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 theCouncil, concerning equal treatment of men and women and the European Commussion: 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 Cimmission (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 iof 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 finace, 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 75th 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 18th 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 75th Anniversary of the University of Ruse, a worthy position was occupied by a number of initiatives on the occasion of the 150th 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, 12th grade (on the first topic) and Alexandra Georgieva, q2th grade (on the second topic).
Second place was taken by Rostislava Ruseva, 12th grade and Martin Stanchev, 12th 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 90th Anniversary of KAZNAU.
The letter reads:
"On 3th and 4th 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 90th 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 – 8th 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 70th Anniversary of the University of Ruse and the other – to the 75th 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 50th 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 27-28th 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 16TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
„SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE –AGRICULTURE OF THE FUTURE", CRAIOVA, ROMANIA
Today, 26 November 2020, the 16th 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 75th 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 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

On the day of the celebrations dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", 12th 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 75th Anniversary, on 12 and 13th Nove,ber, 2020, in Ruse, the 59th 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 75th 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 29th 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 5th 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 75th 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 21st 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, 17th 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 24th 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) – 3rd year, Occupational Therapy;
2. Lyudmila Vlaeva (R Moldova) – 3rd year, Kinezitherapy;
3. Alexander Tanasov (R Moldova) -3rd year, Kinezitherapy;
4. Rosina Doncheva (R Moldova) – 4th year, Kinezitherapy;
5. Victor Dimov (Ukraine) – 3rd yea, Technology and Management of Transport r;
6. Yana Balaban (Ukraine) - 3rd year, Technology and Management of Transport;
7. Maria Kaipak (R Moldova) - 1st year Business Management.
The following students were awarded for VERY GOOD academic achievements:
Maria Bratan (Ukraine) – graduated in Law;
1. Inna Margarit (Ukraine) – 2nd year, Marketing;
2. Daniel Opeluua Auasanya (Nigeria) – 4th year, Mechanical Engineering;
3. Evgeni Dimov (Ukraine) – 3rd year, Mechanical Engineering;
4. Chan Dinh Chung (SR Vietnam) – 3rd year, Mechanical Engineering;
5. Furkan Nakkascioglu (R Turkey) – 4th year, Mechanical Engineering;
6. Kristina Teriz (R Moldova) – 2nd year, Pre-school and Elementary School Education;
7. Dimitro Kusturov (Ukraine) – 2nd year, Business Management;
8. Olena Sert (Ukraine) – 1st year Business Management;
9.Valentina Samardji (Greece) – 2nd year, Occupational Therapy;
10. Selin Filiz (R Turkey) – 4th 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 75th 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 24th 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 4th 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 Todoro
v Todorov, 4th year student in Agrarian Engineering (for excellent academic grades and sports awards) and Аlexandra Emilova Klimenko, 3rd 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 75th 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 9th 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 75th 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 9th 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 22nd 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 9th 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.
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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
20 March 2020, Friday
Tenth honorary title for Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev DTSc, DHC mult.
Rector of the University of Ruse
We received good news on the first day of spring from our partner university in Kirgistan.
On 3rd March 2020, The Academic Council of the State University "Kasim Tinistanov" decided to confer the title Doctor Honoris Causa to the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev DTSc, DHC mult.
The title is conferred for the contribution of Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev for strengthening and expanding the cooperation between the two universities. The State University "Kasim Tinistanov" is an active partner under the Eurasian project for modernising the higher education system of the countries from Central Asia through the new educational technologies, coordinated by the University of Ruse. One of the main objectives of this project is the development of the electronic form of distance learning, adopted by many universities all over the world.
This is the tenth honorary title, conferred to Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev DTSc, DHC mult. by foreign universities.
For more information: Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse, tel. +359 88 747 2153
17 March 2020, Tuesday
A working group visited Tarakliya State University “Grigorii Tsamblak” as part of an international speleological expedition “Ukraine‘ 2020“
As part of an international speleological expedition “Ukraine‘ 2020“, which was held in the period 29.02. – 07.03.2020, a working group visited Tarakliya State University “Grigorii Tsamblak” (TSU), in the Republic of Moldova. The team, which participated in the meeting, held on 7 March 2020, included the Chairperson of Speleo club “Academician”-Ruse, Tihomir Enchev, the Chairperson of the Bulgarian Speleology Federation – assoc. prof. Yavor Shopov and Tsvetanka Vulkova, member of the Board of Directors of the Sport, Tourism and Nature Conservation Society “Academician”.
At the request of the rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, during the meeting with the Body of Rectors, lecturers and students of TSU, the representatives of the University of Ruse handed a scroll folder with the CALENDAR OF ANNIVERSARY EVENTS IN 2020, dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the University of Ruse.
On behalf of the University Sport Centre with the University of Ruse and “Academician” Society, the students of TSU were invited to participate in the sport and tourism events and activities to be held on the territory of the University of Ruse, Ruse region and the country.
Assoc. prof. Paslar, PhD was given the collection “The century old history of Bulgaria in the calendar of events of STNS “Academician” – Ruse“, printed editions of the Regional Museum of History - Ruse, martenitsa on the occasion of 1 March holiday and other books and souvenirs.
At the end of their visit, the working group examined the unique ethnographic museum of local lore of TSU, where hundreds of exhibits, representing the life and culture of Bessarabian Bulgarians, collected systematically and passionately in the course of many years by lecturers and students.
For more information: Stefan Georgiev, sgeorgiev@uni-ruse.bg, тел. 0882 966 369
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 30th 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 13th 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 8th 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 6th 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 20th 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 (4th-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 (8th grade student in "Baba Tonka" High Scholl of Mathematics-Ruse), Simeon Baltadjiev (1st-year student in Computer Systems and Technologies I UR), Yordan Ganev (1st-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 58th Annual International Scientific Conference. Scientific and plenary sessions will be held in Silistra on 18th 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 11th 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 25th 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 30th anniversary of the modern Arts festival "Process_ Space" and 20th 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 120th 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 75th Anniversary of the University of Ruse, which will be celebrated next year (12 November 2020).

