based violence and equality in a given context. The active participation of students and lecturers in the project has been highly praised by Centre "MARTA" – Riga, and an interest in future cooperation was declared by them. The Director of the youth programme Madara Mazzhane mentioned that the training modules conducted at the University of Ruse has a significant positive and qualitative impact on achieving the project goals and ensuring the project's sustainability.

For more information: prof. Sasho Nunev, DTs, tel.: +359 886802466

16 January 2021, Saturday

The University of Ruse is the first to organise workshops with the business as part of an international research project consortium

The main results from the workshops of the international research project consortium „BeyondScale" with the business in Austria, Bulgaria, Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal were presented at an online meeting (15 January 2021).

During the event, it became clear that the workshop organised by the University of Ruse in December was the first for the project consortium. The main objectives of the event were to discuss opportunities for promoting the link "business-university" and implementing the scientific achievements of the University at the request of companies through the initiative of the European Commission for promoting entrepreneurial universities in Europe „HEInnovate".

More international events are coming up, in which the University of Ruse will be monitored by the European Commission as a sole participant from Eastern Europe in the international research project consortium „BeyondScale". These activities aim to improve the entrepreneurship education in favour of local companies, thus supporting the national economies of the EU, according to the dimensions adopted in the instrument for promoting entrepreneurial universities.

In 2019, the European Commission officially announced the training of a new type of students – "a new generation of entrepreneurs", who will masterfully combine technological skills with business culture, as a key factor for the successful development of the EU. The University of Ruse consists of eight faculties and three branches, which is a competitive advantage, allowing the preparation of both staff for the companies and institutions and a new generation of entrepreneurs, who will develop the Danube region successfully.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

Assoc. prof. Daniel Pavlov, PhD, Faculty of Business and Management, tel.: 0884343132

30 December 2020, Wednesday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE EVALUATED WITH THE HIGHEST GRADE, WHICH GUARANTEES ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME DURING THE NEW PROGRAMMING PERIOD

The application of the University of Ruse for continuing its participation in the new seven-year Programme of the European Union for education, training, youth and sport Erasmus+ received the maximum points (100/100). Along with the high appreciation, the European Commission, represented by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) conferred to the Ruse Alma Mater a quality certificate ERASMUS CHARTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION 2021-2027.  

The Charter is the entrance ticket of the University of Ruse for the continuation of their European and international activities in the framework of the most successful EU Programme – Erasmus+. The European Commission intends to make the Programme more inclusive, innovative, digital and green.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, vice-rector in internationalization and communication policy, tel.: 0888983334       

28 December 2020, Monday

WORK MEETING AND GREETINGS FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL OF RUSSIA IN RUSE, ANDREY GROMOV

Today, 28 December 2020, at the University of Ruse, a work meeting was held between the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and Mr. Andrey Gromov, Consul General of Russia in Ruse.

During the meeting, the joint activities realized between the two institutions during the past year were discussed and the perspectives for new initiatives in 2021 outlined.

The Consul General presented to the University of Ruse a bust of Academician Igor Kurchatov in connection with the 75^th Anniversary of the development of the nuclear industry in Russia. Mr. Gromov explained that following a decision, an international humanitarian action in memory of the great Russian scientist and his contribution to the development of the Russian nuclear energy complex. As part of the campaign, 100 busts of Acad. Kurchatov have been made and will be presented to scientists and institutions from all over the world, related to the development of nuclear industry.

At the end of the meeting, Prof. Beloev and Mr. Gromov wished each other joyful Holidays and plenty of health, success and joint activities during the New 2021.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

23 December 2020, Wednesday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE HAS OFFICIALLY BECOME PART OF THE NATIONAL ROADMAP FOR SCIENTIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA FOR THE PERIOD 2020-2027

he University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" welcomes Christmas with satisfaction since in the final days before the holidays Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc signed an Agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) for starting the Project „DIGITAL TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS FOR CLEAN AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT – 5D ALLIANCE".

With this project, the University of Ruse has officially become part of the national roadmap for scientific infrastructure of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2020-2027!

The project was highly praised by the European Commission and MES during the selection of project proposals with a high degree of maturity to be implemented during the new programming period.

This unique initiative unites 12 Bulgarian universities and institutes:

Agrarian University in Plovdiv; Military Academy G. S. Rakovski, Sofia; Economic University, Varna; Institute of Electro-chemistry and Energy Systems Academican Evgeni Budevski with BAS, Sofia; Institute Nikola Pushkarov of Agricultural Academy, Sofia; HI-TECH IMS, LTD of the Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technology with BAS; Technical University, Varna; Technical University, Gabrovo; Technical University, Sofia; Thracian University – Stara Zagora and 13 other associated national and international partners in the research family of 5D ALLIANCE!

The main goal of the eight-year long project is the creation of distributed digital research infrastructure with a potential to impact the Danube macro region through advanced interdisciplinary research on intelligent, secure, environmentally-friendly management of interconnected systems and their business applications for achieving a clean and secure environment in the conditions of shared responsibility for sustainable macro regional development.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc wished good luck to the project teams and emphasized that the road to be taken by the research consortium is challenging and unchartered but he believes that with aspiration, innovation, joint knowledge and capacity of all partners a shared research infrastructure, significant for the future of Bulgaria, will be built and will open new horizons for many young researchers and dreamers!

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, vice-rector in research, tel.: 0878822303

18 December 2020, Friday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WAS AWARDED A QUALITY CERTIFICATE IN THE SECTOR „INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION IN HIGHER EDUCATION 

Today, 18 December 2020, during the Annual Valorisation Conference, which is the most solemn annual event of the Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD), the University of Ruse was awarded with a quality certificate in the sector: International Dimension in Higher Education. The event was held online.  

 The Awarding ceremony was officially opened by Mr. Petyo Kunev, Executive Director of CHRD. He presented the achievements of the Erasmus+ Programme and European Solidarity Corps Programme for the past programming period in Bulgaria, and then highlighted some new moments in the future of these programmes.

The University of Ruse was represented by the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, and the Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy – Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD. During the presentation of the Ruse higher school, they pointed out that:

„The cooperation under the project contributed to the implementation of the strategy for internationalization of education and research of the University of Ruse, in which the main priority is expanding the partnership network and the geographical scope of mobility activities  and achieving synergetic effect of these activities through intensifying the cooperation in other activities of mutual interest. The University of Ruse has strengthened its position on a national and an international level. It has enhanced its ability to attract students from abroad, as well as expanded the opportunities to start joint degree programmes with dual diplomas."

For the third time the higher school has received an excellent evaluation for its work in the Erasmus+ programme. The awarded project of the University of Ruse this year is focused on mobilities in countries outside the European Union for the academic 2018/2019. The project is the fourth in a row of this kind. The University of Ruse has bilateral contracts with 73 universities from 23 countries. In the project that was awarded, we have as partners 11 universities from 5 countries outside the EU – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Vietnam, Georgia and China. In the framework of its implementation, a total of 73 mobilities of students and lecturers in both directions were realized, which covered the number shown in the contract. The total satisfaction of the participants – both students and lecturers, can be seen in the surveys and reaches exactly 100%, and the evaluation of the final report by the Erasmus Agency is 97 out of 100 points.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc , Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD., Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0888983334      

18 December 2020, Friday

Team "Motorist" with the University of Ruse was awarded by the National Sector Organisation for Electric mobility

Team "Motorist" with the University of Ruse was awarded a prize in the category "Science and Education", Sector Electric Mobility in Bulgaria for 2019 by the National Sector Organisation for Electric mobility  IKEM – Industrial Cluster  Electric Automobiles.

The prize was conferred to the Head of the Team, Assoc. Prof. Simeon Iliev, PhD by the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc. This prize was to be officially conferred at a special ceremony, but due to the measures imposed for limiting the COVID-19 infection, the event was postponed.

The prize was conferred for the participation of the team in the prestigious Shell Eco-marathon competition, in class Prototypes with an electric drive and the second place for design that the team had won. We would like to remind that teams from all over Europe participated in this competition with their engineering developments. The competition panel conferred the prize for the use of an advanced contemporary approach - CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), in the design of the new prototype DTT 3. Last year, "Motorist" won the prize for design for excellent ergonomics and interior comfort of the electric automobile and the pilot's seat, as well as for the high level of safety of the construction. With its new achievement, the team  continuously confirms  their engineering talent on an international level.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Simenon Iliev, PhD, Head of "Motorist" Team, tel.: 0878 8333922

17 December 2020, Thursday

STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WON AN AWARD IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR DIGITAL ADVENT CALENDAR OF DANUBE NETWORKERS – ULM, GERMANY

Students from the University of Ruse in Industrial Design (Agrarian and Industrial Faculty) and Software Engineering (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education) won the award for group participation in the International competition for digital Advent calendar of Danube Networkers – Ulm, Germany.  

A total of 53 students from Industrial Design wrote 24 greetings and created more than 100 computer drawings (72 of which were selected for the calendar). Lyubomir Stankov, a student in Software Engineering, developed a professional design and programme for the calendar.

The young people participated in the competition with the desire to bring joy with this Christmas calendar to many people, who, despite the Corona virus pandemic want to be merry and happy, expecting the Christmas Season. The calendar can be seen on the internet page of the University of Ruse at: https://www.uni-ruse.bg/christmas-calendar

The students present this calendar to Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse with the wish for health and many happy moments.

"Christmas is not only about presents. It is about spirituality, humanity and compassion.

Keep the magic of Christmas through the New 2021 and create something good and useful every day!"

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

15 December 2020, Tuesday

Opportunities for new initiatives at a university, municipal and regional level were discussed with the Chairperson of Taraklia Region, Moldova 

Today, 15 December (Tuesday) 2020, Mr. Ivan Paslar, Chairperson of Taraklia Region, Moldova, was at a work visit to the University of Ruse. Together with the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beoev, DTSc, they discussed the joint work plan for the new year. Opportunities for new initiatives at a university, municipal and regional level were also discussed.

At the meeting were also present Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atnasova, PhD, Vice – rector in internationalization and communication policy, Prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, Director of International Students directorate and Assoc. prof. Pavel Vitleemov, PhD Head of Management and business development Department.

Assoc. проф. Витлеемов shared his good impressions from the work of the first students from "Grigorii Tsamblak" Taraklia State University, studying in Business Management degree programme. The students are managing very well with the material, added Assoc. prof. Vitleemov. To present, the training is online, but the rector assured Mr. Paslar that as soon as it is possible, the young people will come to Bulgaria.  

In the course of the meeting, the possibilities for starting new degree programmes in various professional fields were discussed as well.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

14 December 2020, Monday

INTERNATIONAL ONLINE COMPETITION FOR THE BEST BUSINESS PLAN

In the course of two days in December, the National online competition for the Best Business Plan was held between student teams – bachelors and masters from the state universities of Moldova. An international panel, consisting of representatives of 4 European Universities - Politechnica, Bucharest, Romania (coordinator of ReSTART project), the University of Ruse, the Technical University, Kosice, Slovakia and University Francophone agency, Bucharest, Romania – evaluated the developments of the top-ten nominated student teams and their mentors.

Lecturers from the Faculty of Business and Management, represented by Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, Svilen Kunev, PhD and Bozhana Stoycheva, PhD (coordinator of ReSTART for Bulgaria) were invited as experts – representatives of the University of Ruse in the international panel for preliminary evaluation of the Business plans developed and ranking of the final participants. The two-day 10-hour marathon was held within the framework of the ReSTART project- „Strengthening the entrepreneurial and digital abilities of students and lecturers in the state universities and modernisation of higher education in R Moldova" (585353-EPP-1-2017-1-RO-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP). The consortium under the ReSTART project involves four European partners from EU-member countries and 5 universities from different regions in Moldova.

Pairs of two young entrepreneurs from 5 universities of Moldova offered one-hour presentations of their ideas: State University „Aleku Ruso" - Balti; Moldova State University, Chisinau; Moldova Economy Academy - Chisinau; Moldova State Agrarian University - Chisinau; State University "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" - Kahul.

All 9 partners under the project participated actively in the   evaluation of the student business ideas. The panel was unanimous on the 10 evaluation criteria and conferred the first place to the project „Respect LtD" of Alexandra Tkachenko and third place to "Cultivation of eco production of lavender oil" of Ana Virlan, both masters from the State Agrarian University – Chisinau, and the second place – Моon Light LtD (the unusual restaurant) of Julia Makarchuk from State University – Balti. 

The three-year RеSTART project that started at the end of 2017, is directed at sustainable increase of entrepreneurial and digital skills of lecturers and students from the 5 largest universities in Moldova. It is based on sharing good practices and expertise from leading European universities in the field of entrepreneurial training: Politechnica, Bucharest, Romania, the University of Ruse, and the Technical University, Kosice, Slovakia.

The work packages of the project involve development of master and bachelor degree programmes in the professional fields „Administration and Management" and „Economy", which are based on strategic partnerships and exchange of experience between the 9 partners. The priority goals of ReSTART are to improve the quality of education and training in Moldova Universities, with an emphasis on the teaching and training tools; methods, pedagogical approaches, based on cooperation through innovative digital education.

             The expertise offered by the University of Ruse team will be needed for the upcoming online training of the Moldova partners, directed to career guidance and development of their entrepreneurial and digital skills.

For more information:

Pr. Assistant Bojana Stoycheva, PhD, bstoycheva@uni-ruse.bg, tel.:082 888715, Management and Business Development Department

11 December 2020, Friday

FOR THE THIRD TIME THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE RECEIVED RECOGNITION FOR ITS WORK ON THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME

The University of Ruse was awarded for a third time for its excellent work on the Erasmus+ programme. The national Erasmus+ Agency informed the management of the higher school in writing that the project for mobility of lecturers and students in countries outside the European Union for 2018/2019 academic year was awarded with a Quality Certificate in the Sector International dimension of higher education.

The award-winning project of the University of Ruse included mobilities to 11 universities from 5 countries outside the European Union – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Vietnam, Georgia and China. During the implementation of the project, 73 mobilities of students and lecturers have been realised.

The prize will be officially awarded to representatives of the University management on 18^th December 2020, during the annual valorization conference, which is the most formal annual event of the Centre for Human Resources Development, in its capacity as a National Agency under the Erasmus+ Programme. The event will be held online.

 The award ceremony for conferring the Quality Certificates  to the organisations, whose work has been awarded for successful completion of projects under the Erasmus+ programme, and the  European Solidarity Corps programme this year will be accompanied by marking the end of the Erasmus+ programme period 2014-2020.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy, 0888983334      

11 December 2020, Friday

FRANCOPHONE INITIATIVES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 150IETH ANNIVERSARY OF FRANCOPHONY ON A GLOBAL SCALE

In the schedule of events dedicated to the 75^th Anniversary of the University of Ruse, a worthy position was occupied by a number of initiatives on the occasion of the 150^th Anniversary of Francophony on a global scale. In the emergency situation, some of these events were held virtually.

Among the most popular ones is the international essay competition in French. For the first time two topics were offered: „My city, my school/ my university, Francophonie and I. (Ma ville, mon école/université, la francophonie et moi) and „Friendship occupies an important place in life" (L'amitié tient une place importante dans la vie).

Traditionally, students from the High School of European languages, where French is one of the options to study, as well as students from Bulgaria and abroad took part in the competition.

A pleasant surprise was the participation of a student from the Vidin Branch of the University of Ruse from the degree programme Pedagogy of teaching Bulgarian and French, and Silistra Branch, which shows that Francophony has spread along the Bulgarian part of the River Danube.

The first place amnion high school students was won by Seldjan Raimova, 12^th grade (on the first topic) and Alexandra Georgieva, q2th grade (on the second topic).

Second place was taken by Rostislava Ruseva, 12^th grade and Martin Stanchev, 12^th grade (on the first topic).

This year again foreign students marked an impressive participation. With her moving essay, Liana Melkonyan from the French University in Erevan, Armenia occupied the first place together with Diana Kirilova, from the Vidin Branch of the University of Ruse, degree programme Bulgarian language and history. Both of them wrote on the topic of friendship. They were followed by Plamena Yankova, Iva Mitkova, Bilhan Doctorova, Svetoslava Mechkova and Daniela Kostadinova, Rumyana Kudrova fropm Silistra Branch, senior students in the degree programme Pedagogy of teaching Bulgarian and French.

Other interesting activities were virtual visits to Paris, acquaintance with catholic customs and traditions for Easter in France, mini-projects and posters on various topics with the students from European and Global studies.

Yet another touch from the Francophone colourful palette was the poems competition. Since they could not recite poems live, the students wrote their own poetry. Bilhan Doktorova and Plamena Yankova from Silistra Branch presented their own works.

Along with the Erasmus students from France at the University of Ruse, the Francophone initiatives of our Alma Mater create a unique atmosphere, favouring other similar performances of students, PhD students and lecturers.

On this respect, of paramount importance is the video address of the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Me. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, published on the w2ebsite of UAF, in which the experience of the University of Ruse in digital education was shared. Thus, the message and good practices shared reached 118 countries and universities, which are members of this international organisation. This presence is an extremely important dimension of the rich international involvement of the Ruse Alma Mater.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atasnasova, PhD, vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0887047069

9 December 2020, Wednesday

THE RECTOR OF THE KAZAKH NATIONAL AGRARIAN RESEARCH UNIVERSITY SENT A LETTER OF GRATITUDE TO THE RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, 9 December (Wednesday), 2020, Prof. Tlektes Espolov, Rector of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, sent a letter of gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, on the occasion of the support given in the organisation of the Fifth international agro-technological summit on the topic: „Innovative development of Agrarian and Industrial Complexes in the conditions of globalisation of the economy", dedicated to the 90^th Anniversary of KAZNAU.

The letter reads:

"On 3th and 4^th December the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University held online the Fifth international agro-technological summit on the topic: „Innovative development of Agrarian and Industrial Complexes in the conditions of globalisation of the economy", dedicated to the 90^th Anniversary of KAZNAU .

In the conference sessions took part 258 presenters from 55 countries, the USA, Europe and Asia-Pacific region.

……….

More than 2000 people took part in the summit meeting. A resolution and recommendations were voted at the end, which will be sent to all participants and published on the University website.

This format has become the best dialogue form for close integration between the agrarian science, education and industry.

Thank you for your greetings on our Anniversary and the support you have lended in the organisation of this event!

We wish you health, well-being and creative achevements!

Yours faithfully,

Prof. Espolov – Chairperson of the Organisation Committee and Rector

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

9 December 2020, Wednesday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATES IN BUILDING OF INNOVATIVE LABORATORIES IN ASIAN UNIVERSITIES FROM THREE COUNTRIES

Lecturers' teams from the Departments of Telecommunications and Automation and Mechatronics with the University of Ruse start work on the project ASEAN FACTORI 4.0. Partners in the project are three European higher schools – the University of Ruse and two French universities (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université Grenoble Alpes). In the partner consortium are also included seven Asian Universities – two from Thailand (Chulalongkorn University and Mae Fah Luang University), 3 from Laos (National University of Laos, Savannakhet University and University of Health Sciences), as well as two higher schools from Cambodia (Royal University of Phnom Penh and Institute оf Technology of Cambodia). The project duration is three years.

The main goal of the project is modernisation of higher education and introducing education in the field of industrial automation in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, whose educational systems lag behind in this field. The implementation of the objectives is planned to be fulfilled through an innovative approach in training of students, lecturers and business specialists, through developing a set of practical laboratories and building a distribution centre of excellence.

In partnership with the French universities, the lecturers from the University of Ruse will participate in creating innovative study laboratories in industrial manufacturing controllers and a training centre of excellence, which will be built as a distributed infrastructure with the seven Asian universities.

The European higher schools will be leading in the design and building the laboratories and the centre of excellence, as well as in the development of training materials.

In the first training phase, an intensive course for the lecturers from the Asian universities is planned in the laboratories of the universities in Bulgaria and France. In the second phase, the lecturers trained will hold training courses in the newly built laboratories and centre of excellence for both local lecturers and specialists from businesses. Each European university will lead the development of 5 projects for the utilisation of the new laboratories, where interns from the Asian universities will participate. Training seminars for more than 450 students from the Asian Universities will also be conducted.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Nina Bencheva, tel.: +359 88 7746257

8 December 2020, Tuesday

A SEMINAR WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE FOR DISCUSSING THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION BUSINESS - UNIVERSITY

Today, 8 December (Tuesday) 2020, an online work meeting was held between a research team from the University of Ruse and a representative of business – Mr. Sasho Iliev (Redko, LtD). The seminar was on the topic „Discussing the possibilities of HEInnovate platform to encourage the exchange of knowledge and cooperation between the business and the university". The aim of the event, organised under the „BeyondScale"Project is to explore possibilities for maintaining sustainable cooperation, supported by the Research sector of the University of Ruse.

The seminar was officially opened by the Recror, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, who greeted the participants with the Day of Students – 8^th December. After that Prof. Beloev reminded the fact that the University of Ruse is part of the European Commission's initiative for encouraging entrepreneurial universities in Europe (HEInnovate) ever since 2013. The whole academic community is particularly proud to have organised and hosted in 2018 the international conference „HEInnovate – Institutional Change in Higher Education", emphasized Pprof. Beloev. He explained that the forum was part of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of Europe initiatives and added that the new area of digital transformation (the eighth dimension of entrepreneurial activity) was launched at this conference. This is the area where the Ruse Alma Mater has a leading role in Bulgaria and Europe.

During the seminar, the representatives of the research team and the business discussed the opportunities for knowledge transfer, taking into account the interests of and benefits for all stakeholders.

Creating the „BeyondScale" network is the result of active interaction between the European Commission and partner organisations participating in the field „Innovations in Higher Education" (HEInnovate). The goal of the project consortium is to develop good practices and to present them to national and local institutions. The University of Ruse is the only active participant in the network from Eastern Europe.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc , Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

7 December 2020, Monday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE STARTS WORK ON A SOCIALLY ENGAGED INTERNATIONAL PROJECT

The University of Ruse starts a socially engaged international project in strategic partnership with organisations from Italy, Great Britain, France, Spain and Portugal. Financed under the Erasmus + project, the project „ComEnter&RC – Community businesses and responsible citizenship for youth and women aims at providing support for acquiring skills, needed in the struggle against depopulation and poverty in the remote regions, through establishing community businesses.

Community businesses are a relatively new social and economic category of subjects for Bulgaria, which rely on the production of benefits for the community through involving citizens in the planning, production, financing and operation of the activities. The project aims at improving the   employability of young people and women and addressing the shared local needs.

In the three-year period for implementing the „ComEnter&RC"two intellectual products will be developed. The first includes tools for starting a community business, incl. a competency profile of the entrepreneurs and a self-evaluation tool, a training programme for developing key competencies for starting up a community business, a business model canvass and a business plan. The university of Ruse team is responsible for the development of the second intellectual product – a web-based portal for starting a community business, which will facilitate the access of ambitious entrepreneurs from the community to the tools created within the framework of the project.

Through the „ComEnter&RC" project the skills for full participation in society and the entrepreneurial competencies of the target groups for creating community businesses will be stimulated. In addition, with the help of the tools developed, positive external effects will be generated, both in terms of the integration of people in difficulty and in terms of job creation and sustainable development.

For more information:

Prof. Mihail Iliev, PhD, tel.: +359 88 7544257

4 December 2020, Friday

TRAINING SEMINAR UNDER THE PROJECT BOOSTING INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATION AND RESEARCH IN PALESTINE IN THE FIELD OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE (BENEFIT)

In November, an online training was organised under the project Boosting innovations in education and research in Palestine in the field of precision agriculture (BENEFIT). The European partners under the project were the trainers, and the Palestinian partners – the learners. The total number of participants exceeded 50.

The University of Ruse hosted the event. The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc opened the seminar with a greeting to the participants. The hosts were represented by Prof. Nikolay Mihajlow PhD (Team leader), Assoc. prof. Tsvetelina Georgieva, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD, Assoc. prof. Atanas Atanasov, PhD, pr. Assistant Seher Kadirova, PhD and Pr. Assistant Tsvetelin Georgiev, PhD. The main topic of the first session was focused on synchronous online teaching. At the end of each day, the participants had individual tasks.

The next day, during the seminar the principles of developing syllabi for higher education, compliant with the requirements of the Bologna process and the European System for Credit Transfer (ECTS) were discussed. Moderators of the sessions were the partners from the University of Patra, Greece. Pr. Assistant Tsveteling Georgiev, PhD from the University of Ruse presented audit procedures and accreditation standards. They were illustrated with video materials, demonstrating how they were held at the University of Ruse.

The programme also included a training on developing educational courses on Moodle, with Assoc. prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD as a moderator. The Greek partners were the trainers.

During the seminar, the online training, working tools, instructions for developing educational documentation (Terms of References), etc. The Palestinian participants were train to use Camtasia software for preparing study materials.

On the last day from the training module, the Palestinian lecturers presented their course projects to all the participants through presentations and discussions. The seminar ended with evaluation of the activities held by all – learners and trainers.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

30 November 2020, Monday

"SCIENCE IS MAGICAL AND EXCITING"- DEMONSTRATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL CLUBS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

On 28 November, the European Researchers' Night at the University of Ruse was finalised with the event "SCIENCE IS MAGICAL AND EXCITING", where three professional clubs with the University of Ruse made demonstrations of their work - „Four Wheels" Club, led by Dimitar Grozev, PhD, HydRU Club lwd by Assoc. prof. Ivan Beloev, PhD and the Club with the Telecommunications department led by the creative team of Assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov, PhD, Assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev, PhD and Diana Kinaneva, PhD. The audience saw the impressive achievements of the professional clubs of the University in videos. These clubs demonstrate the connection between science and practice and function as creative labs, where students and PhD students prepare for their successful realisation.

All events in the programme of the European Researchers' Night 2020 at the University of Ruse went under the motto "Science Transforms Life". They proved yet again that during its 74 years, the University of Ruse has been developing as a strong, innovative university, whose scientific achievements measure the pulse of time and meet the requirements of practice on a national and international scale.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0888983334

Prof. Juliana Popova PhD, Coordinator in interinstitutional communication, 0887899654

30 November 2020, Monday

ACADEMY OF HIDDEN TALENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE "RESEARCHERS ON THE VIRTUAL STAGE"

The events in the Programme of the European Researchers' Night culminated in this year's edition of the Academy of hidden talents at the University of Ruse "Researchers on the virtual stage". The event aroused great interest with more than 50 participants and attendants. The virtual start was given by the Vice -rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, and the Assembly General's Chairperson, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD wished the participants success in their performance and the audience – positive emotions. The moderator of the event, Assoc. prof. Mira Dushkova contributed to the high emotional impact of the event with her comments and the quotations of world-famous researchers before each performance. She has also prepared the scenario, which alternated impressive presentations, music video shots and original poetic performances, prepared especially for the Researchers' Night.

Veterans in the Researchers' Night at the University of Ruse gave a start: Prof. Stepan Terziyan, DMSc presented his own photographs on the topic Clocks and Astronomy, while Prof. Angel Smrikarov, PhD made an original poetic retrospection of the Researchers' Night at the University of Ruse. He demonstrated that the researcher can be excited not only by his research quests, but also by capturing the beauty of Nature and expressing it in photographs and poems. Two more presentations impressed the audience: that of Diana Georgieva, presenting her paintings, integrated in a colourful extravaganza of digital forms with musical background, and that of Nikolay Kovachev, PhD – with stunning photographs he has taken of known and not so popular nooks of the unique Bulgarian Nature. The presentation of Assoc. prof. Aneliya Manukova, PhD of more than 200 keyholders, collected by her family in the course of more than 15 years showed that the researchers at the University of Ruse can turn a hobby into art.

The poetic part of the Academy of hidden talents 2020 at the University of Ruse included the recitals of Miglena Tsvetkova, a student in the Master degree course in Bulgarian studies and modern education, honorary assoc. prof. Zhivodar Dushkov and Assoc. prof. Mira Dushkova. The three poets touched the hearts of the audience with their intimate poetic insights, and Miglena Tsvetkova inspired all with two of her poems, one dedicated to the 70^th Anniversary of the University of Ruse and the other – to the 75^th Anniversary.

The musical part of the Academy created high emotions among the spectators. Ivaylo Nikolaev, PhD shone with the unusual combination of classical and rock piano performance. Petya Stefanova, Ph presented a moving concert performance on the flute and the Tabula Raza rock group of the University of Ruse with Dimitar Grozev, PhD, Maya Grozeva, PhD, Sergey Kalinkov, PhD and Nina Tagarova, PhD. It must be noted that the creation of the group was inspired by the Researchers' Night at the University of Ruse and for the time of its existence since 2017, it has managed to win the hearts of all representatives of the academic community at the University and beyond.

An interesting detail was that the applause in the Academy of hidden talents was expressed in the Publuc chat of the virtual hall, where a lot of praise and delight were shared.

The culmination and finale of the Academy was the video presented by Miglena Velikova, PhD dubbed The Seven Wonders of Bulgaria, presenting the seven Bulgarian folk regions and filmed in front of the Municipality building in the centre of Ruse with the participation of the folk dancing group Harmonia with the University of Ruse. The video was also meant to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the dancing group, since the concert and celebrations of this event were postponed due to the pandemic.

Although virtual, the Academy of hidden talents at the University of Ruse showed that researchers create not only science but are also inspired by every particle of beauty, which makes our life fuller and more charming in its various incarnations.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0888983334

Prof. Juliana Popova PhD, Coordinator in interinstitutional communication, 0887899654

30 November 2020, Monday

STUDIO OF YOUNG TALENTS – RESEARCHER FOR A DAY

One of the events in the European Researchers' Night schedule was the Studio of young talents – researcher for a day addressing the high school students from Ruse and the region.

The initiative attracted more than 110 participants in the virtual space of the University of Ruse. Assoc. prof. Anelia Manukova, PhD – Vice Chairperson of the Assembly General, took the students from "BabaTonka" High School of Mathematics, Ruse, The High School of European Languages, Ruse, Professional High School of Electrical Equipment and Electronics, Ruse, as well as students and guests to the city along the steps of a successful research career and the opportunities for realization of scientists in real practice.

Guests of the Studio of Young Talents were two extremely successful alumni of the University of Ruse: Georgi Gospodinov MEng and Kamen Krastev, PhD Eng, who have walked the path of academic development from Bachelor to PhD level and have found a promising professional realization in companies from the sector of electronics and information technologies, recognized internationally – BHTC BULGARIA LTD and SIVIKO LTD. The two young researchers presented to the students online their professional career and noted that now, more than ever, real practice needs to be connected to science and innovations, generated in the universities and research institutes.

The European Researchers' Night schedule continued with popular science documentaries. Four films were shown, demonstrating the role of research for unveiling the secrets of Nature and human genius: the film "Cosmos"of the director Carl Sagan and фthree films of the series of National Geographic: Latest secrets from Nasca, Planet of Disasters and Time Machine: Pyramids. More than 30 visitors attended the virtual cinema of the University of Ruse.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0888983334

Prof. Juliana Popova PhD, Coordinator in interinstitutional communication, 0887899654

30 November 2020, Monday

A DISCUSSION CLUB ON THE TOPIC SCIENCE - GETTING CLOSER TO LIFE AND SOCIETY WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF PROF. NIKOLAY VITANOV, DMSC FROM THE INSTITUTE OF MECHANICS WITH BAS AND PROF. IVANKA MAVRODIEVA, DFSC FROM SOFIA UNIVERSITY

The Programme European Researcher's Night 2020 at the University of Ruse was held on 27-28^th November and enjoyed an increased interest of the academic community and the citizens of Ruse. The reason for the wide public response is rooted both in the event selection and their predominantly virtual format, providing the opportunity for remote access in real time.

After the opening of the European Researchers' night by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc in the central lobby of the Main building, where the prize winners were awarded and the exhibition 75 Years of Science at the University of Ruse was opened, all the other events were online.

At 10:30 a.m. the discussion club on the topic Science - getting closer to life and society started with over 40 participants. Prof. Nikolay Vitanov, DMSc from the Institute of Mechanics with BAS and Prof. Ivanka Mavrodieva, DFSc from Sofia University participated in the discussion.

Prof. Vitanov is a member of the National Operative Task Force for COVID 19 pandemic and is engaged in making prognostic mathematical models for its development.

 Prof. Mavrodieva is an Editor-in-Chief of Rethorics and Communication journal and has developed a serious expertise in studying the media behavior of celebrities from public life.

The discussion was moderated by the current and the former vice-rectors in Internationalisation and communication policy, Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova and Prof. Juliana Popova. The two renowned guests developed the thesis that researchers have always been among those on the front line and this is particularly well-justified in times of global pandemic, when all the world is looking at them with hope that they will find solutions to the global problems. The two famous researchers were unanimous in their opinion that the scientists should promote their work to society more often. They should get rid of the excessive modesty, so inherent to men of science and communicate their achievements to the public in a plain and accessible language. All participants in the discussion agreed that Bulgarian science badly needs additional funding for facilities and lab research, in order for the potential of Bulgarian researchers to be realised and on a par with global research develpments.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD Vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0888983334

Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD, coordinator of interinstitutional communication, tel.: 0887899654

27 November 2020, Friday

EUROPEAN SCIENTISTS NIGHT 2020 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

STARTED WITH AWARDING CEREMONY

Today, 27 November 2020, at the University of Ruse was given the start of the events organised in the framework of Scientists Night – K-Trio 4, a project financed by the Horizon 2020 Programme. This year all initiatives are held under the slogan „Science transforms life".

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc declared the start of the series of events dedicated to the Scientists Night. Except for the opening, all other events are in an online format.

Part of the opening ceremony was the awarding of prizes in the competition„Science transforms life". There were two categories, an essay and a photograph on the slogan of the event. The participants were high school and university students from all over the country.

After the awarding ceremony, the Library Director, Ms. Nedeva, presented the exhibition of old university editions by the rectors of the University of Ruse. She informed the audience that today the library has about 460 000 volumes, some of which as old as the University itself.

The University of Ruse has been organising the European Scientists Night ever since the first edition in 2006 and in the last few years , it has become part of the  K-Trio 4 consortium of universities and research institutes, initiating this event in 6 Bulgarian cities – Burgas, Varna, Plovdiv. Ruse, Sofia and Stara Zagora.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

26 November 2020, Thursday

OPENING OF THE 16^TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

„SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE –AGRICULTURE OF THE FUTURE", CRAIOVA, ROMANIA

Today, 26 November 2020, the 16^th annual Symposium „Sustainable Agriculture –Agriculture of the Future", Craiova, Romania, which is being held online, was officially opened. The University of Ruse is one of the organisers of the forum, together with the Ministry of Education and Science of Romania, Craiova University, The State Agrarian University in Moldova, the National Institute for Research and Development of Machinery and Installations for the Agriculture and Food Industry – Bucharest.

The forum was officially opened by the advisor to the Minister of Education and Science, Romania, the Rector of the University of Ruse – Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the Vice-rector and the Dean of the Agrarian faculty of Craiova University.

In his welcome address, Prof. Beloev wished success to all participants in the forum and noted that: „Today, when humanity is experiencing unrest in different parts of the planet and in almost all sectors, the topic of sustainable agriculture is extremely relevant and important. The accurate and timely solutions to global problems and coming out of heavy crises will not be possible without referring to the problems in the agrarian sector".

During the forum – over 150 papers will be presented by participants from different countries.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

20 November 2020, Friday

LECTURERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATED IN AN ONLINE TRAINING OF STUDENTS FROM MEXICO

In November, 2020, the lecturers assoc. prof. Lyudmila Mihailova, PhD and assoc. prof. Emil Papazov, PhD from the Department of Management and Business Development with the Faculty of Business and Management participated in an online training, held with students from CETYS, Mexico.  The training was part of the global programme with a series of lectures: International leadership in a world, full of challenges.

The joint lecture of the two associate professors from the University of Ruse was dedicated to the changes in the strategic orientation of companies under the pressure of crisis phenomena. Over 60 students and lecturers took part in the webinar.

For more information: assoc. prof. Lyudmila Mihailova, Department of Management and Business Development, tel.: 089 8281045

20 November 2020, Friday

THE 7 TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING (EE&AE) HAS COME TO A SUCCESSFUL END (EE&AE 2020)

In the period 12-14 November 2020 the 7 th International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Agricultural Engineering (EE&AE) was held, with IEEE being the technical sponsor of the event for the first time. The Conference was dedicated to the 75^th Anniversary of the University of Ruse, and due to the complicated epidemiologic situation, it was conducted in a hybrid form – in attendance and virtually, via a video conferencing in Zoom.

Assoc. prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD opened the conference, and the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the Chairperson of the Bulgarian section of IEEE – Assoc. prof. Kiril Aleksiev, PhD greeted the participants.

During the Plenary session, with Assoc. prof. Irena Valova, PhD as a moderator, the results from research in the field of renewable energy sources and precision agriculture were presented. The plenary speakers were: Gilles Notton, PhD - University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, France, Gabriela Cîrciumaru, PhD - National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA Bucharest, Romania, Assoc. Prof. Radosveta Sokullu, PhD - Ege University, Turkey and Assoc. Prof. Ludmil Stoyanov, PhD Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria.

There were several types of presentations during the conference:

• During three hybrid sessions the results from 21 studies were presented. Some of the participants were in attendance in the lecture hall, while others participated via Zoom;
• 52 papers were presented as posters during two poster sessions in attendance;
• 71 papers were presented online during 6 virtual poster sessions, via separate Zoom channels for each presenter.

The sum total of the papers presented is 147, and the authors come from 12 countries – Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, France, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Finland, Cyprus and Lithuania. Participants from all technical and agrarian universities in Bulgaria, as well as from the Bulgarian academy of science participated in the conference.

The conference Energy Efficiency & Agricultural Engineering 2020 has been realized with the support and active participation of lecturers from the Departments of Electronics, of Power Supply and Equipment, and of Commputer Systems and Technologies, and of Automatics and Mechatronics.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD, Head of NRS, University of Ruse, tel.: +359 887 499 934

17 November 2020, Tuesday

ONLINE AND VIDEO CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 75^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

On the day of the celebrations dedicated to the 75^th Anniversary of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", 12^th November, 2020, the academic management, represented by the rector – Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the Chairperson of the Assembly General – Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, and the vice – rectors Prof. Kangalov, PhD, Prof. Antonova, PhD,  Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD and Prof. Daskalov, PhD, received congratulations in an unusual way, imposed by the emergency epidemiological situation in the country. Through the virtual online platform BigBlueButton, partners and friends of the University extended their greetings and expressed their satisfaction from the collaboration so far and their desire for further joint research, training and exchange of lecturers, students and PhD students.

Prof. Sladkovski from the Silesian University of Technology in Katowice, Poland extended his personal greetings and shared a video address of the Rector, Prof Mezyk, DTSc.  The Kazakh National Agrarian University (KAZNAU) was represented by the vice-rector of International relations, Prof. Alikanov and Prof. Muzaferovich from the Engineering faculty, who congratulated the University of Ruse on the occasion of its anniversary on behalf of the Rector of Kaznau, academician Yespolov. Academician Keshuov, the Chairperson of the Research and Production Centre of Agricultural Engineering sent a video address. With words full of respect and greetings, Academician Bulgakov from Kiev, Ukraine addressed the management in the online platform. From Romania, we heard Assoc. prof. Marinesku – vice rector in International relations of Danubius University.

The attested respect by the partners of the University of Ruse was a cause of pride and joy. 

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

13 November 2020, Friday

THE ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE IN RUSE WAS HELD ONLINE WITH AN INCREASED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

In the days when the University of Ruse marked its 75^th Anniversary, on 12 and 13^th Nove,ber, 2020, in Ruse, the 59^th annual international scientific conference, organised jointly by the Union of Scientists – Ruse and the University of Ruse. The theme of the conference has been sustainable for the last three years: „New industries, digital economy, society – Forecasts for the future" - III. The programme of the scientific forum, which was also held  in the Branches of the University in Silistra (16.10.2020) and Razgrad (6-7.11.2020) attracted scientists from 76 universities and scientific organisations from 15 countries (Belarus, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Moldova, Poland, Romania, NR Macedonia, R of Croatia, Turkey, Ukraine, and France), who participated with 390 reports, abstracts and research results.

For the first time, renowned scientists from France, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria participated with plenary papers in the parallel scientific event - 7 th International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Agricultural Engineering (EE&AE):Gilles Notton, PhD - University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, France, Senior researcher Tilos; Gabriela Cîrciumaru, PhD - National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA Bucharest, Romania, Senior researcher, Head of the Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency; Assoc. Prof. Radosveta Sokullu, PhD - Ege University, Turkey Head of the Telecommunications Branch IoT in Agriculture and Assoc. Prof. Ludmil Stoyanov, PhD Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, Vice-dean of R&D and International Cooperation, French Faculty of Electrical Engineering Application of Renewable Energy Sources for Irrigation Power Supply in Bulgaria.

In 31 sessions of 24 sections in Ruse (320 research papers), the authors discussed their views in all scientific areas and professional fields in which the University provides education and research. The research papers and discussions will certainly contribute to deepening the understanding, related to different aspects of the regional economic transformation, based on implementing innovative strategies and approaches to new industries, digital economy, society and its relations to the business environment and quality of life.

Following a double anonymous review, works with a significant contribution will be offered for publication in journals with impact factor and thematic journals distributed in many libraries in Bulgaria and abroad and registered in NACID and COBIS. All the remaining papers, which have successfully passed international double reviewing will be published in the respective volume of Proceedings of the University of Ruse, included in the international database ISSN.

For more information:

Vice-rector on research: Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, tel.: 0878822303

9 November 2020, Monday

Young Scientist from the University of Ruse awarded with DAUBIUS prize

Diana Kinaneva, PhD an assistant in the Department of Telecommunications with the University of Ruse is the Bulgarian bearer of the award "Young Scientist" of the Austrian Ministry of Science, Research and Economy and the Institute for the Danube region and Central Europe. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the official ceremony did not take place face-to-face. The bearers of the DANUBIUS prize met virtually on 6th November.

Each of the 13 countries from the Danube region has nominated their representatives.  Among the criteria to be met by the nominees are: to have a OHD thesis defended within the last 5 years; to have demonstrated an innovative approach to academic work and achievements; their publications to be related to the problems of the Danube region.

During her presentation, Doctor Diana Kinaneva shared with the audience her belief that her research is closely related to the Danube region and the people who live there. As an example, she presented one of her spheres of research – telecommunication networks. „Every person, uses communication networks everywhere and in every form. The networks improve the way people are working, studying and having fun (especially during quarantine)", explained Dr. Kinaneva. Other areas where she does research are artificial intelligence and 3D technologies.

For more information:

Ass. Diana Kinaneva, PhD dkyuchukova@uni-ruse.bg

Assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov, PhD, Head of Telecommunications Department, tel.:00 359 882000206

5 November 2020, Thursday

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Bulgaria and the Rector of the University of Ruse held an online working meeting

Today, 5 November (Thursday) 2020, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates His Excellency Sultan bin Rashid Sultan Al Kitub Al-Nuaymi, and the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc held a working meeting. The discussion was conducted online in the electronic platform of the University of Ruse BigBlueButton. The advisor in the UAE Embassy, Mr. Mohamed el Bakari and Prof. Krasimir Martev, director of International Students Directorate with the University of Ruse. 

At the beginning of the meeting, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc reminded about the fruitful visits of diplomats from the Embassy to the university and the traditionally warm relations maintained between the two institutions. The Rector also noted that some ambassadors in Bulgaria are studying at or have already obtained their Master degrees from the University of Ruse. Prof. Beloev shared the information that cooperation with universities from UAE have already been initiated with the purpose of exchanging specialists and experience.

His Excellency Sultan bin Rashid Sultan Al Kitub Al-Nuaymi  congratulated Prof. Beloev on his election as an academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine just a few days ago. He expressed his gratitude for the successful long-standing cooperation with the management of the University of Ruse and his desire for the joint initiatives to increase. His Excellency Sultan bin Rashid Sultan Al Kitub Al-Nuaymi   also extended cordial greetings on the occasion of the 75^th Anniversary of the University of Ruse.

At the end of the meeting, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and His Excellency Sultan bin Rashid Sultan Al Kitub Al-Nuaymi expressed their hopes for the chance to meet in person soon and discuss the details of future joint initiatives.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

27 October 2020, Tuesday

COR. MEM. PROF. HRISTO BELOEV DTSC HAS BEEN ELECTED AS AN ACADEMICIAN OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF AGRARIAN SCIENCES OF THE UKRAINE

COR. MEM. Prof. HRISTO BELOEV DTSC has been elected as an academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of  Ukraine, as a foreign member of the Academy and as a scientist with outstanding contribution to the development of the agrarian science, with proven high scientific achievements and active, efficient work with research teams from Ukraine.

This is a high award and recognition for the overall scientific activity of Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, as well as a recognition for the scientific potential of the University of Ruse.

The procedure held by the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine is long and heavy, lasting almost a year, with terms described in its Statute and Regulations.

At the end of 2019, the Academy declared the vacant positions for academicians and corresponding members from the country and abroad in its Departments. In the Department of Agriculture, Reclamation and Mechanisation of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences only one vacancy was announced for a foreign member of the Academy – for Academician.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc was nominated unanimously by a secret ballot by the Scientific Council of the National Research Centre – Institute of Mechanisation and Electrification of Agriculture in Kiev, Ukraine and by a group of academicians from the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine.

The proposal is accompanied by documents that were required a year ago from Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc: a professional CV; lists of scientific publications, citations, patents, author's certificates; participation in editorial boards of scientific journals; prizes and distinctions awarded; information about the most significant achievements; participation in projects; joint projects implemented with research teams from Ukraine; scientific publications, books and monographs co-authored by Ukrainian scientists; contributions to the development of engineering and agrarian sciences, etc.

The documents were submitted in the Presidium of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences by the nominators and sent for reviewing to the Assembly General of the Department of Agriculture, Reclamation and Mechanisation of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. A nomination committee has been appointed to review the documents. They approved the whole documentation and submitted it for conducting the procedure.

By a secret ballot and absolute majority, the Department of Agriculture, Reclamation and Mechanisation of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, composed of 42 members – 12 academicians and 30 corresponding members, voted and accepted the proposal, then sent the documents to the Presidium of the Academy, to be voted by the Assembly General of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

A few days ago, the Assembly General of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine, composed of 96 academicians and 102 corresponding members, by a secret ballot and absolute majority, elected Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc as an academician – foreign member of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine.