Prof. Pencheva presented to Mr. Kaneff a book of photographs, titled The Chronicle of Patriotism, which has the following dedication: This
album is a humble gift from the academic community of the University of
Ruse to the great patriot and the man with a big heart IGNAT KANEFF –
Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Ruse…Thank you, dear Igi! .Благодарим ти, приятелю Иги! Be healthy and keep setting an example to the young people with your energy, dedication and real human presence!"
The
Album is a collection of photographs from significant events related to
Mr. Kanev, ever since his first meeting with the Rector of the
University, Prof. Hristo Beloev in October, 2012 to present.

The
meeting continued with presentation of the biography of Ignat Kaneff
"Becoming a Somebody" by Steven Niscic, Anna-Maria Kaneff, Kristina
Maria Kaneff and Didi Kaneff and technical editor COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo
Beloev, DTSc. Milena Popova, the translator of the book into Bulgarian
explained that this is the second edition. In October 2016, the guests
to the 90th anniversary of Mr. Kaneff received a copy of the first edition of "Becoming a Somebody".
The new edition is expanded by more than 100 pages and three new
Chapters, Epilogue and an annex with memories and anecdotes by
representatives of the authorities, employees, partners and friends of
Mr. Kaneff. The book describes his life, but at the same time it is a
historic milieu of life in Europe and the world in almost one hundred
years. Becoming a Somebody narrates the life story of Mr.
Kaneff and his family and emphasises on the lessons he has learned. His
life and work in Canada is presented – from the first one-storey house
he built in 1952 to the giant skyscrapers, golf courses, office and
community buildings, as well as his considerable financial support of numerous noble causes.