In the near future, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc will receive his Diploma from the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

This new outstanding recognition comes after another similar recognition from the beginning of October, when Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc was awarded with the prestigious annual award of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences "For exceptional achievements in the field of the agrarian science".

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

16 October 2020, Friday

COR. MEM. PROF. HRISTO BELOEV, DTSc WAS AWARDED BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF AGRARIAN SCIENCES OF UKRAINE

At a meeting of the National Academy for Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, after a secret ballot and in a serious competition, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc was awarded the annual award of the Academy.

The Decision of the Presidium of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine is that the award is conferred "For outstanding achievements in the field of agrarian science". The same award was given to Academician Vladimir Bulgakov and Academician Valerii Adamchuk from Kiev, with whom Cor. Mem. Prof. Beloev has been collaborating, as well as dozens of fundamental research publications.

The award comes with a diploma, Academy badge and cash prize.

For more information:

Cor. Mem.  Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

15 October 2020, Thursday

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE THROUGH HEINNOVATE TOOL

For 75 years The University of Ruse has been developing innovative and entrepreneurial approaches in education, research and interaction with stakeholders. Fulfilling this mission, the University has acted as a catalyzer of social development and has contributed significantly not only to the positive economic and social change in the regions adjacent to it, but also to the transformation of the public environment in Northern Bulgaria. Acknowledging its role as a socially responsible institution, as well as the responsibility of the Governing Boards of Rectors, Faculties, Branches, Departments, Directorates and Centres, the University of Ruse initiated a survey on the HEInnovate tool in September and October 2020.

HEInnovate is a tool for self-evaluation of higher schools, which are willing to investigate their innovative/entrepreneurial potential. It was launched in 2013 by the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. It is aimed at identification, prioritizing and planning of activities in eight key areas: governance and management; organisational capacity: financing, people and stimuli; teaching and training in entrepreneurship; training and support of entrepreneurs; digital transformation and capacity; exchange of knowledge and cooperation; internationalised higher school; measuring of impact.

The inclusion of the eighth key area, related to digital transformation is connected to the University of Ruse and the international conference Institutional change in higher education in Europe – a forum co-organised by the European Commission, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) and the University of Ruse, in the framework of the Bulgarian Presidency of the European Council, and held in June 2018 in our Alma Mater.

The HEInnovate tool also diagnoses areas of strengths and weaknesses, opens discussions and debates concerning the innovative nature of higher schools and allows comparisons and development in time.

   The University of Ruse participated for the first time in a survey with the HEInnovate tool in 2014, as one of five pilot higher schools in Bulgaria, identified by MES and its Directorate of Higher Education. Observers of the survey were representatives of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development with the UN, and their evaluation report presented positive findings about the entrepreneurial potential of the University.

Further through the years, representatives of the University of Ruse have participated as experts and presented papers in 15 forums of HEInnovate, оrganised by the European Commission in Brussels, Swansea, Sofia, Dundalk, Bucharest and others.

Under HEInnovate in 2019 started the BeyondScale project, in which the University of Ruse is the only partner from Eastern Europe in the consortium of universities and organisations from Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal. The academic community of Ruse was particularly invited to participate by the European Commission, and the project aims at creating good practices, through which other universities could enhance the entrepreneurial spirit of their academic community on the basis of the HEInnovate tool.

Ninety representatives of the governing bodies of the University of Ruse took part in the new HEInnovate survey in September and October 2020. The results from the survey show the following:

1/ The academic staff surveyed gives HIGH RATING of the achievements of the University of Ruse in each of the eight areas of HEInnovate. The high self-evaluation reflects the good expertise of the academic community to participate in initiatives (local, national and international), which call for high quality and sharing of experience with other partners.

2/ The academic staff surveyed SEES OPPORTUNITIES for further development of the University of Ruse in each of the seven areas of HEInnovate. The critical thinking reflected in the results shows the desire of leaders at all levels for sustainable progress, increasing the benefits of the university academic activities and entering new creative areas on the basis of internal cooperation and partnership with other organisations.

The subjective opinions expressed in the survey of HEInnovate give rise to a number of actions undertaken by the academic management of the University of Ruse for more active work aim at modernization of the university academic activities.

In October 2020, instructed by an expert from the University of Ruse, the whole academic management of Shumen University filled in the self-evaluation survey of HEInnovate. In this way, the University of Ruse supports the efforts of the European Commission and the Ministry of Education and Science to modernize as many universities as possible, which have a critical mass of enterprising academics.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

14 October 2020, Wednesday

IN A TELEPHONE CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE PRIME MINISTERS OF BULGARIA AND MOLDOVA THE ISSUE OF TRANSFORMING TARAKLIYA STATE UNIVERSITY INTO A BRANCH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

The Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has expressed his willingness to continue the collaboration for improving the welfare of the Bulgarian community in Moldova. According to him, a good opportunity in this direction is the transformation of Tarakliya State University "Grigorii Tsamblak" into a Branch of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", which would have a long-term positive effect. (Източник: Blitz.bg)

On 29^th September 2020 the training of the first Moldovan students of the University of Ruse in Business Management degree programme started. 26 young people attend online lectures through the BigBlueButton platform of the University of Ruse. Their training will use mixed environment – face-to-face and online, depending on the international anti-epidemic measures.

This semester the young people will be trained in six disciplines: Fundamentals of Public Law; English; Fundamentals of Private Law; Fundamentals of Public Administration; Bulgarian Language.

The lecturers share that the level of Bulgarian spoken by the student is very good and they have the technical skills needed for online training. They are diligent and actively participate in the discussions on the topics studied.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

12 October 2020, Monday

ENHANCING COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE AND THE THRACIAN UNIVERSITY IN EDIRNE TURKEY

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and a working team from the University of Ruse conducted a number of meetings in the Thracian University in Edirne, Turkey.

During the meeting with the Rector – Prof.Erhan Tabacogly, PhD, vice-rector in International Relations - Prof. Murat Türkılmaz, PhD and the Erasmus coordinator – Ilkay Kaleli, PhD, the opportunities for enhancing the cooperation and working on new joint initiatives were discussed. Information on the organisation of the study process in the conditions of COVID'19 in the two universities was exchanged.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and Prof. Murat Türkılmaz, PhD signed a Memorandum for Cooperation for the period 2020-2025 between the two universities.

The hosts organised a visit to the Technopark of the Thracian University, which functions in close cooperation with international and local business organisations in Turkey.

During the visit, a meeting with representatives of the Engineering Faculty of the Thracian University, was held. The Dean. Prof. Yilmaz Chan, PhD presented the structure of the Faculty and the projects they are working on. The vice-dean of the faculty, the Erasmus coordinator and the heads of Computer Engineering and Electrical Machinery and Electronics Department were also present at the meeting.

For their part, the representatives of the higher school in Ruse acquainted the hosts with the university structure and the activities at present. There was an exchange of experience in online student learning. Opportunities for joint activities in national and international programmes were discussed as well.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

9 October 2020 , Friday

Students from the Occupational Therapy degree programme of the University of Ruse participated in two international distance learning modules

Students from the Occupational Therapy degree programme of the University of Ruse participated in two international distance learning modules Family Occupations through Generations and OT Goes Public. The modules have been developed under the project COPILOT - Cooperative Online Peer-assisted and Intercultural Learning in Occupational Therapy, in which the University of Ruse is a partner with the Lulea University of Technology in Sweden and the applied sciences universities JOANNEUM (Austria), HOWEST (Belgium), ZUYD (the Netherlands) and ZHAW (Switzerland). It draws on the experience gained over the years from the module  „International case comparison@home", initiated in 2011 by three higher schools from the Netherlands (HAN), Belgium (HOWEST) and Austria (FHJ). International case comparisons (ICC@Home) have been held regularly in the course of 11 years with the participation of over 330 students, 9 of which are from the University of Ruse.

Since 2018, the COPILOT project has been funded by Erasmus+ Programme for a period of 30 months. The main products under the project are a metamodel for online intercultural education, integrated in the syllabus; a set of innovative and accessible distance modules  and a collection of online educational resources. The manuals of 7 modules have been completed, with 6 of them copiloted in the autumn of 2019 and spring of 2020, and two have been in the process of piloting since 21 September. The model is transferable in other degree programmes in the field of health care.

In the module Family Occupations through Generations participate 79 students from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Sweden. They do research on the models of work and leisure activities in the generations of one family, compared in an international and intercultural context. Assoc. prof. Lilia Tododrova from the University of Ruse is the coordinator of this module. Two Master degree students in Occupational Therapy in the Community degree programme, Madlen Eftimova and Kristin Koleva, participate in the module..

  The second module OT goes Public: Spreading OT in Europe aims at developing international strategies for raising the awareness, concerning occupational therapy in Europe, with a focus on a specific target group. It unites 37 students from Belgium, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, among whom are Irena Hristova and Victoria Ivanova from the Bachelor degree programme and Zlatka Dimitrova from the Master degree programme in Occupational Therapy at the University of Ruse.

The modules are directed to developing the specific competences in the field of occupational therapy, established in Europe, as well as general competences for work in an international and intercultural context, reflective and research skills, critical thinking, foreign language and computer literacy. They have been developed with different levels of difficulty, which makes it possible for students of all courses of study to be involved. Студентите са разпределени в малки групи (3 – 6 студента) от различни страни и университети. The work is carried out in a flexible mode, in parallel with the regular study process. The communication is done on MS Teams, which is easily accessible and provides possibilities for publishing and storing of documents, as well as conference connections.

The COPILOT project provides an opportunity for internationalisation at home for all students, regardless of the existing financial and time constraints. The modules can be integrated in the study content. In a global pandemic situation, they make it possible to conduct international and intercultural training in the conditions of social distancing.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Lilia Todorova, tel.: 0886 781013

6 October 2020, Tuesday

MEETINGS IN BAHCHESHEKIR UNIVERSITY, ISTANBUL

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and a working group from the University of Ruse are on a visit to Bahcheshekir University, Istanbul.

At the meeting with the Rector of the Istanbul University – Prof. Shirin Karadenis – opportunities for expanding the cooperation between the two higher schools have been discussed. At the moment the University in Istanbul is developing applications for 4 projects under different programmes and the University of Ruse can be a partner in those. The Ruse Higher School has also proposed to involve the Bahcheshekir University in its project proposals.

 The main scientific field of prof. Karadenis is Innovative educational technologies – a field in which the Ruse Alma Mater has significant achievements. Prof. Ali Gunor, a counsellor of the Rector and former vice-rector for two mandates was also present at the meeting.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse,

tel.: +359 88 747 2153

5 October 2020, Monday

TRAINING OF STUDENTS FROM BULGARIA AND FINLAND FOR APPLYING XR TECHNOLOGIES IN MEDICAL PROFESSIONS AND HEALTH CARE TRAINING

Students from the University of Ruse, Health Care Department (Medical Nurse and Midwife degree programmes), together with students from Finland – from the University for Applied Sciences Savonia and Savo Vocational College – started an online course: „Internationalisation at home: Using ХR technologies (VR – virtual reality, AR- augmented reality and MR – mixed reality) in the medical professions and health care training (Internationalisation at Home: XR Technology in Multiprofessional Health Care)".

The course is held in the period 29 September -17 November 2020, with 22 students from the University of Ruse, and 60 from Finland. 

The aim of the course is for students from Bulgaria and Finland to acquire knowledge of the cultural features, as well as the educational and health care systems in the respective partner country while they are at home. The training structure involves three modules: cultural meeting in the field of health care; implementing XR technologies in medical professions and training, exchange of knowledge between Finnish and Bulgarian students; presenting  and discussing a case study in the field of health care in Finland and Bulgaria.

The course has been developed by a multidisciplinary team from the University for Applied Sciences Savonia and Savo Vocational College, Finland, the University of Ruse Angel Kanchev and Yatrus Foundation, Bulgaria.

The module is part of the project for transnational cooperation of the European Social Fund „Future Technologies is education - Future Edu", which is a unique international project, with an impact beyond national borders. Future Edu aims at exchange of knowledge about implementing modern technologies and pedagogical methods for improving the quality and access to education in health care.

The implementation of the course will contribute to the enhancement of international cooperation and иinternationalisation at home.

Internationalization at Home is an increasingly widely used form of international education in Europe, aiming to improve the quality of higher education. Through partnerships between two or more universities from different countries, joint educational initiatives are carried out, as well as knowledge exchange, research, seminars and cultural programmes. These processes and initiatives contribute to acquisition of knowledge and development of competences in a larger part of students and academic staff, who have not participated in international mobility programmes.

For more information:

Assoc. prof. Despina Georgieva, Health Care Department, University of Ruse, tel.: 0889789100

https://futureedu.savonia.fi/, https://www.facebook.com/FutureTechnologiesInEducation

30 September 2020, Wednesday

INTRODUCTORY PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PROJECT

 „DISASTER RELIEF PARTNERSHIPS FOR А SECURE REGION"

                Today, 30 September 2020, an online introductory press conference was conducted on the project „Disaster relief partnerships for а secure region", financed by the programme for cross-border cooperation "Interreg VA Romania-Bulgaria". The press conference was held on the BIgBlueButton platform of the University of Ruse. Over 30 representatives of the partner organisations and media took part in the press conference.

            The event was opened by the Rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc. He reminded the audience that for the University of Ruse this is yet another project under the programme for cross-border cooperation and the collaboration with the Romanian partners has already been established and is at a high level. Prof. Beloev announced the partners under the programme scheme presented: the District Council – Giurgiu, the Romanian Red Cross – Giurgiu branch and theCluster for business innovations - Ruse. The total sum of the funding is to the amount of €994 135,10 and the project duration is 36 months, added Prof. Beloev and wished to the team successful fulfilment of the objectives, as well as new opportunities for joint initiatives.

 Prof Juliana Popova, PhD – project coordinator for the University of Ruse, presented the members of the Ruse team who were in the room. After that she announced the main goal of the project: increasing the capacity for reaction and prevention of forest fires or floods in the cross-border region Giurgiu-Ruse, as well as improving the cooperation and communication between the respective institutions, engaged in overcoming of crisis situations. Prof. Popova added the objectives through which the main goal will be reached:

•           Increasing the awareness in the cross-border region Giurgiu-Ruse of fires and floods risks through training and communication campaigns;

•           developing a capacity for reaction to forest fires through equipping special operative centres in Ruse and Giurgiu;

•           Developing a joint mechanism for intervention during forest fires and floods in the cross-border region Giurgiu-Ruse.

            During the presentation it become clear that there will be 13 project activities while the University of Ruse team will be responsible for the development of Intellectual products and a bilingual set of information materials.

For additional information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc. - Rector, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

Prof Juliana Popova, PhD – project coordinator for the University of Ruse, tel.: 0887899654

29 September 2020, Tuesday

26 FIRST YEAR STUDENTS FROM TARAKLIA STARTED THEIR EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMME

Today, 29 September 2020, the training of the first students of the University of Ruse in Business and Management degree programme started in Grigorii Tsamblak Taraklia State University. A total of 30 young people will attend online lectures in the course of two weeks, held via the BigBlueButton platform of the University of Ruse. After that, their training will continue in a face-to face mode or online, depending on the international anti-epidemic measures.

The first-year students were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the academic management: Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, Chairperson of the Assembly General, Prof. Plamen Daskalov, Vice-rector in development, coordination and continuing education, Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Vice-rector in internationalisation  and communication policy, Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD, Coordinator in interinstitutional communications, Prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, Director of International Students Directorate. Assoc. prof. Pavel Vitleemov, PhD, Head of Department Management and Business Development, is the coordinator of the training.

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, greeted the freshmen on behalf of the Body of Rectors and assured them that they have made the right choice to become part of the Ruse University family.  He promised to give them the chance to get acquainted personally with the capacity and the quality features of our University when they come to Ruse. „The diploma from the University of Ruse opens doors to the whole world. It is a diploma from an internationally recognised university", added Prof. Beloev. „The training in Business and Management degree programme is a result of many years of fruitful cooperation between Grigorii Tsamblak Taraklia State University  and the University of Ruse , and we will continue to work for expanding this cooperation and starting training in other degree programmes as well", Prof. Beloev said in the end.

Assoc. prof. Maria Paslar, PhD, Rector of Grigorii Tsamblak Taraklia State University, expressed her gratitude for the educational opportunities that the Universality of Ruse provides for the young people from Taraklia. She shared her conviction that together with the European diploma, the students will acquire excellent professional skills, which will be a high start in their development. At the end, Prof. Paslar expressed her belief that the collaboration between the two institutions will continually deepen and expand.

The morning lecture of the students was dedicated to acquainting them with the system for online teaching, presented by Assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Director of the PhD Student Centre. In the afternoon, the students had their lecture in Foundations of Public Administration.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc , Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

6 August 2020, Thursday

The University of Ruse presented a filter of a face mask against pathogens and viruses  

Today, 6 August 2020, at a press conference at the University of Ruse a filter of a face mask for individual protection against penetration of pathogens and viruses in the respiratory tract of the human body, as well as against their transmission from a patient to other people from the environment. The presentation was given by the representatives of the research team – Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, chairperson of the Assembly General, Koycho Mitev, MA in Eng – author of the invention's concept, Emil Yankov, PhD – principal assistant and assoc. prof. Yordan Doychinov from the University of Ruse.  A patent application and an application for registration of useful model were submitted on 5^th August, 2020.

The main advantage of this invention is that it limits considerably the spread of pathogens and viruses as they are deactivated "under the nose" in two directions – from and to the user of the mask.

The invention proposes a construction of a filter for a face mask, which can deactivate pathogens and viruses, coming to it from the outside and from the inside. The filter functions as a passive static galvanic cell, activated by the air stream and humidity droplets in the air, during inhaling and exhaling of the user.

The filters can also be applied in protective clothing for the medical staff at the front line, who work in a highly contagious environment, as well as for lab workers in such an environment. The innovation will be applied in air and bus transport, as the companies, managing these businesses, offer the passengers masks disinfected in mobile containers, equipped with ozone and/or UV rays generators. Besides, they can be used in filters for air conditioning systems of public buildings, transport (water, urban, air, etc.) and in households.

The face masks made only of material with silver and titanium coating, can be reusable after washing at up to 60°. The nanoparticles covering the textile material adhere firmly to the fibers and allow the passing of ions with different electrical potential from one layer of coating to the other, which leads to the deactivation of pathogens and viruses, found in the droplets emitted during breathing.

The filter contains at least one layer of hygroscopic fabric or nonwovens, on both sides of which thick mesh is firmly adhering. The firmly adhering mesh is made of thin fibers of electrically conductive metal and/or fabric or nonwoven material, coated by vacuum, electric arc, or magnetron sputtering in a controlled environment, or galvanic coating with a layer of nanoparticles from two different metals, selected from the group containing silver, platinum, gold, copper, zinc, titanium, magnesium, lithium or their alloys. Another version is when the two meshes made of electrically conductive metal are connected with the poles of a portable battery for producing direct electric current in the process of operation.

The team participating in the development of the invention FILTER OF A FACE MASK AGAINST PATHOGENS AND VIRUSES, consists of 14 researchers from Sofia University and the University of Ruse.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

16 July 2020, Thursday

A letter of Congratulations by the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in  the republic of Bulgaria Nargiz Gurbanova,  

The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in  the republic of Bulgaria Nargiz Gurbanova,  PhD sent a  Letter of Congratulations to Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, on the occasion of his election as Vice- Chairperson of the Rectors' Council in Bulgaria.

In her address, D-r Gurbanova shared that the Rectors' Council contributes to the beneficial cooperation between the universities, as well as between universities and other organisations. Ambassador expressed her belief that the cooperation between the Embassy and the Rectors' Council will continue to thrive in the spirit of friendship and the relations between the two countries will become stronger and stronger.

„I believe that under your leadership the Council will continue to achieve its goals", says the letter.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc,Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

13 July 2020, Monday

The President of MUSALA SOFT  Ms. Elena Marinova sent a letter of gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse

Today, 13 July, 2020, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, received a letter of gratitude from the President of MUSALA SOFT, Ms. Elena Marinova on the long-standing partnership between the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev and the international competition in programming CodeIT, organised by the software company MUSALA SOFT.

In her letter, Ms. Marinova expressed her gratitude to Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc for the shared experience and joint work.  

 „For me and the CodeIT team it is a great honour to be creating the history of the competition together. We are going to continue with full dedication the development of this competiton, of the IT talent and the global technological scene", finished Ms. Marinova.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse,

tel. +359 88 747 2153

LETTER OF CONDOLENCES

To the family and relatives of

Mr. Ignat Kaneff

Dear bereaved family, dear relatives,

It was with deep sorrow that we learned about the demise of our dear friend and sponsor, Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Ruse – Ignat Hristov Kaneff (1926 – 2020). 

On behalf of the academic community of the University of Ruse and personally, I express our most sincere condolences on the occasion of Mr. Kaneff's demise.

During his whole life Ignat Kaneff was driven by his desire to build and by the pure joy of working. He left living evidence through the buildings, which he had built or sponsored. Since 2012, he has linked his name with the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" through two iconic buildings – Kaneff Centre – University of Ruse and UMBAL Kaneff. In one of them life is born and saved, in the other thrives the energy of youth, led by the experience and wisdom of age. Energy, experience and wisdom were combined in our dear Ignat Kaneff – Iggi, as relatives and his friends called him.

Among Ignat Kaneff's numerous virtues are honesty, hard work and empathy to the pains and needs of people of all ages and nationalities. Thousands are those he has helped, led by the belief that if you try to help others and to work for the benefit of the community you live in, good things will happen to you too. The success and the health of young people have always been among his priorities. To the youth of Ruse, the students of the University of Ruse, Ignat Kaneff has conferred scholarships. To the future generations he has left his wisdom, collected in the book of his life.

With his life and work, the lamented Ignat Kaneff has taught us that the only true happiness comes from making other people happy!

You will always be in our hearts and our memories, dear Iggi!  

Rest in peace!

13 July 2020                           Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, DHC mult.,

Ruse                              Rector of the University of Ruse           

Date: 8 July 2020, Wednesday

Best design award for team "Motorist" with the University of Ruse

Team "Motorist"team with the University of Ruse won the honorary award for best design in the category Prototypes in the prestigious international competition Shell Eco-marathon 2020.

Teams from all over Europe have participated with their engineering developments. The jury conferred the prize for using the advanced  innovative approach CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics ), for the design of the new prototype DTT 3.The advantage of  CFD to the other methods is high precision of the calculated results and possibility for simulating conditions, as close as possible to the real ones. Thanks to the use of this innovative approach, aerodynamic optimization of the overall shape has been achieved, and this is one of the factors for reducing energy consumption.

This is the second such prize for the team. Last year, team "Motorist" won the design award for outstanding ergonomy and interior comfort of the electro-mobile and the place of the pilot seat, as well as for high level of safety of the construction. With its achievement, the team is continuously strengthening their engineering talent on an international level.

For more information: prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, Vice rector in research, tel: 0878822303

7 July 2020, Tuesday

THE RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE COR. MEM. PROF. HRISTO BELOEV, DTSC HAS BEEN ELECTED VICE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL OF RECTORS IN BILGARIA FOR A SECOND TIME

Today, 7 July 2020, the new management of the Council of Rectors in Bulgaria (CRB) was elected. The rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc has been elected Vice Chairperson. Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov, Rector of St.Kliment Ochridski University of Sofia,  was elected Chairperson.

Prof. Grdzhikov was elected a Chairperson of the Council of Rectors in Bulgaria by 26 votes.