Mr. Kaneff expressed his gratitude for the respect and with tears in his eyes he shared: „Words
fail me to describe the feelings, but id I start crying now, I will be
crying all night. What started in 2012 will not stop today" – he said in the end.
For more information:
Prof. Velizara Perncheva, PhD, Chairperson of the Assembly General, tel: 0888293341
15 October 2019, Tuesday
A friendly football match between students from Ukraine and Moldova and international students from Turkey, Cyprus and the USA
On 14th October, Monday 2019, the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Ruse and International students Directorate of the University of Ruse organised a friendly football match between students from Ukraine and Moldova and international students from Turkey, Cyprus and the USA. It was dedicated to the Protector's Day in Ukraine.

After a fair and challenging game, the victory was gained by the students from Ukraine and Moldova. All players were rewarded for their zeal and ardour.

For more information: Prof. Krasimir Martev, Director of International Students Directorate, tel.: 0888444188
5 October 2019, Friday
The University of Ruse will be training 58 international students under the Erasmus+ Programme during the academic year 2019/2020
58 international students arrived at the University of Ruse to study for a semester or a year under the exchange programme Erasmus+.

On 3 October 2019 (Thursday), a party was organised for the incoming Erasmus students to celebrate their arrival. On behalf of the academic management of they were greeted by Prof. Velisara Pencheva, PhD, Chairperson of the Assembly General, Prof. Plamen Kangalov, PhD, Vice-rector in Education and Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD, Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy. The coordinators and lecturers of the Erasmus students and the Chairperson of the Student Council, Stanimir Boyadjiev were also present. After getting acquainted with the opportunities that the University of Ruse offers and its achievements, the students delivered short presentations of their countries and universities.

The Erasmus+ Programme is dunded by the European Commission and includes not only EU countries, but also some partner-countries from all over the world. The countries which have sent students to the University of Ruse this semester are 7 and the universities are 20. The largest number – 23 students, come from Spain. The other countries are represented as follows: Italy, France and Romania – 8 students each.; Poland and Turkey – 4 and Portugal – 2. The young people will study in different faculties of the University of Ruse. The largest number – 29 students, have enrolled in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation. The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education will host 12 students, the Busines and Management Faculty – 9 and the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty – 5. The Faculty of Law and the Transport Faculty will train 2 students each.

For more information:
Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, tel.: 0887899654
12 September 2019, Thursday
Another degree programme from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation with a chance for double diploma from Shanghai Polytechnic University
Today, 12 September (Thursday) 2019, a delegation from Shanghai Polytechnic University visited the University of Ruse. Our guests were the Dean of the College of Engineering Prof. Cao Jianqing, the Head of the Computer Systems and Technologies Department – Assoc. prof. Chen Lin, the Head of the Electronics Department – Assoc. prof. Song Shaojing and the lecturer from the same department - Dr. Hu Jinyan.

The aim of this visit was the re-signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the two universities, commenting on the state of the agreement for issuing double degree diplomas in the degree programme Computer Engineering and discussing the possibilities for signing an agreement for joint training and double degree diplomas in Electronics.

The rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, expressed his satisfaction of meeting the Dean of the College of Engineering with Shanghai Polytechnic University again. He presented the history and the numerous achievements of the University of Ruse, which provide good grounds for strengthening and expanding the cooperation between the two institutions. The opportunity for joint training and double degree diplomas in Electronics is a natural consequence of the successful work on implementing the agreement for Computer Engineering, as well as on the Erasmus + exchange of lecturers and students, approved for a second year in a row.

Shanghai Polytechnic University was founded in 1960 and trains students in 78 degree programmes, most of which in the field of engineering. There are also degree programmes in Management, Economics, Literature, Science and Arts. The staff is 1100, of which 800 lecturers. Full-time students are 13 044, and part-time - 8 500. Shanghai Polytechnic University is in cooperation with 150 partners from 36 countries on programmes for joint training, student and lecturer mobility, joint research, conferences, etc.