The biggest number of nominations /22/ and the biggest number of votes /34/, were for Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc , who was elected Member of the Management Board of the Council of Rectors in Bulgaria and later on during a session of the Management Board – he was elected Vice- Chairperson.

Other members elected were: Prof. Galya Hristozova- Vice- Chairperson of CRB and Rector of Burgas Free University; prof. Dimitar Dimitrov – Secretary of CRB and Rector of UNWE; Major-General Grudi Angelov, Rector of "G.S. Rakovski" Military Academy; Prof. Hristina Yancheva, Tector of Agrarian University, Plovdiv; Prof. Slavcho Tomov, Rector of Medical University, Pleven. 

Prof, Evgeni Stanimirov, Rector of University of Economy, Varna was elected Chairperson of the Supervisory Board.

During today's session the accounting reports of the previous Management were approved too.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: 0887472153

3 July 2020, Friday

ANDREY NOVAKOV, MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, ATTENDED THE DEMONSTRATION OF HIGH TECH EQUIPMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, 3 July 2020, Mr. Andrey Novakov, European MP, Mr. Plamen Nunev, Bulgarian MP, and Mr. Ivaylo Marinov, representative of the Trade and Economic Affairs Office at the Embassy or R Bulgaria in Romania, visited the University of Ruse. They were met by the rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and a project team from the Department of telecommunications, who demonstrated the high tech equipment, purchased under EU funded projects.

During the visit, the two-stage system for early fire detection, designed and created at the University of Ruse was presented. It  uses artificial intelligence, neural networks and computer vision in combination with fixed and rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicles. This development is going to be patented and was made within the framework of the Project „Forest Monitoring System for Early Fire Detection and Assessment in the Balkan-Med Area"(SFEDA), code 2263, which is co-financed by the EU and the national funds of the states, participating in the Programme for cross-border cooperation INTERREG V-B „Balakans-Mediterranean Sea" 2014-2020. Partners in the project that ended on 1 July, 2020 were 9 institutions from Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus, the Consortium being managed by the University of Patra in Greece, and the Bulgarian participants are the University of Ruse and the National park "Rusenski Lom" Directorate. The guests were acquainted with the unmanned aerial vehicle ALTi Transition F, which is unique for Bulgaria. The airplane has a 3m wingspan, vertical takeoff and 12 –hour flying capacity. It also has a NextVision Nighthawk 2 camera, which is one of the best on the market and wheighs only 250 grams. The camera is equipped with optical sensor with х40 approximation, thermal sensor, as well as laser rangefinder. Mr. Novakov was shown two more unmanned areal vehicles, used within the system for early fire detection – DJI Matrice M210RTK and Yuneek Typhoon H Plus.

The visit continued with presentation of the activities under the Project "Universities for Science, Informatics and Technologies in the e-society (UNITe), funded by the Operative Programme  „Science and education for intelligent growth". Mr. Novakov was shown the unmanned areal vehicles DJI Mavic 2 Proandи DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise, which were offered by the University of Ruse for control of compliance with the emergency measures.

Mr. Novakov was also acquainted with the implementation of the activities on the National programme „Information and communication technologies for a single digital market in science, education and security (ICT in SES)", within which lecturers from the University of Ruse conducted a series of trainings on block programming of drones and ground-based robotic platforms, as well as on topics from the field of 3D technologies. The initiative for producing and free provision of protective face shields for medical workers was presented as well. These shields were provided to 35 hospitals all over Bulgaria, as well as to a number of medical centres , dental clinics clinical labs, GPs, as well as citizens in need of emergency health care.

The last part of the work visit included a demonstration of digital models of artefacts and fortresses, realized within the Project ROBG-9 ARCHIVE, as well as the current activities under the Project ROBG-499 LIVE, which are aimed at digitalisation of cultural and historical heritage of the cross-border region between Romania and Bulgaria. The two projects are funded under the INTERREG V-A Romania-Bulgaria, which is financed by the European funds for regional development of the EU and the governments of Bulgaria and Romania.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

1 July (Wednesday), 2020

MEMORANDUM FOR FOUNDING AN ASSOCIATION OF THE ACADEMIC MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (AAMPR) WAS APPROVED AT THE FIRST NATIONAL MEETING – WEBINAR OF THE ACADEMIC MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICES OF THE HIGHER SCHOOLS IN BULGARIA

Today, 1 July, 2020, the First National Meeting – Webinar of the academic media and public relations offices of the higher schools in Bulgaria, organized by the University of Ruse was held, with the support of the National Publishing house for education and science Az-Buki – Ministry of Education and Science and under the auspices of the Minister of Education and Science. The National Meeting was held in the framework of events and initiatives dedicated to the 75^th Anniversary of the University of Ruse.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, opened the event and welcomed the participants, emphasizing the fact that it is a great honour and pleasure for the academic management of the higher school in Ruse to initiate, organize and host this first national meeting, attended by colleagues from more than 20 higher schools in Bulgaria. „In today's competitive world, the best way to multiply the positive academic statements and the synergy from the joint activities is through cooperation between the universities. It is for this reason that we believe the Association of the academic media and public relations, which will be founded today, is another step to promotion and development of the interuniversity cooperation for the benefit of Bulgarian higher education.", ended his welcoming address Prof. Beloev.

The Rector of "St. Kliment Ohridski" University of Sofia, Prof. Anastas Gerdjikov, also wished efficient work to the participants in the webinar. He noted that this meeting is timely and its organizer, the University of Ruse, has managed with the organization perfectly. Prof. Gerdjikov supported the uniting of universities in networks for cooperation and suggested a common medium for all universities. Ms. Alexandrina Boycheva from the Directorate of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education and Science also wished success to the event.

During the forum the role of the Centres for Public Relations and academic media in the context of today's challenges faced by higher education, was discussed.  Experience and good practices for building and projecting the public image of the university in the media space, as well as ideas for building a positive image of higher education in Bulgaria were shared.

The National meeting was organized in three panels. In the first one, leading specialists in the field of media and communications shared their experience in „The projection of the academic image in the media space". The first panelist, Nadya Marinova (Founder of b2b Media) presented an extremely attractive and professionally prepared presentation on the topic Branding and Image of higher schools. Assoc. prof. Alexander Hristov, PhD (Media and Communications, UNWE and NBU) acquainted the participants with the development of academic media in the context of own media. And the third panelist, Nadezhda Vaneva (Manager of Corporate Communications, 3CON) shared her experience on the topic Networking – using PR tools for activating communities between business and student organisations.

In the second panel „Contemporary Challenges Facing Academic Media and PR Experts – experience and good practices", the participants presented their organisations and higher schools: the National Publishing House Az-Buki presented their experience and role for promoting and building a positive image of higher education; The Economic University – Varna showed their UEBN innovative platform for connection with business; "G. S. Rakovski" Military Academy in Sofia shared their experience in organizing the communication and the study process during COVID-19"; The New Bulgarian University reviewed their communications in the state of emergency declared; The Medical University – Varna presented on the topic Experience and practice, related to the interaction between institutional media and the society; the Higher School in agribusiness and regional development – Plovdiv's presentation was on the Academic Media Complex; Bulgarian National Television 2 – Ruse offered for discussion the topic on the Role of academic media – experience  and practice and the University of Ruse presented their  experience and good practices in the academic media.

In the third panel the University of Ruse proposed to the participants in the National meeting-webinar of the academic media and the PR experts from the higher schools in Bulgaria to found an Association of Academic Media and Public Relations, supported by the Ministry of Education and Science, represented by the National Publishing house for education and science Az-Buki and by the Rectors'Council. From the 25 universities, registered for the meeting the idea was supported by the votes of 16 and the Memorandum was a[proved.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Anelia Manukova, PhD, GSM: 0889 180327

26 June 2020, Friday

The Rector of the National University of Food Technologies, Kiev, Ukraine sent a Letter of Gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse

Today, 26 June, 2020, The Rector of the National University of Food Technologies, Kiev, Ukraine, prof. Vladimir Yarovoy, sent a Letter of Gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, PhD to thank him for the organising and moderation of the seminar „Blended education – main educational model after the pandemic" (23 June 2020), with the participation of 60 scientists from the National University of Food Technologies, as well as other universities from Ukraine, Belarus and Kirgizstan.

In the letter it was said that the topic of the seminar had attracted the interest of the researchers from the participating institutions with the topicality of the issue about the ratio between the various methods of teaching, which was widely discussed during the online session.

The Rector of the National University of Food Technologies, Prof. Yarovoy, also expressed his gratitude for the access to the virtual library of the University of Ruse and "the priceless collection of methodological and scientific literature on contemporary educational technologies." He went on to mark their appreciation for the contribution of the Rector, Prof. Beloev, and the lecturers of the University of Ruse to the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two universities.

This letter is one of several expressions of appreciation for the efforts of the University of Ruse to expand its policy of internationalisation and share good practices with academic institutions not only in Europe but also other parts of the world.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, PhD, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

23 June 2020, Tuesday

The University of Ruse hosts a webinar about blended learning with universities from Ukraine, Belarus and Kirgizstan

Today, 23 June 2020, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, was the moderator of a webinar on the topic „Blended Learning – essential educational model after the pandemic".  The event was organized by the University of Ruse and the National University of Food Technologies in Kiev, Ukraine. Nearly 60 lecturers from Universities in Ukraine, Belarus, Kirgizstan, Nigeria and Bulgaria took part in this event. 

In the beginning, Prof. Larisa Arseneva, Vice-rector in Education at the National University of Food Technologies in Kiev, emphasized that the long-standing experience of the University of Ruse in this field is extremely valuable, that is why they sought its expertise. At present, only one university in Ukraine is using distance learning and its experience in this field is only five years.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc greeted the participants and expressed his regret that the seminar couldn't be held in Bulgaria due to the restrictions imposed because of Covid-19. He thanked Prof Arseneva for the successful cooperation with the National University of Food Technologies in Kiev and reminded the participants about the successful online culinary marathon held a month ago, in which students from the Ukrainian higher school participated together with their colleagues from Razgrad Branch of the University of Ruse. Prof. Beloev shared the experience of the University of Ruse in online education, which has continued for 3 months and was held in two modes – synchronous and asynchronous. The „Big Blue Button"system has been used for the synchronous education and the exams while for the asynchronous method the platform „Е-learning shell", developed in the University of Ruse, has been used. Prof. Beloev invited all participants in the webinar to take advantage of the resource virtual library with materials in Innovation Educational Technologies, which was created within the Eurasian project and was opened as a free source two months ago. The readers in this library are already over 60 000, he added.

After that, Prof Smrikarov, Director of the Centre for Innovation Educational Technologies, presented the new educational model, which was proposed – blended learning, which combines the advantages of the traditional and distance learning. The ratio between them should differ and be in accordance with the scientific field and the mode of learning, he pointed out.

After the presentation, a lively discussion was held. The lecturers asked specific questions, related to the motivation and training for work with innovation technologies of administration and students, as well as to the distance learning system itself. Lecturers from the University of Ruse shared their experience and the challenges they had faced.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc , Rector of the University of Ruse, tel. +359 88 747 2153

19 June 2020, Friday

The 21^st edition of the international conference on Computer Systems and Technologies COMPSYSTECH with 56 research papers

Today, 19 June 2020, was the official start of the 21st edition of the international conference on Computer Systems and Technologies CompSysTech. For the first time the forum will be held online in the virtual rooms of the University of Ruse.  Prof. Tsvetomir Vassilev, PhD, Head of the Distance Learning Centre, is the Chairperson of the Programme Committee and Assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Director of the PhD Student Centre, is the Cairperson of the Organizing Committee.

The forum was officially opened by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc. He welcomed the guests, participants and organisers, with a particular address to the Computing community, which is the leader of digital transformation of education in the country. „We highly appreciate the efforts of your academic community to be active in research and we will support your scientific performance" added Prof. Beloev.

The following papers were presented at the plenary session:  

• Dr. Veselin Raychev ETH Zurich, -     Keynote on: Beyond Neural Networks for Programming: How to Learn from Programs;
• Prof. Valeri Mladenov, Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, Keynote on: Control of various robots through signals from the brain activity;
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Vatchkov, National Center for Supercomputer Applications, Sofia, Bulgaria (NCSA) Keynote on: European and Bulgarian Supercomputers.

During the sessions on 20 June, 56 papers were presented. Six of them were presented in a separate high school students session. Acad. Vasil Sgurev from the Institute in Information Technologies with BAS, Head of Smart systems section, and Acad. Petar Kenderov from the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics with BAS announced the prizes for Best paper.

CompSysTech is a conference with a name of its own and is constantly gaining popularity in Bulgaria and in Europe. For more than 10 years now, the papers, presented at the conference have been published in the virtual library of the Association of Computing Machinery (АСМ) – the most authoritative international organisation in the field of computing and are indexed by SCOPUS. The profile of the conference in Google Scholar is impressive. It has impact ranking.

For more information: Prof. Angel Smrikarov – tel.: 0889 313 876, Assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova, Director of PhD student Centre – tel.: 0888 245697

17 June 2020, Wednesday

EXPANDING THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE, THE MUNICIPALITY OF RUSE AND TARAKLIA REGION, MOLDOVA

Today, 17^th June, 2020, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc conducted a work meeting with the Chairperson of Taraklia Region, Moldova – Mr. Ivan Paslar and the Mayor of Ruse – Mr. Pencho Milkov. 

The main areas, discussed during the meeting were the expanding of joint activities between the University of Ruse, the Municipality of Ruse and Taraklia Region, as well as intensifying the cooperation between high schools, cultural organisations and business institutions.

Prof. Beloev and Mr. Paslar discussed addenda and changes in the cooperation programme to be approved by the Academic Council of the University of Ruse at the end of this month. They also agreed to admit to the University of Ruse 30 students in the distance learning mode of Business and Management degree programme from Taraklia University for the next academic year. This will be one more step towards integrating "Grigorii Tsamblak" Taraklia State University as a Branch of the University of Ruse, which is expected to be finalized soon. In the meantime, the high school graduates from Moldova, who have the desire to study at the University if Ruse, will be given this opportunity, irrespective of the worldwide limitations, imposed by COVID -19 pandemic.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Paslar invited Mr. Milkov and Prof. Beloev to the Ethno Festival, held annually in the second half of September. The "Harmony" folk dancing ensemble of the University of Ruse and students from high schools from Ruse Municipality will be participating in this festival.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

12 June 2020, Friday

THE SYSTEM FOR EARLY FIRE DETECTION – THEASIS WAS DEMONSTRATED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, 12 June (Friday) 2020, the system for early fire detection – THEASIS was presented and demonstrated. The event was part of the implementation of the project „Forest Monitoring System for Early Fire Detection and Assessment in the Balkan-Med Area"(SFEDA) under the cross-border cooperation programme Interreg V-B „Balkan-Med Area" 2014-2020. Representatives of all 9 partner institutions from Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus participated in this event. The project coordinator is the University of Patra, Greece. The Bulgarian partners are the University of Rise and the Rusenski Lom National Park Directorate.

At the start of the even, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, welcomed the team and guests. He expressed his satisfaction with the work on this topic, which is so important for all Balkan partners. With gratitude for the mutually beneficial cooperation, Prof. Beloev wished it to be continued with further joint initiatives.

The Head of the Consortium, Prof. Nikos Aspragatus from the University of Patra greeted his colleagues virtually because of the restrictions for travelling. He shared that his cooperation with researchers from the University of Ruse has been active since the 1990s, which has resulted in the development of this project. He thanked the young experts from the partner countries for the hard work and the high competences demonstrated.  

Ivan Groychev, Director of Rusenski Lom National Park Directorate, wished his colleagues successful implementation of the system on the territories of Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus, as well as future success and health.

Assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev from the University of Ruse and senior expert Andrean Delchev presented the tasks fulfilled by their teams.  

The University of Ruse is responsible for the design and creation of one of the pilot systems planned, using fixed wing aircraft and rotary wing aircraft. The different drones are equipped with thermal and optic cameras and make possible the detection of heat and smoke sources from a considerable height, applying the methods of computer eyesight, artificial intellect and neuron networks. When a fire is detected, its location is geo-referenced and the information is transmitted to ground command centre by SMS or e-mail.

Testing and studying the functionality of THEASIS in Bulgaria is carried out in Rusenski Lom Natural Park - Partner 5 in SFEDA project. An additional stationary observation tower for surveillance and fire alarm is mounted in the park. It can function fully autonomously or in combination with the unmanned aerial aircraft. Within the framework of the project, current expert analysis of the relief and the types of habitats on the territory of the park has been carried out as well. Through this information, a model for risk assessment of forest fires has been created.

The three pilot versions of THEASIS have been applied and tested on forests, located from the northernmost to the southernmost part of the Balkan – Mediterranean region. The systems cover a total of 21 200 ha of forest, which are part of Natura 2000.

During the presentation, a 9-minute information video was shown at: https://youtu.be/QmEC1mUkwzs

The project duration is 33 months and it ends on 01.07.2020. The total budget of Project SFEDA is 1 412 091,56 Euro.

Contacts:

Assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev, PhD, University of Ruse, tel.: 082 888 663, е-mail: pzahariev@uni-ruse.bg

Ivan Groychev, Rusenski Lom National Park Directorate, tel.: 082 872 397, e-mail: info@rusenski-lom.bg

11 May 2020, Thursday

LETTER OF GRATITUDE TO THE RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE FROM THE RECTOR OF THE KAZAKH NATIONAL AGRARIAN UNIVERSITY

The Rector of the Kazakh National Agrarian University, Academician Tlektes Isabaevich Espolov, has sent a Letter of Gratitude to the rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the Vice-rector in Development, Coordination and Continuous Education, Prof. Plamen Daskalov.

The high evaluation is in relation to the International Summer Master's School in the period 26 May - 9 June "Innovative Technologies and Technical Equipment in Agriculture", organised by the Kazakh National Agrarian University. Representatives of 120 universities, of which 85 international and 35 Kazakh ones participated in the Summer School. A total of 1630 participants from 24 countries registered on the platform, with 578 of them coming from the USA, Israel, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, India, Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey, Vietnam, Indonesia and others. As participants in the school were involved 49 foreign experts.

After an official invitation by Academician Espolov, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, greeted the participants during the opening ceremony and Prof. Daskalov presented on the topic of „Innovative Technologies and Technical Equipment in Agriculture".  

Introducing digital technologies in industry and education is an inevitable process, imposed by the continuous innovation activities and extraordinary circumstances in the recent months worldwide. The long-standing work of the University of Ruse for integrating the Bulgarian and European virtual education area and creating networks of European universities for that purpose is noteworthy.The cooperation with Asian countries in this area has also been expanding recently.  

Three universities from each of 5 countries: Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, together with their Ministries of Education and Science were involved in the Eurasian project/2019-2022/ „Modernization of Higher Education in Central Asia through New Technologies". They adopted the Conception of the University of Ruse for adapting the education system to the digital generation and sent it to all 330 universities in these Central Asian countries. The University of Ruse has created a unique virtual library in Innovation Educational Technologies (IET), which includes syllabi and manuals in IET and opened it as free access source to all schools and universities in the country, 73 universities from 34 European countries, 330 universities in Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.  

The cooperation between the University of Ruse and the Kazakh National Agrarian University in education and research started back in 2010. For this period, joint educational programmes for PhD students in the degree programmes „Energy Supply for Agriculture", "Agrarian Machinery and Technologies", „Ecology"were developed. PhD students and Masters from the Kazakh National Agrarian University conduct their research internships at the University of Ruse. Four PhD students have already completed their studies and defended their PhD theses. At present, 5 more PhD theses are ready for defence and 4 more PhD students are studying at our University. In 2015, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc was awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa of the Kazakh National Agrarian University.

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

Prof. Plamen Daskalov. Vice-rector in Development, Coordination and Continuous Education, tel.: 0887921567

4 June 2020, Thursday

ONLINE SEMINAR ON THE TOPIC „BLENDED LEARNING - MAIN EDUCATIONAL MODEL AFTER THE PANDEMIC" WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, 4 юни 2020, the rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc was the moderator of an online seminar on the topic „Mixed Learning - Main Educational Model after the Pandemic".

Lecturers from the Branches of the University of Ruse in Razgrad, Silistra and Vidin, directors and teachers from vocational high schools, as well as lecturers from the National University in food technologies in Kiev.

The lecturer, Prof. Angel Smrikarov, PhD presented the new educational model to be followed – blended learning in an attractive way.

 In ther discussion, following the presentation participated Academican Peter Kenderov from BAS, Prof. Rumen Trifonov from the Technical University, Sofia, Assoc. prof. Diana Zhelezova from Silistra Branch, Prof. Stanka Damyanova from Razgrad Branch, Ms. Neshka Hristova – Director of the National Technical High School "Shandor Petyofi", Razgrad. Assoc. prof. Oleksii Gubenya from the National University in food technologies in Kiev expressed his gratitude for yet another opportunity to participate in an online seminar at the University of Ruse.

Prof. Beloev noted that the joint experience accumulated will allow the implementation of both traditional and online education, which will be in unison with the new needs of young people. The University of Ruse popularized quire successfully its policy and strategy for adapting education to the digital generation. At the end of the seminar, Prof. Beloev emphasized the trend for the new educational technologies to be leading in the future, and the University of Ruse will be tracing the road for validation of new educational models.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.:359 88 747 2153

3 June 2020, Wednesday

PARTNER MEETING UNDER THE PROJECTS ON HYDROGEN-POWERED VEHICLES

On 2 June (Tuesday) 2020, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, participated in a work meeting of municipalities with approved concept projects for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality, Ms. Zlatomira Stefanova, the Director of European Development Directorate, Mr. Nikola Kibritev, Senior expert in the Directorate Mr. Tsvetan Yordanov and the Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, who is the Head of the University of Ruse team in the National Research Programme "E plus", also participated in the meeting.

The partners and the concept proposals were introduced at the meeting. From the 37 preliminary project proposals of European countries consortia, 11 were approved. Bulgaria is the only country with two approved project proposals. These are the projects of Ruse Municipality in partnership with the University of Ruse, BAS and the Association of the Danube Municipalities; and of Sofia Municipality in partnership with BAS.

The Ruse team will be working on a project for constructing a hydrogen-powered cruise ship, a hydrogen charging station, hydrogen-powered vehicles (bus and minibus) and building capacity for integrated research area in the field of hydrogen mobility. The total project amount planned is 16,6 mln Euro. Of them, 10 mln Euro would be spent on constructing the hydrogen-powered cruise ship, and the remaining 6,6 mln Euro would be used for the charging station and the vehicles. The project is a good example for building a good foundation for joining the efforts of state and local structures, science and business for "Zero emission energy" in the Danube region.

The project of Sofia Municipality, was presented by Prof. Dariya Vladikova, DCHSc, President of the Bulgarian Hydrogen Association and Head of work on Component 2 "Hydrogen mobility" under the E plus Programme.

The activities on the National Research Programme "E plus", financed by the Ministry of Education have been directed to effectively building capacity in the field of low carbon energy on a national level. The number of experts, working in the field of technologies for operation of hydrogen-powered vehicles at the University of Ruse has been growing and they are continuously developing their knowledge and capacity. At present, a research laboratory "Low carbon energy and intelligent systems" is being built. It will be one of eight multi-disciplinary research laboratories included in the 5D Alliance as part of a national research infrastructure and in the basis of the Research Institute for Technologies and Innovations with the University of Ruse, whose establishment was approved by the Council of Ministers in April 2020.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

                                    Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, Chairperson of ther Assembly General, tel.; 0888 293 341

27 May 2020, Wednesday

International students from the University of Ruse awarded for academic achievements on the occasion of 24^th May –Day of the Bulgarian Enlightenment, Culture and the Bulgarian Alphabet

On the occasion of 24th May –Day of the Bulgarian Enlightenment, Culture and the Bulgarian Alphabet – the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor.Mem.Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the Director of International Students Directorate, Prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, greeted the international students with outstanding academic achievements. This year they are 18 and come from Greece, Moldova, Ukraine, Nigeria, Vietnam and Turkey.

The following students were awarded for OUTSTANDING academic achievements:

1. Maria Hondrodimu (Greece) – 3^rd year, Occupational Therapy;

2. Lyudmila Vlaeva (R Moldova) – 3^rd year, Kinezitherapy;

3. Alexander Tanasov (R Moldova) -3^rd year, Kinezitherapy;

4. Rosina Doncheva (R Moldova) – 4^th year, Kinezitherapy;

5. Victor Dimov (Ukraine) – 3^rd yea, Technology and Management of Transport r;

6. Yana Balaban (Ukraine)     - 3^rd year, Technology and Management of Transport;

7. Maria Kaipak (R Moldova)  - 1^st year Business Management.

The following students were awarded for VERY GOOD academic achievements:

Maria Bratan (Ukraine) – graduated in Law;

1. Inna Margarit (Ukraine) – 2^nd year, Marketing;

2. Daniel Opeluua Auasanya (Nigeria) – 4^th year, Mechanical Engineering;

3. Evgeni Dimov (Ukraine) – 3^rd year, Mechanical Engineering;

4. Chan Dinh Chung (SR Vietnam) – 3^rd year, Mechanical Engineering;

5. Furkan Nakkascioglu (R Turkey) – 4^th year, Mechanical Engineering;

6. Kristina Teriz (R Moldova) – 2^nd year, Pre-school and Elementary School Education;

7. Dimitro Kusturov (Ukraine) – 2^nd year, Business Management;

8. Olena Sert (Ukraine) – 1^st year Business Management;

9.Valentina Samardji (Greece) – 2^nd year, Occupational Therapy;

10. Selin Filiz (R Turkey) – 4^th year, Kinezitherapy

For more information: Cor.Mem.Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

Prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, Director of International Students Directorate, tel.: 0888444188 

26 May, 2020, Tuesday

Opening the International Summer Master School "Innovation Technologies and Technical Equipment in Agriculture", Kazakhstan

Today, 26 May (Tuesday) 2020, the official start of the International Summer Master School "Innovation Technologies and Technical Equipment in Agriculture" was given. The school programme will be conducted online in the period 26 May - 9 June and is organized by the Kazakh National Agrarian University, Kazakhstan. Representatives of research organisation and production, regional universities in Kazakhstan, as well as partner organisations fro0m all over the world will participate – a total of over 1500.

The Conference was opened by the rector of the Kazakh National Agrarian University, Academician Tlektes Isabaevich Espolov. Partner organisations form Russia, Belarus, Malaysia, the USA, Italy and many others greeted the organisers of the event.  

The rector of the University of Ruse, Cor, Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc was officially invited by Academician Espolov to present his greetings. He wished success to all participants and reminded that:

„Our Universities have been cooperating successfully for over 10 years now. We have over 30 students and PhD students, who have been involved in exchange programmes. I myself have 5 PhD students from the Kazakh National Agrarian University at the moment. We organise joint international forums and prepare joint research publications. It is a great honour for me to be Doctor Honoris Causa of your University.

As you know, the challenges before the world education and economy are great. I tis our duty to find the appropriate way to provide knowledge to our students, as well as aid society with our research and development.

The University of Ruse has created a unique virtual library in Innovation Educational Technologies (IET), which includes syllabi and manuals in IET, presentations and video-lectures on the main topics of the programme, as well as some useful instructions. It is opens source access and can be used by all schools and universities in the country, 73 universities from 34 European countries, 330 universities in Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

I wish success to all participants in the event. I believe that our beneficial cooperation will develop numerous joint initiatives in the future. I sincerely hope that in the near future the borders will be open again, so we can hold real-life meetings. I would like to use this occasion to invite you to the anniversary events in honour of the 75^th Anniversary of the founding of the University of Ruse, which will be held in November this year."

The vice-rector in Development, Coordination and Continuous Education, Prof. Plamen Daskalov, also greeted the guests and participants.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

24 May 2020, Sunday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE EARNS THREE RUSE AWARDS IN EDUCATION AND SCIENCE AND TWO STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

On 24^th May 2020 the solemn ceremony of conferring the annual Ruse awards was held in the Theatre building. The awards were handed by Mr. Pencho Milkov, Mayor of Ruse Municipality ND Mr. Ivo Pazardzhiev, Chairperson of the Municipal Council - Ruse. Eighteen of the most  worthy individuals and organisations from Ruse were nominated in two fields: „Art and Culture" and „Education and Science"."

Nomination of "Angel Kanchev" University of Ruse, Education and Science:

1.     "ANGEL KANCHEV" UNIVERSITY OF RUSE, with the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, section "Teaching and Research Team". 

Founded in 1945 as the first higher technical school outside the capital, today the University of Ruse stands out as one of the most respected multi-profile universities in Bulgaria – a university with a leading position in the cross-border region and the Danube space, with a firm prestige in Europe and the world. The University offers a wide range of accredited degree programmes – 50 Bachelor, over 100 Master and 52 PhD in 23 professional fields in 8 out of 9 areas of higher education in Bulgaria. All degree programmes are fully tailored to the needs of the labour market and the interests of the candidate students in Ruse, Ruse Region and the other regions where the University is positioned – Razgrad, Silistra and Vidin. The University is one of the pioneers and drivers of the efforts towards digital transformation  of education in Bulgaria. The higher school has highly-qualified teaching staff, with most of the lecturers having interdisciplinary profile and publications in renowned international journals with impact factor.

The relation with fostering the innovation outlook of the region stands out most strongly in the current scientific projects of the University under the Bulgarian government programme „Science and Education for Intelligent Growth". The following projects are of particular importance: the project related to building a shared scientific infrastructure of the Centre of Excellence – University for Science Informatics and Technologies in the e-Society (UNIT-e), with a ground-breaking ceremony on 4^th May 2020; and the project for  Competence Centre – Digitisation of Economy in a Big Data Environment. These two projects  create technological and innovation capacity, which will support the intelligent specialisation of the region and will contribute to its economic prosperity. Added value for the region is also expected from the approved project 5D ALLIANCE 2019-2028", which envisages establishing a research infrastructure complex with no analogue in Bulgaria and the Danube space, as well as from the project for Danube Innovation Hub in partnership with the Municipality of Ruse.

The University is a driving force for the development of Ruse and the region – with the qualified professionals, trained for the local companies and the public sector, with the transfer of innovations to industry, with the beneficial cooperation with all employer organisations, with the financial contribution to the economy ot the city and the region.

2.     PROF. DSC PROF. VLADIMIR STEFANOV CHUKOV, section  "Overall Contribution and Long-term Activity in the Field of Higher Education and Science".  

Prof. DSc Vladimir Stefanov Chukov was born in Athens, Greece. He studied in a French Lycee in Tunisia and the French Language High School "Alphonce de Lamartine" in Sofia. He got his Master degree from the Faculty of Public Scie4nces in Damascus University, Syria. The education, living abroad and the wealth of foreign languages (French, Russian, Arabic and English) pre-determine the professional field of the future  sophisticated pundit of global politics. He dedicated himself to research and academia and established his expertise as an expert in Arab history and politics, one of the most read authors in Bulgaria, a widely recognizable analist in the field of international relations, regional conflicts and security.

The scientific ascent of Vladimir Chukov started in 1990, with PhD studies in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In 1993 he defended his PhD thesis on the topic of The Political Party in the Arab World from 1970 to 1990 (Comparative analysis). In 1998 he was appointed an associate professor in Political Science with a Decision of the Higher Attestation Commission (VAK). In 2005 he defended a dissertation on the topic Islamic Fundamentalism as a Threat to National Security and was aarded the degree DPSc. Since 2007 he has been a professor in organisation and management outside the sphere of material production (National Security).

Inез 2008 prof. Chukov continued his professional development by joining the University of Ruse. He was appointed a professor in the degree programme European studies and for a third manadade he is serving as head of the Department of European Studies, which was founded in 1994.

He is a member of the Commission of Public Sciences with VAK and is an initiator and schientific secretary of the National Specialised Research Council in International Relations with the Ministry of Defence.

In the course of 8 years, prof. Chucov has conducted research and published 3 new monographs, approved with growing interest by the scientific community and the general public at home and abroad.

Prof. Cukov's contribution to the development of research periodicals  in international relations, with his active editing and publication activities, is extremely valuable. He collaborates in a number of international research organisations: the European Association for Middle East Research (Mainz, Germany), American Society for Central Eurasian  Research (Harvard), European Consortium on Political Studies and the group "Extremism and Democracy", (Antwerp. Belgium), International Society for Dialogue between Civilisations ( London, England). He participates in setting up NGOs in the field of international relations.

3.     ASSOC. PROF. GEORGI HRISTOV, PHDEng,  section „Higher Education and Science".

He earned a Bachelor and Master degree in Communication Equipment and Technologies and in 2008 defended his PhD thesis at the University of Ruse. In the same year he joined the staff of the Department of Telecommunications, and since 2012 he has been appointed an assoc. professor. Currently, he id the Head of the department in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation.

Assoc. prof. Hristov initiated the establishment of several study and research laboratories in „Telecommunication Networks and Technologies", „CISCO Computer Networks and Technologies", „Wireless Networks and Radio Communications", „Robotics and Autonomous Systems" etc. He also initiated the establishment of a student club in „Robotics and Mechatronics", collaborated in setting up a Drones club in the High School of Mathematics Baba Tonka in Ruse. Assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov was a member of the university team DTT for the period 2013-2016 and participated in the international competiton for energy efficiency Shell Eco-marathon in Rotherdam, the Netherlands and London, Great Britain. In 2016 he participated in the establishment of the second team – HydRU Racing Team and since then, he has been one of the academic mentors in it. He has three documents for protection of intellectual property and 6 textbooks and books.

Since 2005, assoc. prof. Hristov has participated in a number of institutional, regional, national and international projects. He is a member of the teams of national and international projects under ERASMUS, MUNDUS and INTERREG V-A Romania – Bulgaria Programmes. In the framework of the Project ROBG-9 ARCHIVE, financed by INTERREG V-A Romania – Bulgaria Programme, he participated in the digitizationof 16 old Roman fortresses from the cross-border region, as well as in more than 150 artefacts from 10 museums in Romania and Bulgaria. His participation in this project has led to establishing and strengthening the rellationships between the University of Ruse and the museums from the Danube region. His expertise in the field of digitization and air digitization, 3D scanning and 3D printing is often sought after. He applied his knowledge in 3D technologies in the production of 3D printed protective shields, realising more than 2000 such protective equipment  units, which were donated to medical staff working in the conditions of COVID-19 pandemic.

4. The Student of the Year award was conferred to:

Kaloyan Todorov Todorov, 4^th year student in Agrarian Engineering (for excellent academic grades and sports awards) and  Аlexandra Emilova Klimenko, 3^rd year student in Financial Mathematics degree programme (for rxcellent academic grades and national and international awards won).

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

12 May 2020, Tuesday

HIGH INTERNATIONAL RATING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

The third place among the Bulgarian state universities in the independent ranking system UniRank.

Prof. Sergey Ignatov: "The University of Ruse is the only higher school from Eastern Europe, selected to participate with good practices in a survey for universities of the third generation, conducted by western scientists".

The rating of Bulgarian universities for 2020 according to UniRank web-based system data has been published recently. Only accredited higher schools, which provide training at the three levels of tertiary education – Bachelor, Master and PhD are included in the survey. The ranking is based on independent Internet sources and does not include data provided by the universities themselves.

The University of Ruse occupies the prestigious third position among the state higher schools, following Sofia University and Sofia Technical University. In the long list of 48 participating universities, it is fourth, following the New Bulgarian University.

The high international rating of the higher school in Ruse is a result of the continuous striving of the academic community to be a source of good news for achievements in the field of education and research, for initiation of national and international events, for innovative practices in cooperation with the regional eco-system. This year's calendar of events is even fuller because on 11, 12 and 13 November the University of Ruse will mark in a solemn way its 75^th anniversary.

The University of Ruse has a lot to be proud of, and this fact was cited by the former minister of education and science, Mr. Sergey Ignatov during his participation in the information block of Europe TV on 9^th May, 2020. Mr. Ignatov, who is the Rector of the European University of Humanities in Vilnius, Lithuania, pointed out the University of Ruse as the only higher school from Eastern Europe, selected to participate with good practices in a survey for universities of the third generation, conducted by western scientists. As it is known, the most important characteristics of the third generation university profile are the transfer of innovations to business and society, entrepreneurship and global dimension in the activities of this university. The University of Ruse has been working in these three areas for a long time now and it is not accidental that at the moment, it is the only university from Eastern Europe that is participating in the pan-European project Beyond Scale for enhancing the organisational capacity for management in an entrepreneurial environment through the HEInnovate tool.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, PhD, Rector of the University of Ruse: tel.: +359 88 747 2153

12 May 2020, Tuesday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATED IN ONLINE SEMINAR IN KIRGHIZSTAN WITH PLENARY PAPER

Today, 12 May (Tuesday) 2020, in Bishkek – the capital of Kirghizstan, an online conference CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES EduTech KG 2020, was held under the guidance of the Vice-minister of education and science, Mr. Nurlan Omurov.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC and the head of the Centre for Innovative Educational Technologies, Prof. Angel Smrikarov, PhD, opened the conference and presented a plenary paper on the topic „Vision for the development of the system of education after the pandemic". The conference was held on ZOOM.

This seminar is the last of five. Rectors and Vice-rectors of nearly 330 universities from Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

For more information: , Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC, Rector of the University of Ruse,

tel.: +359 88 747 2153

7 May 2020, Thursday

The events of Healthcare Department of the University of Ruse, within the framework of the European week of public health 2020, organized by EUPHA  (11-15 May, 2020)

For a second year in a row the Healthcare Department of the University of Ruse gets involved in the European week of public health, organized by the European University Public Health Association (EUPHA) and the Bulgarian Association of Public Health. Seven members of the Department are active members of both the European and the Bulgarian Association of Public Health. Some activities planned for the calendar of the events are related to Goal 3 "Good health "of the Sustainable Development Goals – 2015-2030 (SDGs) of the United Nations global goals. Inevitably, the events planned within the framework of the European Public Health WEEK 2020 comply with the conditions of pandemic, and all topics will be carried out in different online formats. With its Calendar, the Department is aiming at strengthening its position as a modern and innovative structure, which is in line with modern and pan-European values and trends, to provide the students and the general public with reliable and useful information, a field for discussion and space for support in the conditions of emergency situation, caused by the spread of COVID19. Below are the topics of the week and the events planned by the Healthcare department, and a suggestion for you to follow us at the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ZdravniGrizhiRuse  

Monday 11 May (Topic: Promotion of health through UN's Global Goals)

Is the air in yoyr region cleaner owing to the social distancing policy?

How does the concept Health in all policies affect your country?

Event planned by the Healthcare Department of the University of Ruse: Discussion held in Facebook Stories by creating a poll to survey the opinion of the users and followers of the official Facebook page of the Department, concerning the effect of social distancing on the purity of air in Ruse.

Tuesday 12 May (Topic: Primary care in the Digital Age)

How do patients with chronic diseases cope with their health during the pandemic?

How does Europe support its health specialists?

Event planned by the Healthcare Department of the University of Ruse: Information webinar via Big Blue Button, addressing the future health specialists from the Department. It will cover the topics of raising the awareness concerning personal protection equipment, ways of correct and efficient use, safety measures and the health information needed to be spread in society in relation to COVID-19 and social distancing.

Wednesday 13 May (Topic: We stay together for mental health)

Which initiatives help populations to cope with social distancing and anxiety?

How do communities preserve their mental health while observing social distancing?

Event planned by the Healthcare Department of the University of Ruse: Report on the campaign on „Health counselling, training and support of the patients in need and their relatives" of the department and the students, presenting the results achieved.

Thursday 14 May (Topic: Equal health for all)

Does COVID-19 increase the gap in communities?

How do you support risk groups in your environment?

Event planned by the Healthcare Department of the University of Ruse:  Presenting an educational documentary „Breast is best"of the producer Creative House Media Ltd., realised with the financial support of UNICEF and the Embassy of Norway Kingdom in Bulgaria, subtitled in Bulgarian under the initiative of the National foundation Support for breastfeeding. Conducting a discussion via Facebook and providing up-to=date guidelines and safety regulations, concerning breastfeeding in the conditions of COVID19 according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

For more information: Prof. Ivanichka Serbezova, Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare, tel.: +359 888 731 063

4 May 2020, Monday

Construction works on the Research Laboratory Complex of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"

First virtual joint briefing for the media

The University of Ruse started the construction of a state-of-the-art Research Technological Laboratory Complex with European funding. The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, together with the Mayor of Ruse, Mr. Pencho Milkov, the Governor of Ruse region, Mr. Galin Grigorov and the Manager of "CVP Medicom" Consortium, Mr. Deyan Vasilev, took part in a groundbreaking ceremony on 4 May, 2020.

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc thanked the guests and explained that due to the safety measures for preserving the public health in an emergency situation, the number s of those present at the ceremony were strictly limited. The Centre of Excellence, for which the ground was broken would provide an opportunity for Центърът за върхови постижения, чиято първа копка беше направена днес, дава възможност за modernization and restructuring of the research goals of the University. The sum total of this project is BGN 29 781 882.42, divided between all the project partners (Lead partner under the project is the University of Sofia, and the remaining partners are Technical University - Sofia, Burgas University „Prof. А. Zlatarov" and the University of Shumen). From the sum total, BGN 2 964 438 are for the remote structure of the Centre of Excellence in the University of Ruse. The Rector reminded the fact that just 10 days ago, a new Research Institute was opened by a Decision of the Council of Ministers and a public procurement is forthcoming for the construction of a research institute. All this serves as a basis for initiating a series of activities, which would lead to major steps in research, particularly in the field of information and communication technologies, where we are striving to be a leader, concluded prof. Beloev.

The Mayor, Mr. Pencho Milkov stated „Everything that is a challenge and opportunity for the University of Ruse is an opportunity for the city of Ruse as well. The University is stepping up to a higher level, which will allow the scientists not only to do research, but also to generate scientific achievements with national and global value. It is a great delight for me to be part of this new beginning because it will strengthen the position of Ruse as the Northern capital of Bulgaria."

The Governor of Ruse region, Mr. Galin Grigrov started with the words „It is an honour for me to start yet another wonderful project.  In recent years, we have witnessed the fast pace of development of our University." He expressed his hope that the achievements will continue in the future and will testify to the region and the whole of Europe that the University of Ruse is an institution to be proud of.  

Mr. Vasilev said that it is an honour for "CVP Medicom"Consortium to be responsible for the construction of the Centre of Excellence and promised  high quality and compliance with the deadlines throughout the construction process. Then he urged the officials to break the ground.

Despite the limitations, the University of Ruse remained true to its innovative approach and organized the first virtual joint briefing with the participation of the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the Mayor of Ruse Mr. Pencho Milkov  and over 15 representatives of the media.

In the beginning, Prof. Beloev expressed his gratitude to the municipal authorities for the support and announced the initiation of the new joint idea for establishing a Danube Innovation Hub. Its main activities will be in the field of information and communication technologies, thus declaring strong position and new opportunities for development in the Danube region.

The Mayor, Mr. Milkov, expressed his support for this initiative and promised to encourage such initiatives and innovative ideas of the young people.

The University has the ambition to build a distributed scientific infrastructure, which will be internationally acknowledged, significant for the regional development and part of the national and European roadmap. In the conditions of knowledge-based economy and digital transformation of the society, the laboratory complex is expected to become the driving force for sustainability and recovery after the Covid 19 crisis. Through joint research with the business and the partner research organisations, innovative technological solutions, providing competitive advantages for the local economies in the Danube region are going to be developed in UNITe. The complex is constructed under the Project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0004 UNITe and is implemented within the Operative Programme  „Science and education for intelligent growth", priority axis 1„Research and technological development", Procedure BG05M2OP001-1.001 „Construction and development of centres of excellence".

The contractor of construction and installation works is "CVP Medicom" Consortium – Ruse and the construction supervision and investment control is assigned „Kimtex LS" Ltd. – Pleven.

The Project involves construction and development of a Centre of Excellence of the type distributed research infrastructure UNITe, meeting the requirements for high level of research in priority area Informatics and ICT of the Innovation strategy for intelligent specialisation (ISIS) 2014-2020. The project goals are focused on improving the opportunities for research and academic staff from different geographic regions in Bulgaria (Burgas, Ruse, Sofia, Shumen) to collaborate with each other and with partners from Europe and the world.

The laboratory complex, which is part of the Centre of Excellence, includes 5 specialised laboratories:  serious games and simulations; Digitisation and 3Dscanning; 3D design and modelling; 3D prototyping and replication of objects; Mixed reality and it will facilitate and improve the communication and information flows between the participating organisations. They will be able to implement highly specialized software solutions and computer aided communication systems, which, in addition to innovation environment, provide connectivity, copyright protection and flexible management to support research and implementation of results in real conditions.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

25 April 2020, Saturday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE – A SYMBOL OF LONG-TERM TRADITIONS AND AUTHORITATIVE LEADERSHIP POSITION

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector

In 2020 the University of Ruse will celebrate its 75^th Anniversary. In its 75-year history, the academic community of the University of Ruse has always managed to cope with the difficulties and to face the challenges. It has formed a strong potential for national and international leadership in the field of higher education and has worked steadily in the interst of its students and the society, achieving excellent results.

In time of crisis, when everybody started talking about and using online learning, the University of Ruse feels proud of the fact that it developed the first platform for online learning in Bulgaria in the beginning of this century - e-Learning Shell, the first web-based course – now these courses are over 1300, the first virtual laboratory – now the laboratories are 9, and later the first video lectures were recorded – now they are over 30 and their number is growing. 

The Concept for Digital Transformation of Education and the Vision for the University of the Future have been created in the University of Ruse.

Under the Eurasian project „Modernisation of the System of Higher Education in Central Asia through Innovative Educational Technologies", of which the University is the initiator and coordinator, a unique virtual library in INNOVATION EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES (IET) was created. It integrates the nearly 20-year experience of the Ruse Alma Mater in this area. The library includes syllabi and manuals in IET, as well as some useful instructions. The main purpose of this library is to use it for preparation of educators and lecturers from the 15 partner-universities from Central Asia, but due to the situation, the Body of rectors decided to offer it as open source for all schools and universities in the country; 73 universities from 34 European countries; 330 universities in Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

On 19 March, 2020, the University of Ruse got involved in the national campaign for gratuitous production and supply of 3D printed shields to doctors, dentists and medics, as well as institutions with public importance and citizens. The initiative was widely promoted at a local, regional and national level. After 20 days of continuous work on the charity initiative over 1800 medical shields have been produced and distributed among 4 main users: 1) Hospitals, medical centres, dental clinics, ER centres and other public and private medical institutions; 2) GPs, dentists, medics and pharmacists; 3) National, regional and municipal administrative bodies; 4) Units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, institutions and administrative bodies, as well as citizens in urgent need.