The delegation was acquainted with the Concept of the University of Ruse for adapting the education system to the digital generation. They also visited Kaneff Centre, the Publishing Centre and the University Campus. In the afternoon there were meetings with the lecturers from Computer Systems and Technologies and from Electronics Departments, as well as presentations on the research and project work of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation.

For more information:
Stoyanka Smrikarova, expert International Cooperation, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, Tel.: (+359 88) 2044016
4 September 2019, Wednesday
The 29th Annual conference of the European Association for Education in Electrical and Information Engineering (EAEEIE) started at the University of Ruse, Bulgaria
Today, 4th September, 2019, the 29th Annual Conference of the European Association for Education in Electrical and Information Engineering (EAEEIE) started at the University of Ruse. The forum will continue until 6th September, 2019.

The forum was opened by the honorary Chairpersons of the conference are the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the Chairperson of EAEEIE Jaromir Hrad, PhD.
Prof Beloev greete the participants and assured them that the academic leadership and the organisers will take care for their plesent styay both in the University and in Ruse. He confirmed that the Ruse Alma Mater is aware of the the necessity and fully supports the work for improving the quality of educational resources and processe in this field so significant for humanity - electrical engineering and information technologies. Finally, the Rector extended wishes for new initiatives andbeneficial work to all participants.

The Chairperson of EAEEIE Jaromir Hrad, PhD., expressed his gratitude for the hospitality. He wished all the participants a successful conference and new contacts because the work in this field is crucial for the development of the Balkans.
There were 127 papers submitet for participation of which 97 passed the first stage of evaluation. After a second selection, 62 papers were approved for participation, some written in co-authorship by researchers from 19 countries (France, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Israel, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Spain, Latvia and Bulgaria. The co-authors are 212 in total, with the biggest number from Romania and the Czech Republic. The papers presented will be indexed in a number of international databses such as Scopus, Google Scholar, dblp, etc.

Bersides the work sessions, the agend of the forum includes a walk around Ruse and a trip to the medieval capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Turnovo.
More information at https://eaeeie2019.academy-bg.eu
For additional information:
Assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and Automation, tel.: 0896 698 699
3 September 2019, Tuesday
The 29th Annual conference of the European Association for Education in Electrical and Information Engineering (EAEEIE) will be held at the University of Ruse, Bulgaria

The University of Ruse will host the 29th Annual conference of the European Association for Education in Electrical and Information Engineering (EAEEIE) in the period 4th-6th September 2019. More than 70 European universities, , representatives of business and state institutions are members of the Association.
The official opening of the event is on 4 September, 2019 (Wednesday) at 10:00 in Hall 2G 2014 (Building 2) of the University of Ruse. More than 60 papers from 15 countries are registered for participation, incl. France, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Israel, Italy, the Czeck Republic, Poland, Greece and Bulgaria. The papers presented will be indexed in a number of international databses such as Scopus, Google Scholar, dblp, etc.
Honorary Chairpersons of the conference are the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and the Chairperson of EAEEIE Jaromir Hrad, PhD.
The new edition of the forum will unite professionals, researchers and lecturers who work in the field of added and 3D technologies. A special topic of the conference will be the use of unmanned aircraft in the process of education.
The 29th annual conference of EAEEIE is sponsored by the International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Bulgarian section of this Institute - IEEE Bulgaria. Partners of the conference are several national and European projects, where the University of Ruse is a participant - "Universities for Science, informatics and technologies in the e-society" (UNIT-e), „A system for monitoring of forests for early detection and evaluation of fires in the Balkan-Mediterranean region (SFEDA), "Information and Communication technologies for a single digital market in science, education and security" (ICT in SES), as well as the British and Irish engineering educational research network (UK&IR EER).
More information at https://eaeeie2019.academy-bg.eu
For additional information:
Assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and Automation, tel.: 0896 698 699
31 July 2019, Tuesday
Joint Bachelor and Master degree programmes with Nong Lam University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Today, 31 July 2019, the first of a number of work meetings was held at Nong Lam University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The agenda of the visit includes meetings between the two rectors – Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and Prof. Nguen Hai, with the Dean of the Engineering Faculty Nguen Bich, with lecturers from from the fields of agriculture, agricultural machinery, transport and informatics, visit to the International Relations office, etc.

During the meeting the rectors of the two higher schools analysed the ongoing activities under the Agreement for Cooperation of 2015 and reported the results achieved in the exchange of lecturers, students and PhD students under the Erasmus + programme, the participation in joint events and the Erasmus week at the University of Ruse, joint research on topics of mutual interest, etc. The opportunities for future joint initiatives were discussed.

In the following days, the parameters for joint Bachelor and Master degree training, joint PhD training, joint research projects, publications in journals, participation in scientific conferences, etc. will be discussed.
During the meeting the rectors proposed some joint activities in ASEM "Danube-Mekong", where the University of Ruse is an active participant.
For further information:
Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse Tel.: +359 88 747 2153
16 July 2019, Tuesday
Another recognition for the University of Ruse
The University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" obtained another well-deserved recognition for its policy as an entrepreneurial university in Bulgaria and Europe when it was included as the only university from Eastern Europe in an International Consortium for promotion of entrepreneurial universities. This university network is called BeyondScale and will be funded under the Erasmus+ programme through a new project No. 612887-EPP-1-2019-1-AT-EPPKA3-PI-FORWARD, starting from September 2019.
The creation of BeyondScale network is the result of active interaction between the participating partner organisations with the European Commission under HEInnovate – Innovations in higher education. HEInnovate Initiative (Promoting entrepreneurial universities in Europe), came to life in 2014. It supports the vision that universities are at the heart of economic development and social unity of Europe and the world. With its all-embracing mission, the universities educate citizens, prepare researchers, professionals, inventors and entrepreneurs. They produce highly qualified human capital, needed by the European economies for enhancing their competitiveness and supporting their social and economic development and unity. With their capacity to develop the interdisciplinary research skills and experience in the complicated problems of our society, the universities in cities and regions operate as centres for dialogue and innovation and knowledge exchange.
Twelve leading institutions in the field of entrepreneurial education and academic exchange from seven European countries were approved for participation in the BeyondScale network:
Austria: WPZ Research GmbH and The University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna (UAS Campus Vienna);
Ireland: Institute of Technology Cork; Dublin City University and The Higher Education Authority (HEA);
Portugal: Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo and Universidade NOVA de Lisboa;
Bulgaria: University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev";
The Netherlands: NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and Center for Higher Education Policy Studies (CHEPS) - University of Twente;
Germany: DAAD – German Agency for Academic Exchange;
Spain: Joint Research Centre – Seville.
The goal of the project Consortium BeyondScale is to establish a network of higher schools and national institutions, applying the HEInnovate approach. It is planned to develop good practices, which then will be presented to national and local authorities.
The inclusion of the University of Ruse in this international network is not accidental. In 2018 it was the organiser and host of the international conference „HEInnovate – Institutional change in higher education", where the eighth dimension of entrepreneurial activity was announced – the Digital transformation – an area in which the University of Ruse has a leading position in Bulgaria and Europe. The forum was part of the Agenda of the Bulgarian Presidency of EU Council. Earlier, in 2014, our University was among the 5 Bulgarian higher schools, recommended by the Ministry of Education and Science and underwent successful monitoring on its education in entrepreneurship and innovation. Every year representatives of the University of Ruse are invited by the European Commission to present their experience and good practices at international conferences of HEInnovate with guests from all EU member states.
For further information:
Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse Tel.: +359 88 747 2153
9 July 2019, Tuesday
The University of Ruse and Kadri Zeka University in Gjilan, Kosovo signed a Cooperation Agreement
Today, 9 July 2019, (Tuesday), the Rector, Asoc. Prof.Dr. Bajram Kosumi, the Vice-rector on International Relations and the President of the Steering Committee of Kadri Zeka University in Gjilan, Kosovo are on a visit to the University of Ruse.