The University of Ruse has provided equipment for participation in a joint initiative with the Municipality of Ruse, the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the University of Ruse for tracing illegal break-ins in the summer house areas around the city. It is possible to use the equipment for tracing large groups of people gathering in parks and gardens. The drones of this series are applied in: rescue operations; fighting fires; inspection of power lines, wind turbines, bridges, solar collectors and many others.

All these efforts of the Body of Rectors and the academic community were rewarded.

On 9^th April, one of the large-scale new projects of the University of Ruse – "Digital Technological systems for clean and secure environment – 5D ALLIANCE 2019-2028", has received high international appreciation and occupied its well-deserved place in the updated National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure (NRSI). Establishing the Alliance is not only in unison with the mission of the Ruse Alma Mater to be a university of the future, but also presupposes its leading role for the development of the whole Danube macro region. The project has no analogue in Bulgaria and the Danube area since it provides for the creation of research infrastructure complex, combining 3 different forms of such infrastructure – unique, digital and shared. It has planned the building of 7 interdisciplinary laboratories at the University of Ruse

A new Research Institute was established with the University of Ruse by a Decision of the Council of Ministers of 22^nd April, 2020.  The Scientific Research Institute for Technologies and Innovations will combine the research activities of the four engineering faculties of the higher school, as well as that of the remaining four faculties. Projects under national and international scientific programmes will be developed there, as well as new instruments, devices and technologies in the field of technical sciences. The Institute's activities will be funded by the higher school budget, through participation in national and international programmes and projects, as well as by commercialization of the products and innovations developed there.

Today, the name of the University of Ruse is not only a symbol of long-standing educational traditions, but also of authoritative leadership position. 

22 April 2020, Wednesday

A NEW RESEARCH INSTITUTE WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MAIN UNIT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE BY A DECISION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS 

The Council of Ministers established a new Research Institute with the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”. The proposal for establishing this unit came from the Rector, Prof. Beloev, based on decisions of the Academic Council of the higher school. This was announced by the Press Centre of the Council of Ministers after a session of the Government.

The Scientific Research Institute for Technologies and Innovations will combine the research activities of the four engineering faculties of the higher school, as well as that of the remaining four faculties. Projects under national and international scientific programmes will be developed there, as well as new instruments, devices and technologies in the field of technical sciences. The Institute’s activities will be funded by the higher school budget, through participation in national and international programmes and projects, as well as by commercialization of the products and innovations developed there.

The new unit will aid the development of students and PhD students through participating in scientific developments. It will be building and maintaining advanced infrastructure, needed for its activities, and together with other institutes and research centres in the country and abroad, it will participate in building research networks.

The Institute’s activities will be funded by the higher school budget, through participation in national and international programmes and projects, as well as by commercialization of the products and innovations developed there.

10  April 2020, Friday

The University Francophone Agency adopted an emergency plan titled „Special plan AUF COVID-19 pandemic"

The University Francophone Agency (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie AUF) – the largest association of higher schools and research institutes in the world (990 members, 118 countries, 59 representative offices on 5 continents), which was joined by the University of Ruse in 2017, adopted an emergency plan, titled „Special plan AUF COVID-19 pandemic".

The Association supports its members through preparing technical and teaching materials , allowing the development of modules for online learning, easy to use on platforms of the type LMS; developing technical materials by the Institute of Distance Learning (IFIC); Suggesting opportunities  for developing open access teaching courses under the Transfer project; offering shared space, accessible through the ANEUF platform, where young scientists can share their developments and research.

AUF provides many useful resources, mainly through its digital library BNEUF, which has 11 million free resources, available to every student and lecturer.

Free resources are also offered by AUF' partners, using the virtual library BNEUF; EDUNAO (learning platforms for course distribution) ; Microsoft (free offer for using shared spaces for 6 months); Nomad Education ; Numérique Premium ; OpenClassrooms ; FUN MOOC ; Agorize ; YouScribe ; Editions Dalloz; Techniques de l'ingénieur.

10  April 2020, Friday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE HAS BECOME PART OF THE NEW NATIONAL ROADMAP FOR SCIENTIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE 2021-2027

One of the large scale new projects of the University of Ruse – "Digital Technological systems for clean and secure environment – 5D ALLIANCE 2019-2028", has received high appreciation, as we learned from the letter of 9^th April, 2020 from Vice minister  Karina Angelieva to  Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, Rector of the University and Manager of the Project.

The collaborative strategy and building a unique digital infrastructure proved to be the winning course of the University of Ruse, which managed to unite otherwise competing universities and research institutes as its partners in the project  5D ALLIANCE.

This visionary approach impressed the international evaluators and the project won its well-deserved place in the updated National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure (NRSI). Establishing the Alliance is not only in unison with the mission of the Ruse Alma Mater to be a university of the future, but also presupposes its leading role for the development of the whole Danube macro region. This will be achieved in 3 stages through the implementation of the project for 5D ALLIANCE during the new programme period 2021-2027.

The project concept is based on sharing resources, computer power, know-how and high-end expertise for conducting  cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, aiming at a complex effect in the direction of intelligent, secure, environmentally-friendly management of interconnected systems and their business applications for achieving clean and secure environment.

The quality of this research is projected to have a potential to impact the development of the entire Danube area on a macroeconomic level.

5D ALLIANCE determines the leading position of the University of Ruse and its partners I 4 thematic fields:

1) Precise technologies for sustainable agriculture and clean and secure environment;

2) Multi-modal human-machine interface and 3D kinematics in technological systems for clean and secure environment, and

4) Digital energy systems for clean and secure environment.

Through the Alliance, fields will be developed for the research on: digital, additive, energy-assisted innovative technologies, as well as the development of innovative business and educational models for sustainable development, clean and secure environment and the introduction of  Integrated intelligent security management systems with the developments in SI for clean and secure environment, incl. system solutions for energy and information security .   

An unprecedented number of partners, invited by the University of Ruse, will join efforts in the implementation of the project. The teams of 12 Bulgarian research units (the Agrarian University - Plovdiv; the Military Academy G. S. Rakovski – Sofia; University of Economics - Varna; Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems „Acad. Evgeni Budevski" (IEES), BAS; Institute of Information and Communication Technologies of BAS; Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection "Nikola Pushkarov" with the Agricultural Academy - Sofia,; HIGH TECH EM Ltd. of the Institute of Metal Science, Facilities and Technologies of BAS; Technical University - Varna; Тechnical University - Gabrovo; Technical University - Sofia; Thracian University – Stara Zagora; 4 associated partners of national business organsations (Cluster Electromobiles; the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB 3) Cluster „Srednogorie"; (4) NPS Kozlodui) and 11 other international partners, among which JRC – Brussel, Belgium; Steinbeis Europe Center – Karlsruhe, Germany, as well as  centres network, confirmed their participation and support  of collaboration in solving complex tasks.

Under the supervision of Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, a team of leading researchers in 7 scientific areas and representatives of the centre for technology transfer and intellectual property with the Research Sector of the University of Ruse in the summer of 2019 developed a project proposal and submitted it in the framework of the Call for Proposals of the Ministry of education and science for the need of updating the National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure (NRSI). 

The Roadmap is „a key instrument for access of researchers to state-of-the-art scientific facilities with the purpose of conducting competitive research at a high international level. NRSI is  fundamental in the selection of infrastructure sites, ready to be built in the next programme period 2021-2027, validating important strategic sectors, fields and groups of scientists, who can develop infrastructure complexes", says vice minister Angelieva in her letter. This means that in the next programme period, it will be mainly the complexes, selected by NRSI, which is part of the European Roadmap of scientific infrastructure that will have access to financial resources for research.

5D ALLIANCE is becoming a trademark of the University of Ruse and has been selected by an expert panel of European evaluators as a significant national research infrastructure complex to be implemented with priority. 

The project has no analogue in Bulgaria and the Danube area since it provides for the creation of research infrastructurecomplex, combining 3 different forms of such infrastructure – unique, digital and shared. It has planned the building of 7 interdisciplinary laboratories at the University of Ruse:

I. Precise technologies for sustainable agriculture and clean and secure environment;

II. Low carbon mobility and intelligent transport systems;

III.Multi-modal human-machine interface and 3D kinematics in technological systems for clean and secure environment;

IV. Digital energy systems for clean and secure environment;

А. Digital, additive, energy-assisted innovative technologies;

B. Innovative Business and Educational Models for Sustainable Development, Clean and Secure Environment;

C. Integrated intelligent security management systems, incl. those for energy and information security;

1 Remote laboratory in the Military Academy G. S. Rakovski – Sofia and

17 Remote access points  with the remaining partners of the Research Consortium.

9  April 2020, Thursday

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE 1800 PROTECTIVE SHIELDS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED AND DONATED IN 20 DAYS

On 19 March, 2020, the University of Ruse got involved in the national campaign for gratuitous production and supply of 3D printed shields to doctors, dentists and medics, as well as institutions with public importance and citizens, in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the spread of the disease on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. The initiative was widely promoted at a local, regional and national level.

As a result, the University if ruse was selected to be one of the beneficiaries of a donation fund  „United against Covid-19", set up by the Bulgarian donation forum, America for Bulgaria Foundation, the American Embassy in Bulgaria and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria. With an e-mail of 8th April, 2020, we received information that a grant to the amount of 5000 BGN will be given to the University of Ruse.

The first team to get actively involved in the activities on the gratuitous production and distribution of 3D printed shields was that of assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov, assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev and assisdtant Diyana Kinaneva, PhD from the Telecommunications Department. They were later joined by assoc. prof. Yordan Doychinov (Engineering Design Department), assoc. prof. Alexander Ivanov and principal assistant Emil Yankov (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technologies), Veselin Dimitrov, MEng and Vein Todorov. During the last 4 days 4 members of the technical staff of the university also got involved.

After 20 days of continuous work on the charity initiative over 1800 medical shields have been produced and distributed among 4 main users: 1) Hospitals, medical centres, dental clinics, ER centres and other public and private medical institutions; 2) GPs, dentists, medics and pharmacists; 3) National, regional and municipal administrative bodies; 4) Units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, institutions and administrative bodies, as well as citizens in urgent need.

A total of 33 hospitals, medical centres, ER centres and other medical institutions not only in Ruse and Ruse region but all over the country (Razgrad, Silistra, Tutrakan, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Pleven, Byala, Knezha, Sofia, Sliven, Pavlikeni, Zlatograd) received protective shields..

Over 300 3D printed shields were provided personally or via courier services to GPs, dentists medics and pharmacists.

A total of 15 national, regional and municipal administrative bodies also received th necessary quantity of shields.

Over 250 3D printed shields were provided to Units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, institutions and administrative bodies, as well as citizens in urgent need such as haemodialysis patients or patients with other medical needs.

The University of Ruse also received donations in the form of materials needed for the production of the shields from different individuals and companies.

5  April 2020, Sunday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IN SUPPORT OF THEIR COLLEAGUES FROM THE EURASIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, KAZAKHSTAN

From 06. to 19.04.2020, all lecturers of the Eurasian National University in Astana, Kazakhstan will participate in a course on innovation educational technologies under the programme of the University of Ruse, using video lectures from the virtual library of the Ruse Alma Mater.

As the saying goes: A FIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED.

https://hiedtec.ecs.uni-ruse.bg

Virtual Library

5  April 2020, Sunday

A NEW VERSION OF THE SYSTEM FOR SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING  BIGBLUEBUTTON HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE'S SERVER

In relation to the emergency situation and the online form of learning, a server is provided by the lecturers, working on the project "Digitizing the economy in a big data environment", to assist the work of students and lecturers. A new version of the system for synchronous online learning  BigBlueButton has been installed on this server.

Each user of the domain uni-ruse.bg has the opportunity to enter the system with their university account. Entering BBB can be done only with the username and not the whole e-mail address.

For the moment, the old system will continue to work, but it is recommended to use the new system, due to the better properties of the server.

1  April 2020, Wednesday

One more partner of the University of Ruse – the Almaty Technical University, expressed its gratitude to the Rector of our University

Today, 1 April (Wednesday), 2020, the academic management of the Almaty Technical University (ATU) sent a letter of gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc in connection with the implementation of the joint project „HiEdTech". They also expressed their gratitude to the rector for his personal contribution to the development of the cooperation between the two universities.

The letter:

Dear prof. Beloev, we hope that in these hard times for the whole world, you are receiving this letter in good health.

Taking into account the long-standing experience of our cooperation, we express our gratitude to you on behalf of the management and the whole team of ATU for the implementation of our joint project HiEdTech, which is so relevant globally, as well as for your personal contribution to the development of this cooperation, in your capacity as a Rector of the University of Ruse.

During our visit to your University, we were pleasantly surprised by your warm welcome and the excellent organisation of our first work meeting, which is an evidence of the professionalism of your working team.

After the Ministry of Education and science of the Republic of Kazakhstan received your letter, the virtual library under the project НiEdTech with materials in the field of innovative educational technologies for all 119 universities was opened. We would like to note that the project НiEdTech is  being implemented purposefully and provides great opportunities not only for the preparation of lecturers and trainers in organising online education, but also as a positive influence on the development of international relations in general.

On behalf of the academic management of ATU, we would like to express a particular gratitude for the precise and excellent work of the coordinator of this project, Prof. Angel Smrikarow and also the project manager, honorary assoc. prof. tanya Smrikarova, who together with their tea, have created and enriched the virtual library with many useful materials.

We wish you and your team health, success and prosperity in ebverything!

Together we will overcome everything!

With respect,

Management of ATU

1 April 2020, Wednesday

The Rector of the Tajik Technical University "Academician M.S. Osimi" sent a letter of gratitude to the rector of the University of Ruse

Today, 1 April (Wednesday), 2020, the Rector of the Tajik Technical University "Academician M.S. Osimi" sent a letter of gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, in relation to the beneficial cooperation between the two institutions on projects, supporting the adaptation of education to the digital generation, as well as the opportunity to use the resources of the virtual library, created by the University of Ruse.

The letter reads:

To Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc ,

Rector of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"

The Tajik Technical University "Academician M.S. Osimi" expresses its sincere gratitude and deep apprecation  to you and the whole academic staf of your university for the support and beneficial cooperation in the framework of the Erasmus+ project HiEdTec and the project for developing higher education in Tajikistan "Improving higher technical education through implementing innovation technologies using the experience of European Universities". The projects mentioned support the adaptation of education to the digital generation through цомпрехенсиже енд еффецтиже усе  оф ИЦТ-based information educational technologies and didactic models.

We would like to express our special gratitude for the organised training of our staff in your university and for your initiative to open the virtual library of the University of Ruse with materials in the field of innovative educational technologies for all universities of Central Asia.

We are extending our invitation to vist our university at your convenience. We wish your university creative energy and persistence in achieving the goals set, success in all endeavours and successful realization of all the achievemnts. We wish you peace and prosperity.

Sincerely yours:

Rector /signature/ Odinazoda H.O.

31 March 2020, Tuesday

The Kyrgyz State Technical University sent a letter of gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse, in relation to opening the access to the virtual library resources

Prof. Mirlan Chinibaev, Vice-rector in education of the Kyrgyz State Technical University sent a letter of gratitude to the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc  in relation to providing the opportunity for open access to the virtual library resources of our University.  

The letter reads: 

To Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc ,

Rector of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"

Today, when most of the universities in our region are transforming their educational process to online mode due to the spread of the corona virus, the role of knowledge and skills of today's lecturers in the field of modern innovation technologies of education has grown immensely.

The time has come when the results of our Eurasian project have received maximum relevance.

With our letter, allow us to express our gratitude for the opportunity for open access to the virtual library, developed by the University of Ruse, whose resources are aimed at improving the qualifications of lecturers in the field of digitisation of education.

We highly value this act of solidarity.

I firmly believe that this will allow our lecturers to acquire the new knowledge that will facilitate this challenging stage in our history.

Sincerely yours,

Prof. Mirlan Chinibaev,Vice-rector in education of the Kyrgyz State Technical University

 

31 March 2020, Tuesday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IS INVOLVED IN THE CONTROL ON OBSERVING THE MEASURES INTRODUCED BY THE EMERGENCY LAW

The University of Ruse provides equipment for participation in a joint initiative with the Municipality of Ruse, the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the University of Ruse.

Drones, equipped with specialised spectral cameras will trace illegal break-ins in the summer house areas around the city. It is possible to use the equipment for tracing large groups of people gathering in parks and gardens.

The drones used are in the category of specialised unmanned aerial vehicles, adapted to flights in poor meteorological conditions and they have land RTK stations, which guarantee precision of the flying missions. At very low temperatures, the drone's batteries heat automatically. This is a great opportunity for freedom of operation since practically, the drone can be operated in almost any meteorological conditions. The drones of this series are applied in: rescue operations; fighting fires; inspection of power lines, wind turbines, bridges, solar collectors and many others.

The drones are equipped with reliable thermal cameras with two separate graphic sensors, which are a combination of advanced radiometric thermal sensor and 4K graphic sensor. The thermal sensors reveal details, which are invisible to the naked eye, discerning small differences in the temperature of objects on the Earth's surface. This new outlook can help in analysing critical infrastructure, damage of buildings or equipment, locating lost people, etc.

The drones have been obtained by the University in execution of work tasks under the project "UNIVERSITIES FOR SCIENCE, INFORMATICS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN E-SOCIETY (UNIT-E)" financed by the Operative Programme "Science and education for intelligent growth" and the SFEDA project, co-financed by the European Union under the cross-border cooperation programme Interreg V-B "Balkans – the Mediterranean" 2014-2020, as well as the National Funds of the participating countries.

 

30 March 2020, Monday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

OPENS ITS VIRTUAL LIBRARY IN INNOVATION EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR ITS PARTNERS FROM BULGARIA AND THE WORLD

Today, when due to the corona virus everybody started talking about and using online learning, the University of Ruse is proud of the fact that as early as the beginning of this century, it developed the first platform for digital learning in Bulgaria - e-Learning Shell, the first web-based course – now these courses are over 1300, the first virtual laboratory – now they are 9, and later recorded the first video lectures – now they are over 30 and their number is growing. 

The Concept for Digital Transformation of Education and the Vision for the University of the Future have been created in the University of Ruse.

Under the Eurasian project „Modernisation of the System of Higher Education in Central Asia through Innovative Educational Technologies", of which the University is the initiator and coordinator, a unique virtual library in INNOVATION EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES (IET) was created. It integrates the nearly 20-year experience of the Ruse Alma Mater in this area. The library includes syllabi and manuals in IET, as well as some useful instructions. The main purpose of this library is to use it for preparation of educators and lecturers from the 15 partner-universities from Central Asia, but due to the situation, the Body of rectors decided to offer it as open source for:

- all schools and universities in the country;

- 73 universities from 34 European countries;

- 330 universities in Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The virtual library is cloud-based. It can be reached by first accessing the project website HiEdTec (https://hiedtec.ecs.uni-ruse.bg), and then clicking on the point Virtual Library. 

 

27 March 2020, Friday

The University of Ruse donated more protective scields produced on 3D printers

Today, 27 March (Friday) 2020, the University of Ruse continued to provide protective shields to the medical workers in the region. 

The newly produced 3D shields in our Alma Mater were donated by the rector, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc to: 

- Medical centre „Medic Konsult“, received by the owner, D-r Ivo Radanov;

- „Obstetric-gynecological  complex“ with UMBAL Kaneff, plc.;

- „Emergency Medical Centre“ – Druzhba, received by the director, D-r Ivanka Marinova. 

- „Mental Health Centre – Ruse“ LtD, received by the director, D-r Temenuzhka Mateva Decheva-Novakova;

- APIMGP “MOBILMED” LtD, received by the manager, D-r Ilko Marinov. 

Individual shields were distributed to GPs, dentists, medics, pharmacists. 

For more information: COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc , Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

26 March 2020, Thursday

   THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE DONATED OVER 160 PROTECTIVE MEDICAL SHIELDS TODAY

The University of RuseРусенският университет donated today, 26 March (Thursday) 2020, 30 protective shields to Pulmonary Hospital„D-r Dimitar Gramatikov" Ltd– Ruse, accepted by D-r Dachev; 30 protective shields to the Complex Oncological Centre – Ruse, Ltd, received by D-r Kozhuharov; 30 protective shields to the Municipality of Ruse, received by the Mayor of Ruse, M-r Pencho Milkov and more than 70 shields to GPs, dentists, medics,  pharmacists, as well as employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Ruse.

3D printed components for some of the shields  were donated to the University of Ruse by Mr. Yavor Marinov from Model MM Ruse, Ltd (30), by Mr. Tsvetomir Tsvetanov and Mr. Rosen Dinkov from Parallel Bulgaria (15 бр.) and by Mr. Spas Tinchev (20).

A large donation for this cause of producing 3D printed shields came from Mr. Emil Mladenov and Ted-MM, Ltd, who donated and supplied free of charge a large amount of PET material for the protective screens of the shields. Lecturers from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technologies, the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education also got involved in the production.

We express our gratitude to all who support us in this campaign and we wish them health and prosperity!

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel. +359 88 747 2153

25 March 2020, Wednesday

The University of Ruse donated 50 protective shields to UMBAL "Medica" – Ruse

Today, 25 March (Wednesday) 2020, Annunciation day, the Rector of the University brought good news to UMBAL "Medica" – Ruse, donating 50 protective shields to the director, D-r Kiril Panayotov in support of the medical staff.

The production of protective shields for doctors and medical staff on 3D printers started in the University of Ruse on Saturday, 21 March 2020. Since then the production time is being constantly optimised, new teams are getting involved and the orders come not only from hospitals in the region, but also from all over Bulgaria.

Studies of the development of the epidemic in China show that after the health workers started using such protective shields, there has been a decline in the growth of the newly infected, commented the team of the University of Ruse.  

 The designs of the 3D printed safety shields have been developed by „Prusa Research"and have been tested in the Ministry of Healthcare of the Czech Republic. They do not provide a high degree protection but they protect from accidental contact with body fluids, when certain manipulations are performed.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

24 March 2020, Tuesday

„Be healthy and stay physically active!"

The Kinezitherapy degree programme of the University of Ruse started an initiative with concern for people's health, proposing a set of exercises to be done at home. It is aimed at preventing the negative consequences from the immobility in the days when we have to stay home and limit our walks outside.

The initiative proposes a set of exercises, appropriate for performing at home. The recommendation is to do those in the morning, after airing the room.

„Be healthy and stay physically active!" is the appeal of students and lecturers from Kinezitherapy degree programme, who announced that there will be other useful ideas.

For more information: principal assistant Denitsa Vasileva, Public Health and Social work Department, tel.:0878253907

23 March 2020, Monday

NEW INITIATIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IN SUPPORT OF THE MEDICS IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST COVID 19

One more initiative, which the University of Ruse joined on 22 March 2020 is connected with the development of ventilation apparatuses.

In Bulgaria, ventilation apparatuses with open source are being developed! This is the first prototype of a mechanical ventilation apparatus based on open source design.

At the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, the components for the prototype actuators of the apparatus are being produced on a 3D printer!

Video of the first prototype in action: https://www.facebook.com/OpenSourceventilatorBG/videos/520932238610289/

More on the idea: https://www.facebook.com/pg/OpenSourceventilatorBG/about/

Congratulations to the colleagues for the positive initiative!

More information at: https://www.facebook.com/OpenSourceventilatorBG/

For more information:

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

23 March 2020, Monday

The nurses and midwives studying at the University of Ruse offer help to the citizens of Ruse

The second, third and fourth year nurses and fourth year midwives studying at the University of Ruse offer support and help to the citizens of Ruse. Within their competence and under control from a lecturer, the students will advise, train and offer professional advice to patients and their relatives.  Currently, the training of the students is online and despite the online lectures and individual forms of studying, the students declare their willingness to help professionally in support of healthcare workers and society.

The counselling service will be offered from their homes and by their personal telephones and by schedule. The lecturers will be available to the students from 9.00 to 21.00 every day.

The activities to be performed are in accordance with: Ordinance № 1 of 8 February 2011 for professional activities which nurses, midwives, associated medical specialists and healthcare assistants can perform by prescription or individually, issued by the Minister of healthcare, published in State Newspaper, iss.15 of 18 February 2001, amended in iss.50 of 1 July 2011.

For more information: assoc. prof. D. Georgieva, Head of healthcare Department, tel.: 0889 789 100

22 March 2020, Sunday

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE DONATED THE FIRST 50 SAFETY SHIELDS TO UMBAL “ KANEFF” IN SUPPORT OF THE BULGARIAN MEDICS

Today, 22 March (Sunday) 2020, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc donated to the executive director of UMBAL “Kaneff”, Mr. Ivan Ivanov the first 50 safety shields for the needs of the medical workers. Prof. Beloev said that the research teams of the Universiti of Ruse are ready and competent to help in the solution of currently emerging challenges and needs in limiting the distribution of COVID-19 in Bulgaria. 

The production of the protective shields for doctors and medical staff started yesterday morning by lecturers from the Telecommunications Department on 3D printers at the University of Ruse. Within a few hours, orders for 600 protective shields were received from the health units in the region. In order for all the shields ordered to be produced and donated in short terms, the University of Ruse involves in the initiative more young scientists from different faculties. All production facilities and printers in the University will be used from tomorrow and the production capacity will be doubled.

 The designs of the 3D printed safety shields have been developed by „Prusa Research“and have been tested in the Ministry of Healthcare of the Czech Republic „They do not provide a high degree protection but they protect from accidental contact with body fluids when certain manipulations are performed, so that the medical staff does not run the risk of somebody breathing or sprinkling saliva into their faces directly. They replace the temporary masks and protective goggles of which there is a great shortage in in Bulgaria right now“, explained, assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev, and the first shields were tested by assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov and assistant Diana Kinaneva, PhD.

Two types of protective masks can be produced from the 3D printer designs – one is narrower and sticks to the head, which makes it a bit uncomfortable, and it can be printed in an hour. In the second version, the board is moved forward, the protected area is bigger and it is more comfortable to wear, but its production takes about two and a half hours. Three shields of the first type were produced and then it was decided to produce shields of the second type only. 

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

21 March 2020, Saturday

First place for a student of the University of Ruse in the prestigious competition for 3D texturing of Adobe "Meet MAT 2"

Nikolay Marinov, a fourth year student in Computer Systems and Technologies degree programme in the University of Ruse, won first place in the category Students of the prestigious competition for 3D texturing of Adobe "Meet MAT 2".

Nikolay Marinov's development is "Meet KukerMat", presenting a traditional Bulgarian folk costume, worn by men when they perform rituals and dances for driving bad spirits away.

The competition is held for a third consecutive year, and the 1200 participants, half of whom are students have come from all over the world. The organisers comment that the quality of the developments in the category Students and that in the main category is very similar, which means that the educational institutions provide high quality education to their students.

More information at: https://magazine.substance3d.com/meet-mat-2-3d-texturing-c…/

For further information: Stoyanka Smrikarova, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, tel. +359 88 747 2153

21 March 2020, Saturday

The University of Ruse is going to be involved in the large scale national campaign for the production of safety helmets for the medical staff in the country, fighting the COVID-19 pandemic

As of today, 21 March (Saturday) 2020, the University of Ruse is going to be involved in the large scale national campaign for the production of safety shields for the medical staff in the country. The campaign has been proposed and organised by dental doctors from the capital and is being realised by a number of professional organisations and enthusiasts in the field of 3D technologies from Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Turnovo, Lovech, Varna, Yambol, Burgas, as well as other a number of other settlements in Bulgaria. With the inclusion of the University of Ruse, now Ruse is part of this noble initiative too.

The projects of the 3D printed safety shields have been developed by „Prusa Research" and have been tested in the Ministry of Healthcare of the Czech Republic. The materials for the 3D printers are provided free of charge by several Bulgarian companies, and the other supplies needed for completing the shields are provided by the University of Ruse.

The aim of this campaign is to produce as many shields as possible, which will be offered free of charge to the medical workers in UMBAL Kaneff, as well as to the GPs and dentists in Ruse. The resources used are from the Faculties of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation; Transport; and Agrarian and Industrial Faculty – 2 3D printers Prusa Research I3 MK3s, one 3D printer Ultimaker 2+, two 3D printers Ultimaker 3, as well as two 3D printers, designed and assembled by lecturers and employees of the University. The capacity of the production at present is 6-7shields every 150 minutes, but the teams are working on optimisation of the processes and increasing the capacity.

Part of the equipment used for the production of the safety shields has been purchased through national and international projects, implemented by the University of Ruse, including the National Research Programme ICT in Science, Education and Security and the project „UNITе".

With these activities, the University of Ruse shows once again that it is working for the benefit of society and will contributes, minimally though, to coping with the pandemic of COVID-19.

---------------------------------------------

The National Scientific Programme Information and Communication Technologies for Single Digital Market in Science, Education and Security, is implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science.

Some of the equipment is purchased under the Project UNITe (Universities for Science, Informatics and Technologies in e-Society), funded by the European Fund for regional development through Operative Programme „Science and Education for Intelligent Growth 2014 – 2020.

We express our gratitude to Zazi and Co. Ltd. for the protective masks, gloves and antibacterial gels and cleaners provided.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov, Telecommunications Department, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation Faculty, tel.: 0882 000 206 

10 March 2020, Tuesday

Representatives of „RAPID KB“ Ltd. and CLAAS on a visit to the University of Ruse

Representatives of „RAPID KB" Ltd., official importer of CLAAS and AMAZONE for Bulgaria, met the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and members of the academic community with professional interests in the field of agricultural machinery. The manager of the company, Mr. Plamen Bogoev and representatives of CLAAS from Romania and Germany: Michael Bayer – Executive director of CLAAS, Romania; Alexandra Strugari – Marketing manager CLAAS – Romania;  Karsten Wolk – Export Manager for Bulgaria from CLAAS Headquarters –Germany; Thomas Schumaher – Head of Second-hand Machinery Sales from CLAAS Headquarters –Germany; Markus Tiel -  Head of Second-hand Machinery Sales for Europe were guests of the University of Ruse.

During the meeting with the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, dedicated to the 30^th anniversary of „RAPID KB" Ltd., the  guests and the hosts acknowledges mutually the successful cooperation and discussed possible areas of expanding the joint activities and initiating new projects.

Prof. Beloev mentioned that the connection between education and the real production process are closely connected in the degree programmes of the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty of the University of Ruse.  A CLAAS laboratory functions on campus, new interactive textbooks, which offer additional information, have been developed jointly. The latest trends in the technologies in the field of agrarian engineering are followed and implemented.

Mr. Plamen Bogoev noted that about 80% of the specialists in the company are alumni of the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty. In 2019, a student of the University of Ruse won a scholarship in a CLAAS competition, after presenting his diploma thesis development.

Mr. Borislav Naydenov, product manager in „RAPID KB" Ltd., presented the history of the company and the development  of contacts with CLAAS through the years to the lecturers from the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty. Then the audience was acquainted with the new products and developments of CLAAS and AMAZONE for 2020. 

28 February 2020, Friday

The International day of rare diseases was promoted in the University of Ruse

Today, 28 February (Friday) 2020, The National Alliance of People with Rare Diseases (NAPRD) and the Health Club with the University of Ruse promoted the International day of rare diseases, honoured on the last day of February. On 29 February (Saturday), for the 13^th time the world will express its empathy for people with rare diseases. Two information points were placed in the University of Ruse and at 12 p.m., in front of the Main building, coloured balloons were sent into the air as a sign of empathy.

Since 2015,  The National Alliance of People with Rare Diseases (NAPRD) and the Health Club with the University of Ruse have organised four information campaigns, five seminars, information meetings on the territory of Ruse and have set up an information point in UMBAL Kaneff Ruse. These activities aim to raise public awareness, concerning the needs of people suffering from rare diseases.

In Europe, the definition of "rare diseases" is a state or a disease, which occurs in less than 1 in 2000 people. In the European Union, around 30 million people suffer from one of already found rare diseases, and worldwide the number is nearly 350 million. For Bulgaria, whose population is around 7,5 million, the number of patients with rare diseases is estimated to reach over 400 000 people. In 80% of the cases these diseases are genetically based, and in the remaining cases they are the result of infections (bacterial or viral), allergies, environmental factors, etc. Only 5% of nearly 7000 rare diseases known to medicine are curable; for the rest, supportive therapy is implemented, which enhances quality of life and longevity of these patients. The only solution is the research in this field, which provide hope both for the rare disease sufferers and their families.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Despina Georgieva, Health Care Department,  tel: +359 0889789100

Anelia Atanasova NAPRD, s156451@stud.uni-ruse.bg

7 February 2020, Friday

Lecturers from the Tadjik Technical University in Dushanbe attended a one week training in information technologies at the University of Ruse

Today, 7 February (Friday) 2020, was the last day of the one-week training of lecturers from the Tadjik Technical University in Dushanbe in innovative educational technologies held at the Centre of Innovative Educational Technologies with the University of Ruse. It is part of a project "Improving Higher Technical Education through Implementing Innovative Educational Technologies , used in European Universities", funded by the World Bank. 

The rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, conferred the certificates for successful performance at the training course to the Tadjik lecturers. He expressed his delight that the two universities are partners in this significant innovative project. He greeted the team and wished them success, expressing the intentions of the academic community to strengthen and expand the cooperation with other joint initiatives as well. 

The lecturers demonstrated what they had learnt to the Rector and the mentors from the University of Ruse. Using the interactive board, the young lecturer Gulnora Anvarova presented a paper, titled „Degree programmes in engineering – new opportunities for girls and women". She demonstrated the same presentation as a video lecture.

For additional information: Prof. Angel Smrikarov, tel.:  0889 313 876

6 February 2019, Thursday

Third Festival of Lanterns was held in the Univerity of Ruse

Today, 6 February (Thursday) 2020, for a third consecutive time the Festival of Lanterns was held, organised by the Confucius Classroom at the University of Ruse, where Chinese language and culture are taught to students, lecturers and all interested citizens of Ruse.

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc wished a happy, healthy and successful year for all. Together with Prof. Plamen Kangalov, Vice-rector in Education and Prof. Juliana Popova, coordinator in Interinstitutional communication, write their New Year wishes and hung them on the Tree of Wishes. The lecturers of Chinese at the University assured them that wishes made in this way, inevitably come true.

The Festival of Lanterns at the University of Ruse is becoming more and more popular among young people and children. The previous two editions were visited by about 300 people. This year the holiday included solving Chinese riddles, hanging personal wishes for luck, love and health on the Tree of Wishes, writing Chinese hieroglyphics for success and luck. A lot of presents and surprises were given out and the hosts treated the visitors to the traditional chocolates, spring rolls and rice balls.

The Festival of Lanterns is celebrated one week after the  celebration of the Lunar New Year in China. This year the holiday is on 8^th February, Saturday. The Festival is a family holiday, which epitomizes the respect and love between generations, as well as the hope for success and a better future.

2020 is the year of the rat. It is believed that it brings luck, success and ability to overcome challenges. The rat is the first sign in the Chinese Zodiak and  the beginning of each cycle of the Lunar calendar.

For additional information: Pr. Assistant Hristina Sokolova, PhD, tel.: 087 853 7015

5 February 2020, Wednesday

The University of Ruse transfers educational technologies to Central Asia

Lecturers from the Tadjik Technical University (TTU) in Dushanbe arrived for a one-week training in innovative educational technologies in the Centre for Innovative Educational Technologies with the University of Ruse. The guests were welcomed by the Rector – Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc.

This training is included in the schedule of the TTU project "IMPROVING HIGHER TECHNICAL EDUCATION THROUGH IMPLEMENTING INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES, USED IN THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES", funded by the World Bank. It is a logical continuation of the EC funded Eurasian project "MODERNISATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CENTRAL ASIA THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGIES" in which 15  universities from Kazakhstan, Kirgiztan, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan participate and the University of Ruse is the Coordinator.

 Together with the other partner universities under the project, the Tadjik Technical University has developed a Conception for adapting  the education system to the digital generation, using the Conception of the University of Ruse as a foundation. These Conceptions have been translated into the national language, Russian and English. They have been sent to all universities in Central Asia, which are over 330.

Now in these universities are organised trainings in ICT-based innovative educational technologies. The University of Ruse will provide support by training 75 trainers, each of whom will have to train 10 lecturers in their respective university.

For additional information: Prof. Angel Smrikarov, tel.:  0889 313 876

22 January 2020, Wednesday

The University of Ruse hosted a Bulgarian-Romanian workshop on the new Horizon Europe programme

Today, 22 January 2020 (Wednesday), a regional Bulgarian-Romanian workshop was held at the University of Ruse on the implementation of Horizon Europe – the future framework programme of the European Union for research and innovations in the period 2021-2027. The event was organised by the European Commission, the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science and the Romanian Ministry for Education and Research.

The forum was opened by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC with the words that it is an honour and a privilege for the University of Ruse to be a host and co-organiser of this event. He pointed out that the interest and the presence of more than 250 people in the hall are indisputable proof that experts from various institutions are willing to participate in the process of joint project writing for overcoming the key challenges of our time. Prof. Beloev appealed for mobilizing the scientific potential of the countries for developing project ideas because the proposed budget of €100 bln for the next programme period is evidence for the importance of Europe's future development.

Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, addressed the workshop participants with a video. She emphasized the fact that the new Horizon Europe 2021-2027 will focus on climate change as part of the "Green Deal"and will contribute to the transformation of Europe to the digital generation. Ms. Gabriel outlined the goal to increase the opportunities for smaller and more remote participants. For example, for the widening countries like Bulgaria and Romania, national contact points will be set up, providing consultations and conducting pre-check of project proposals on the spot.

Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria at the meeting in the University of Ruse were Ms. Karina Angelieva, Deputy Minister, and the advisors to the Minister prof. Ivan Dimov and Prof.  Kostadin Kostadinov.

The Director of the office for European and International Cooperation with the Romanian Ministry of Research and Innovation, Mr. Vultarescu, also addressed the participants. He called for establishing closer relations with universities, research institutions, NGOs and business structures for creating more successful economies and better life of the EU citizens.

 At the start of the seminar, Mr. Peter HÄRTWICH, Head of Unit, Common Service for Business Processes, DG Research & Innovation, European Commission presented the main structure of the programme and its key elements. The first one, with 35% of the total budget, will be related to climate change activities. The second one is achieving sustainable development and the third – accelerating growth and competitiveness.

In the subsequent sessions, a model Grant Agreement under the Programme was discussed, as well as the application, evaluation and selection procedures. Financial issues like the simplified forms of costs, as well as accounting and audit practices were clarified and some ideas about dissemination, exploitation and communication of successful projects were exchanged.   

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

22 January 2020, Monday

The Rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev met representatives of the European Commission from the Directorate for research and Innovations

Today, 22 January 2020 (Wednesday), the Rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev met representatives of the European Commission from the Directorate for research and Innovations – Mr. Peter Härtwitch, Head of Unit, Common Service for Business Processes, Common Implementation Centre, DG Research & Innovation, Ms. Simona Maria Staicu, Mr. Ioannis Sagias and Mr. Sorin Serban. They were the main presenters at today's Regional Bulgarian-Romanian Stakeholder Workshop on Horizon Europe (2021-2027) Implementation.

Prof. Beloev Presented the University of Ruse as a higher education institution that has won its leading position as a strong academic cross-border structure. The Ruse Alma Mater has three branches, located along the River Danube – in Vidin, Silistra and Razgrad, and soon the procedure for transforming "Grigorii Tsamblak" Taraklija State University into a branch of the University of Ruse will be concluded. The Rector pointed out that the participation of the University in a number of international organisations, for some of which it is a co-founder, the coordination of large European networks under the Erasmus+ programme, accepting and sending out a large number of students on Erasmus+ mobilities, prove the strong positions of the higher school and make it a sought after partner. The University of Ruse has multi-disciplinary teams of researchers, who initiate and implement projects with representatives of the authorities, the business, the NGOs, both in Bulgaria and internationally.  

During the meeting, Mr. Peter Härtwitch shared that the event in Ruse was the most attended one from all the organised consultations with the stakeholders in EU member-states. He thanked Prof. Beloev for the hospitality and the excellent organisation. He expressed willingness to visit Ruse and the University of Ruse again with new joint projects and initiatives.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the UR, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

20 January 2020, Monday

A letter of gratitude from The Chairperson of Taraklia region, R Moldova – Ivan Paslar to Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc

The Chairperson of Taraklia region, R Moldova – Ivan Paslar, sent a letter of gratitude to Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc on behalf of the Bulgarians in Taraklia. In it he expresses his gratitude for the cordial attitude and the attention he was granted during his visit to Bulgaria. He also writes that he has been strongly impressed not only by the professionalism but also by the understanding and willingness to help demonstrated by prof. Beloev during the meetings.

„I would like to assure you that I will make maximum efforts to expand the bilateral partnership between Ruse and Taraklia region, Republic of Moldova", ends the letter.

As it was already mentioned, the process of transforming the Taraklia State University "Grigorii Tsamblak" into a branch of the University of Ruse is expected to finish by March this year.

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel.: +359 88 747 2153

13 January 2020, Monday

The Chairperson of Taraklia region, R Moldova – Ivan Paslar had a working meeting with the rector of the University of Ruse

Today, 13 January (Monday) 2020, Ivan Paslar, Chairperson of Taraklia region, R Moldova, had a working visit at the University of Ruse. The main topic he discussed with the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, was the transformation of the University of Taraklia "Grigorii Tsamblak" into a branch of the University of Ruse.

Prof. Beloev noted that the two countries have been discussing the possibilities and looking for ways to achieve the best solution for aiding the development of education and of the young people in Taraklia region. At the end of last year, a working group was established, with Prof. Juliana Popova as a representative of the University of Ruse. A draft of an Agreement between the two countries, which settles matters of a more general nature has been prepared. In the beginning of January, Prof. Beloev had a meeting with the minister of education and science, Mr. Krasimir Valchev to discuss these issues again. The expectations of all institutions engaged are that the process of transformation of the State University of Taraklia into a branch of the University of Ruse will have finished by March, 2020. Thus, the organisation of the study process and the admission will fall within the schedule set for the new academic year, starting in September 2020.

Mr. Paslar shared that he had working meetings with representatives of business in Taraklia region. During the discussions it became clear that for the development of the regional economy, experts in the following fields are needed: Agrarian engineering, Transport technologies, Economics, and Computer sciences. Prof. Beloev, assured Mr. Paslar that the University of Ruse could start training in these degree programmes as early as the next academic year.

During the meeting were discussed other organisational issues about scholarships for students of Bulgarian origin, improving the conditions on the campus of the university, as well as the possibility for introducing the Professional Bachelor's degree.

For further information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Christo Beloev, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel+359 88 747 2153

20 December 2019, Friday

An International youth conference Turning point: 20 years since the signing of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe

Today, 20 December 2019, an International youth conference Turning Point: 20 Years of Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe was opened at the University of Ruse under the aegis of the Rector, Cor. Merm. Hristo Beloev, DTSc.

The foreign participants were greeted by the Vice Mayor in Economics, Investments and Property, Ms. Zlatomira Stefanova, who delivered a welcome address from the Mayor of Ruse, Mr. Pencho Milkov. On behalf of the Regional governor, a welcome address was delivered by Mr. Georgi Georgiev, an expert in PR and a PhD student of the University of Ruse.

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, opened the Conference with a plenary speech on the topic of establishing and developing BRIE /Bulgarian-Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre/. BRIE was founded under a project of the Stability Pact and the initiative of The German Rectors' Conference in 2002. In 2002 the first international students were admitted. In 2006 the Agreement for cooperation and mutual aid in implementing BRIE activities between the governments of Romania and Bulgaria came into force.

Eva Parvanova, a PhD student at the University of Ruse delivered a presentation, which was a visual story of the events, borders and people in the history of BRIE.

The agenda of the Conference includes a discussion, led by Assoc. prof. Mimi Kornazheva, related to the issue whether the relations between the European Union and the Western Balkans are at a turning point.  Assoc. prof. Emanuil Kolarov, a BRIE lecturer, will comment on the administrative structure of countries from the Western Balkans as a challenge for their accession to the EU. Prof. Claudia Popesky, a lecturer in BRIE from the Bucharest University of Economics, will speak about the crossborder cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania and the lessons learned that can help the public administration in the Western Balkans. In the afternoon, students from BRIE from Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosna and Herzegovina and Romania will cover issues, related to the topic of the conference.

On Saturday, the conference will continue with generating ideas for projects on the4 Danube strategy, which could be useful for the countries from the Western Balkans in the context of their preparation for joining the EU.  The afternoon is dedicated to a session with Prof. Penka Angelova, a Chairperson of the International society Elias Kaneti and the first Director of BRIE. At the end, there will be some sightseeing in Ruse.

For further information: Assoc.prof. Mimi Kornazheva, Director BRIE, tel.: 0888 411 953

18 December 2019, Wednesday

Prof. Nick Sigrimis, PhD Eng from Agrarian University of Athens shared his experience in building research complexes

Prof. Nick Sigrimis, PhD Eng from Agrarian University of Athens, Greece was on a work visit at the University of Ruse in the period 9-15 December, 2019. His visit is within the frames of the project „Support for human resources development at the University of Ruse "Angel Kunchev" (BG05M2OP001-2.009-0011-С01). The collaboration of prof. Simitis with the University of Ruse started many years ago and his present visit has been scheduled under the above-mentioned project.

The programme started with a meeting with the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, where the results from the joint work so far have been discussed. Future assignments have been planned in relation to the project, as well as some new initiatives. The role of implementing smart technologies and knowledge in agriculture was highlighted, with a special focus on environmental protection in future technological developments. Prof. Sigrimis was a member of the teams involved in building research complexes in China and Saudi Arabia. He shared his experience and provided some guidelines in relation to the building of a Training and Research Complex (Technopark) at the University of Ruse.

Prof. Sigrimis's visit continued with a work meeting for discussing the outcomes from the joint research under the project; participation in a seminar on the requirements for designing high level publications with an impact factor, shown in Web of Science or Scopus; preparation of 5 new joint publications; and a scientific seminar on the topic of new trends and methods of development of smart agriculture and implementing web based information technologies in agriculture.

For more information:Prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhD, Vice rector in development, coordination and continuing educationобучение:  +359 82 888 231

17 December 2019, Tuesday

The General Consul of the Russian Federation in Ruse – Mr. Andrey Gromov, was on a work visit at the University of Ruse

Today, 17 December (Tuesday) 2019, the General Consul of the Russian Federation in Ruse – Mr. Andrey Gromov, was on a work visit at the University of Ruse.

During the meeting with the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, they discussed the outcomes of joint projects and the perspectives for new cooperation initiatives.

The meeting ended with mutual wishes for fruitful, healthy and happy New Year and a decision for expanding the partner relations between the two institutions.   

For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, tel.: 08877472153

16 December 2019, Monday

Christmas party for the foreign students at the University of Ruse

            Today, 16 December (Monday), the Foreign Students Directorate at the University of Ruse organised a Christmas party for the foreign students. The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, representatives of the Body of Rectors, lecturers in Bulgarian and English, outstanding foreign students and students from the preparatory course were present.  

Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc greeted the young people with the coming holidays. She wished them many positive emotions, dreams come true and success with the exams. He assured them that the University of Ruse will be their home away from home.

The Director of the Foreign Students Directorate, prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, explained that the party aims to help the newly arrived students get acquainted with the traditions in Bulgaria. He pointed out that another objective is to get to know the different cultures of the foreign students, to accept the differences and include them in the family of the University of Ruse.

Assoc. prof. Velislava Doneva shared the story of Christmas Eve and Christmas, of New Year's celebration and the custom "Koleduvane". Students from the preparatory course made "survaknitsa" and wished Prof. Beloev and Prof. Martev health and success.

            The foreign nationals studying at the University of Ruse this year are over 200 from 23 countries.

For additional information: Director of the Foreign Students Directorate, prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, tel.: 0888444188       

13 December 2019, Friday

The Erasmus programme at the University of Ruse turns 20

            Today, 13 December (Friday), the 20ieth anniversary of the Erasmus programme at the University of Ruse was celebrated. The celebration was also dedicated to the forthcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays. The Body of rectors, Erasmus coordinators, lecturers and students from the partner universities attended the event.

            The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, greeted the guests with the anniversary and the Holiday Season. He expressed special gratitude to the students, who had chosen the University of Ruse for their mobility period. He assured them that they will not only have the chance to meet colleagues and exchange experience, but also make friendships for life.

            The Erasmus programme has changed the lives of thousands of people worldwide. For the 20-year period, the University of Ruse has sent 1371 students for education and training and hosted 448 students. The lecturer mobilities for lectures and training are 1356. These data do not include the current semester. At present we have 58 in-coming students from 7 countries.

On the occasion of the anniversary, some outstanding Erasmus coordinators were awarded for their efficient work in sending and welcoming students, organising mobilities and establishing the authority of the University of Ruse in the European space: honorary assoc. prof. Stoyanka Smrikarova, prof. Antoaneta Dobreva, PhD, assoc. prof. Emilia Velikova, PhD, Prof. Rossen Ivanov, PhD, assoc. prof. Lilia Todorova, PhD, Eva Parvanova, assoc. prof. Tsvetelina Harakchiiska, PhD, assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, assoc. prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD, Principal assistant Seher Kadirova, PhD, assoc. prof. Nina Bencheva, prof. Stepan Tersiyan, DTSc. and principal assistant Boris Kostov, PhD. Assoc. prof. Galina Antonova is the first outgoing Erasmus student and assoc. prof. Nina Bencheva – the first outgoing PhD student. The two Erasmus officers – Milena Bogdanova and Diana Georgieva, responsible for outgoing and incoming students, respectively were also awarded special diplomas for their lifelong service. All awards were conferred to the awardees by prof. Juliana Popova, vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policies for the period 2012-2019.

            The student clubs presented the traditions and customs related to Christmas Eve and Christmas and demonstrated how "survaknica" is made. All coordinators and students were treated to a special pie with fortune pieces. They received small Christmas gifts and wishes for wonderful holidays and warm memories from the University of Ruse, our city and our country.

For additional information: Prof. Juliana Popova, vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policies, tel.: 0887899654                                       

9 December 2019, Monday

Third partner meeting under the Eurasian project „Modernisation of Higher Education in Central Asia through New Technologies"

            From 2 to 6^th December in the capital of Uzbekistan – Tashkent the Third partner meeting under the Eurasian project „Modernisation of Higher Education in Central Asia through New Technologies" was held at the Tashkent State Economic University. In this meeting 54 representatives from 9 partners institutions took part, including Bulgaria, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

As the Rector of the University of Ruse, who participated as a plenary speaker via a pre-recorded lecture, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev mentioned that this is the sixth large scale project of the type "thematic network", initiated and coordinated by our University, but the first one which has specific outcomes as early as the end of the third year.

Besides reporting on the state of affairs and the results from the monitoring by the external evaluator, training of trainers was performed on days 2, 3 and 4 according to the agenda. Prof. Smrikarov gave a talk on the requirements for starting the digital transformation of education and another one, explaining how to make a presentation more interesting for the digital generation. He also lectured on developing asynchronous distance learning – how to make a digital library and on developing blended learning. Prof. Vassilev informed the participants why to use and how to choose an interactive board. All participants in the training were very motivated and asked many questions. There were also two practical exercises on those topics.

At the end of the meeting, Certificates for successful participation in the Training Couse for Improving Lecturers' Skills in Innovative Educational Technologies and Didactic Models were awarded.

The 15 partner universities from Central Asia have adopted a Concept for adapting the education system to the digital generation, which has been approved by the respective Ministries of Education, published in the respective national language, in Russian and English, and is going to be distributed to all nearly 350 universities in these countries.

Centres of Innovation Educational Technologies, modelled after the one at the University of Ruse, are in the process of establishing in every partner university in Central Asia. They are expected to be the driving forces of the digital transformation of education there.

Lecture halls are being equipped with interactive presentation systems, which will allow the lectures to become not only more informative but also more attractive for the students from the digital generation.

On the basis of the platform for electronic education of the University of Ruse, a virtual library has been created. It contains a syllabus of innovative educational technologies, an ICT manual, presentations and video-lectures on the main topics of the syllabus. This library will be used for training 800 lecturers from the partner universities in educational innovations, planned for 2020.

For further information: Prof. Angel Smrikarov, Project Manager, tel.: (+359) 889 313 876                                       

26 November 2019, Tuesday

"Let's build a dream" – a festival of Chinese culture at the University of Ruse

On 25 November (Monday) 2019, the Fifth Festival of Chinese Culture entitled: „Let's build a dream", was held at the University of Ruse. The anniversary edition of the festival marked the 70ieth anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China.

On behalf of the Body of Rectors, the guests were welcomed by Prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhD, Vice-rector in Development, coordination and continuing education and Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD, Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy. They expressed gratitude to Confucius Institute - Sofia and the two teachers of Chinese language at the University of Ruse. They also expressed the willingness of Ruse Alma Mater to continue to support the promotion of Chinese language and culture. The Directors of Confucius institute – Sofia, assoc. prof. Aksiniya Koleva and Prof. Gao, thanked for the invitation to attend the festival and made a point that the Confucius classroom at the University of Ruse is a model to be followed.

The programme of the event included demonstration of  martial arts by the members of Kalagia club – Ruse, entitled "The Bugarian teenager loves martial arts. "The students from the Confucius classroom at the University of Ruse performed two dances: "In the foothills of Qingcheng mountain" and „Love scene"and sang the song „Friends". Teachers in Chinese language demonstrated the dance „National rhythm". Special guests of the festival were Song Hailu and Wang Lizhu from Sofia National Music Conservatory. Cai Ruoyan from Confucius Institute – Sofia played a melody on the traditional Chinese instrument pipa. Students from the University of Ruse presented a Chinese fashion pageant and at the end of the festival there was a demonstration of Chinese Kung Fu and Taichi.

For additional information: Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0887899654 

25 November 2019, Monday

The Rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc met Assoc. prof. Aksinia Koleva and Prof. Gao – directors of Confucius Institute - Sofia

Today, 25 November 2019 (Monday), the Rector of the University of Ruse Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc met Assoc. prof. Aksinia Koleva Bulgarian director of Confucius Institute) and Prof. Gao - director of Confucius Institute from China. Prof Juliana Popova – Vice rector in Internationalisation and Communication Policy also attended the meeting in connection to the Fifth festival of Chinese Culture at the University of Ruse: "Let's build a dream". This anniversary edition of the festival marks the 70-th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China.

The Rector, Prof. Beloev, mentioned the numerous successful initiatives which have been organised at the University of Ruse, in cooperation with the Confucius Institute - Sofia. He expressed readiness of providing support to all future initiatives of the teacher in Chinese in the Confucius classroom at the University of Ruse. 

Prof. Gao shared with the attendants of the meeting that the Confucius classroom at the University of Ruse is the best functioning of all 7 such classrooms in Bulgaria. Evidence of this is the award that Uan Bin, a teacher in this classroom, received for an article on teaching Chinese. The award was conferred at the Beijing University for foreign language teaching and she was selected among teachers from all Confucius institutes in the world. The annual festival of Chinese culture held at the University of Ruse has been set as an example for the other classrooms in Bulgaria. Another event that attracted international interest is the exhibition "70 years of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the People's Republic of China", kindly provided by the Embassy of PRC in Bulgaria. The exposition was opened on 31 October in the central lobby of the main Building of the University of Ruse.  

            In January 2020 the first national meeting of all teachers of Chinese language in Bulgaria will be held with the participation of the lecturers from the University of Ruse.

For more information: Prof Juliana Popova Vice rector in Internationalisation and Communication Policy, tel: 0887899654                                       

22 November 2019, Friday

Partnership with Savonia University in Kuonio, Finland

On 21 November 2019 lecturers and representatives of the academic community of Savonia University – Kuopio, Finland were on a work visit to the University of Ruse.

A meeting was held with the Rectors' management and the leadership of the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care. The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc presented the University of Ruse and its multidisciplinary profile, as well as its numerous achievements in the national and international space. He emphasised the firm positioning of the University in the Danube scientific and educational space. He wished the teams successful collaboration on implementing virtual and added reality in the work with students.

The Department of Health Care is a partner under a project of Yatrus Foundation – "Virtual Innovations for Entrepreneurship and Growth" and a project of Savonia University - "Future Technologies in Education". Lecturers from the Department visited the Finnish university in August 2019 and made contacts with lecturers in similar fields. The colleagues from Savonia University have expressed a desire to sign a bilateral agreement under the ERASMUS+ programme, which the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care supported. The thematic fields for cooperation between the two universities are: „Perioperative nursing care"and „Intensive nursing care". The University of Ruse, Savonia University – Kuopio, Finland, Yatrus Foundation and UMBAL "Kaneff" develop joint virtual educational in the following fields: Anaesthesiologist nursing care, Clinical laboratory and Microbiology.

For further information: Prof. Ivanichka Serbezova, OhD Head of Health Care Department, tel.: +359 888 731 063

05 November 2019, Tuesday

Opportunities for academic stay in Germany presented by the German Agency for Academic Exchange (DAAD)

                Today, 5 November, 2019, the German Agency for Academic Exchange (DAAD) presented at the University of Ruse opportunities for academic stay in Germany. The lecturer Andreas Chetkovski, who is a DAAD scholar at the University of Veliko Turnovo spoke to students from the University of Ruse. He was introduced to the audience by prof. Juliana Popova, Vice-rector on Internationalisation and communication policy.

Mr. Chetkovski presented the opportunities for summer language courses in Germany. The deadline for submitting applications is 1 December 2019 and the approved applicants are granted a scholarship, travel expenses and health insurance coverage. For those who would like to pursue a master degree course or spend a shorter period in a German university, DAAD also offers a monthly grant to the amount of 850 Euro plus travel expenses  and health insurance. The deadline for application is 15 November every year. DAAD also offers research programmes for young scholars, researchers and experienced lecturers.

There are 238 universities and 107 student bodies in DAAD's structure. It is the largest independent organisation for student exchange in the world. It has three strategic areas – scholarships for excellent students who get the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in some of the best universities, exchange to improve the internationalisation and building bridges for overcoming conflicts, as well as academic cooperation for exchange of good practices and development of research.

Globally there are 15 regional offices and 57 information points of the Agency. In Bulgaria there are three DAAD lecturers at present – two in Sofia University and one in Veliko Turnovo University.

More information on the application process and the requirements for the programmes can be found on the Agency's webpage https://www.daad.de/de/

For more information: Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice-rector on Internationalisation and communication policy , tel: 0887899654                                       

24 October 2019, Thursday

NASA International Space Apps Challenge – Ruse 2019

  On 19 and 20^th October, 2019, the biggest hackaton in the world was held – International Space Apps Challenge 2019. It was organised under the auspices of NASA and is held simultaneously in over 200 cities all over the world. For the third year in a row Ruse took part and the event was traditionally hosted by the University of Ruse. The competition was also held in Sofia and Burgas.

In the competition in Ruse participated 52 young people in 17 teams. More than half of them were high school students, predominantly from "Baba Tonka" High Scholl of Mathematics. There were representatives from "Apostol Arnaudov" High School of Electronics and Engineering, "Otec Paisii" Basic School, "Geo Milev" English Language High School and "Konstantin-Kiril the Philosopher" High School of European Languages. A great number of students from the University of Ruse, New Bulgarian University, the University of Veliko Turnovo and Falmouth University, Great Britain also took part in the hackaton.

The participants developed and presented projects, proposing their own solutions to challenges, posed by NASA. The presentations were public and was life-streamed.

After a discussion, the jury consisting of: Assoc. prof. Milko Marinov and Assoc. prof. Irena Valova from the Department of Computer Systems and Technologies, Stefan Shopov, MSEng from MentorMate and Danail Momchev from Econt – a company that sponsored the event, Tsvetelina Mladenova, MSEng and Pr. assistant Yordan Kalmukov, PhD from the Department of Computer Systems and Technologies selected two teams that will go to the world finals:

• inFrames with members Nikolai Marinov (4^th-year student, Computer Systems and Technologies in UR), Stefan Stefanov (first-year student, Information Technologies in NBU) and Dian Donchev (3-rd year student, Game Art in Falmouth University, Great Britain). The team worked on the challenge for evaluation of lunar samples before or during a mission. The aim is to discover and bring back to Earth various objects that have scientific significance, rather than samples from materials that have already been well-studied. The participants proposed a non-standard, original solution – to create a simulation, which allows the testing of a big number of different scenarios on the course of the mission. The application allows entering the respective physical and chemical properties for each lunar object in the simulation while setting all mathematical models, necessary for analysing the lunar samples into the robot-rover. For more information:

https://2019.spaceappschallenge.org/challenges/our-moon/eeny-meeny-miney-sample/teams/inframes/project

• Bit Robots with members Vyara Simeonova (8^th grade student in "Baba Tonka" High Scholl of Mathematics-Ruse), Simeon Baltadjiev (1^st-year student in Computer Systems and Technologies I UR), Yordan Ganev (1^st-year student in Software Engineering in RU). The team worked on the same challenge as inFrames – for evaluation of lunar samples during a mission, in order to collect only materials that have scientific value and ignore the rest. The competitors proposed systems of automated robots, which will discover, study and collect lunar samples. If a robot-researcher judges a certain material to be valuable, it will send the information to the base and the autonomous control unit for additional analysis. If it is decided that the sample has truly valuable (new) resource, a larger and considerably more energy intensive "robot-miner" is sent to the respective site. The team presented a working model during the event. For more information:

   https://2019.spaceappschallenge.org/challenges/our-moon/eeny-meeny-miney-sample/teams/bit-robots/project

The projects of inFrames and Bit Robots will be evaluated by NASA experts during the world finals. Besides those two projects, the jury conferred special prizes for: Most useful application; Most scientifically sound project; Most enthusiastic team; Youngest team; Best presentation; Original idea; Realisation of apparatus device; and Most active participant.

Organisationa and companies that supported and provided prizes for the winners were: The University of Ruse; Econt; MentorMate; NetWorx; Musala Soft; ICN.bg; TelebidPro; UBER and Macsoft.

For more information:

Pr. assistant Yordan Kalmukov, PhD – Computer Systems and Technologies Department, tel:0988 858 963

22 October 2019, Tuesday

58th SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and the Union of Scientists – Ruse

„New industries, digital economy, society – projections of the future - II"

The University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and the Union of Scientists – Ruse organise the 58^th Annual International Scientific Conference. Scientific and plenary sessions will be held in Silistra on 18^th October, in Ruse – on 24,25 and 26 October and in Razgrad on 1 and 2 November, 2019. The topic of the conference is „New industries, digital economy, society – projections of the future - II".

The Chairperson of the Organising Committee is COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse and Chairperson of the Union of Scientists – Ruse. Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, Vice-rector in Research is the Scientific Secretary.

During the sessions 294 papers will be presented by their authors from Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Macedonia, Croatia, Italy, Greece, France, the USA, Australia and Great Britain.

The plenary papers will be presented by:

1.     Prof. Emile Nicolas Karailiev, PhD, Pantheon-Sorbonne University – Paris 1, France, Institute D'administration des entreprises (IAE) – University Schools of Management, France

Plenary paper topic: Public-private partnerships (PPP) for the preparation of large investment projects – examples from France and Bulgaria

2.     Prof. Kostadin Kostadinov, PhD, Institute of Mechanics – BAS,
advisor to the Minister of Education and Science

Plenary paper topic: Entrepreneurship and business planning of starting companies for exploiting and commercialisation of research results.

3.      Prof. Danail Petrov, DMSc, FETCS, FEBTS,
Head of "St. Sofia" Breast Surgery Clinic, Medical University, Sofia

Plenary paper topic: ПPersonalised approach to neoplastic lung diseases and quality of living – through the eyes of the thoracic surgeon.

 

For more information:

Prof. Diana Antonova – Vice-rector in Research, tel.: 082-888-249, e-mail: dantonova@uni-ruse.bg

15 October 2019, Tuesday

The University of Ruse hosts the 11^th Conference dedicated to Academician Mihail Arnaudov -2019

On 11 -12 October the University of Ruse hosted the 11th Conference dedicated to Academician Mihail Arnaudov -2019. Traditionally, it was organised by the Department of Bulgarian Language, Literature and Fine Arts and the Research centre in folklore, literature and linguistics "St. Dimitar Basarbovski" in partnership with the Regional Museum of History – Ruse and the Regional Library "Lyuben Karavelov" – Ruse.

Researchers in the humanities from the University of Ruse, Sofia University, Veliko Turnovo University, Shumen University, the Institutes in Bulgarian Language; Literature; Ethnology and Folklore with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences participated in the different sections of the conference – "Mihail Arnaudov - personality, works and ideas", "Folklore and Ethnology", "Cultural Studies", "Literary Studies" and "Linguistics". Linguists from Novi Sad University, Serbia, International School of languages "NovaMova" – Ukraine, historians and archaeologists from Vinitsa, Northern Macedonia shared their research papers. The plenary paper on the topic of "Studies in contemporary literature in a digital environment", presented by prof. Reneta Bozhankova (Sofia University) , enjoyed expected interest and was followed by discussions.

The forum was greeted by Prof. Velzara Pencheva, PhD, Chairprerson of the Assembly General and Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education.

This year, the conference was dedicated to the 25^th anniversary of the Research centre in folklore, literature and linguistics "St. Dimitar Basarbovski" and of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education.

The parallel programme of the conference offered a lecture by Prof. Bozhankova on the topic of "Digital humanities and the modern university" and thematic exhibitions "Fusion" – on the 30^th anniversary of the modern Arts festival "Process_ Space" and 20^th anniversary of "Lomea" Symposium, Ceramic icons from the Fortress in Vinitsa and Mihail Arnaudov and the Bulgarian Revival, exhibited in the Regional Museum of History – Ruse and the Regional Library "Lyuben Karavelov" – Ruse.

The first edition of the conference was in 1998 after the proposal of Prof. Todor Iv. Zhivkov and it was initiated and organised by the Research centre in folklore, literature and linguistics "St. Dimitar Basarbovski" with the Department of Bulgarian Language, Literature and Fine Arts. It was dedicated to 120^th anniversary of Acad, Arnaudov's birth.

Ten volumes of Proceedings have been published so far in Leni An publishing house and included in the international book exchange. They can be read in the British National Library, French National Library, the Library of the American Congress, the Ethnographic Folk Eclectic in Wisconsin, USA, the University libraries in Stanford in Seatle, Prague National Library, Moscow National Library and others in Europe.

Arnaudov's conference has become an event in the life of Bulgarian Humanities and the University of Ruse, but most importantly, it has turned into a bridge between the generations.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Yana Pometkova – Head of department Д Bulgarian Language, Literature and Fine Arts  

e-mail: pometkova@uni-ruse.bg

21 October 2019, Monday

Building industrial connections of the University of Ruse – results from the competition for bachelor diploma thesis 2019 of Class Foundation

Kristyan Velkovski, a student in the Department of Telecommunication at the University of Ruse, won the Helmut CLAAS International Scholarship after presenting his diploma thesis and Presiyan Zhelyazkov won one of the prizes in the section International Student Awards at this year's edition of the competition organized by CLAAS Foundation.

The Helmut CLAAS scholarship is aimed at helping four outstanding bachelor degree students in their Master degrees. It is conferred after the Panel, consisting of leading scholars and businessmen from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, reviews their bachelor degree theses. The participants come from Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Hungary, Slovakia, Russia, Croatia, Romania, etc. They practically defend their theses in front of a larger audience and the Panel. After their presentations they answer questions, which are often rather complicated. Of the four places in the ranking, Kristiyan Velkovski, who is studying in Internet and Mobile Communications degree programme, was ranked first.

In 2016, Nikolay Atanasov was the first student from the University of Ruse to win one of the prizes in the section International Student Awards. Such prizes were later conferred to other bachelor degree students from Ruse: Teodor Nenov, Kristiyan Georgiev, and this year – to Presiyan Zhelyazkow – a student in Agrarian Engineering degree programme.  

Connections with leading businesses and industrial enterprises are of paramount importance for the development of a university. The analysing of their research and development activities and implementing them in the study process are ways of improvement of young specialists and motivating the PhD students work.

At the end of 2015, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc supported the intensifying of relations with CLAAS. Study materials for the education and training at the University of Ruse were developed with the approval of CLAAS. Further relations were established with companies manufacturing precise agriculture machinery, which were also involved in the development of study materials.

Experts from CLAAS supported relations with other companies, developing know-how, software and hardware for agriculture. An opportunity has been provided for acquisition of significant and state-of-the-art achievements not only from the sphere of Agriculture 4.0. but also from Industry 4.0.

For more information: Assoc. prof. Petar Sigalov, tel.:0887595644

18 October 2019, Friday

„What started in 2012 will not stop today" – meeting of Mr. Ignat Kaneff, DHC of the University of Ruse with the academic community

Today, 18 October (Friday), 2019, Mr. Ignat Kaneff, DHC of the University of Ruse met with the academic community of our Alma Mater in Kaneff Centre.

In the beginning, Prof. Plamen Kangalov, Vice-rector in Education, conferred the Crystal Prize of the University of Ruse to Mr. Kaneff, on behalf of the Body of Rectors, with gratitude for all he has done for the young people in the University and the city. Prof. Kangalov expressed his hope that this support will be sustainable and there will be more meetings like this, inviting Mr. Kaneff to the 75^th Anniversary of the University of Ruse, which will be celebrated next year (12 November 2020).