The Rector, Cor.Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc expressed his satisfaction, also on behalf of the University governance with the visit of Kadri Zeka University academic leaders. The University of Ruse is modern and innovative and is the initiator of a number of policies on the development of education in Bulgaria. He expressed his belief that the cooperation between the two universities will be beneficial and will contribute to the development of higher education on the Balkans.

Asoc. Prof.Dr. Bajram Kosumi explained that the history of the institution he is representing, started back in 1963 as a pedagogical school, in 2004 several faculties were established and in 2013 the Kadri Zeka University was approved officially. Today the higher school has around 7000 students from Eastern Kosovo, Southern Serbia and Northern Macedonia. Despite the fact that it is a relatively young institution, it has some firm positions in Erasmus project implementation, offers training in two Master degree programmes with double diplomas and is planning to expand its partnerships, as well as to establish new faculties.

During the meeting, a Frame Agreement for Cooperation was signed and opportunities for partnership in research, joint publications, joint projects and student training with double diplomas.

The guests were shown around the campus.
For additional information:
Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy – tel. 00359 887899654
9 July 2019, Tuesday
A student from Silistra Branch of the University of Ruse participated in the International Festival of Francophone students in Plovdiv
The International Festival of Francophone students from Central and eastern Europe was held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria for the first time, from 1 to 5 July. The twelfth, 2019 edition was held under the motto "Let's create together.

"Nearly 80 students from 16 countries participated in the event. Plamena Yankova, a student in the degree programme Methods of teaching Bulgarian and French from Silistra Branch of the University of Ruse, also participated in the Festival.
The festival is organized by l'Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) – the largest global university network, including 900 institutions from 5 continents.
Students apply to be approved for participation in the Festival and this year Plamena Yankova was among them. She participated in the music atelier. There were four other areas for creation – dance, theatre, digital culture and grafitti.
„The Festival provides various sensations and emotions, as well as a range of opportunities for gaining a different experience", shares Plamena Yankova in the morning slot of Nova TV "Hello, Bulgaria!", in a programme dedicated to the event.

Dressed in a traditional folk costume and speaking perfect French, Plamena contributed to the inclusion of the University of Ruse and Silistra Branch in the diverse family of university francophones from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as from all over the world.
From the very beginning of our University's membership in AUF, we sent representatives to this festival's previous editions - in 2017 in Zagreb, Croatia – Lachezara Kozhuharova from the Faculty of Business and Management, International Economic Relations degree programme; in 2018 in Yerevan, Armenia - Iva Mitkova, from Silistra Branch, Methods of teaching Bulgarian and French degree programme.
Together with other activities, these participations mark the achievements of our students on a global level within AUF. This realisation of the students has become possible due to the perspective leadership of the University of Ruse, which resulted in accepting, continuing and expanding the cooperation within this international organisation.
For further information:
Roumyana Ivanova, Principle lecturer in the Department of Foreign languages,
e-mail: ruivanova@uni-ruse.bg
8 July 2019, Monday
Another successful performance of the two University of Ruse teams in the Shell Eco-Marathon in London
Today, 8 July 2019, Monday, the two University of Ruse teams – Avtomobilist and HydRU, shared their experiences from this year's Shell Eco-Marathon 2019 competition at a press conference in the University.

The race took place from 1 to 5 July 2019 at the Mercedes Benz World race track near London. Over 1500 students from engineering degree programmes from 28 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and America took part in the competition with 140 vehicles. The teams aligned their cars at the starter grid, divided into two main categories: Prototype vehicles and UrbanConcept cars. In each category, vehicles were powered by energy sources that ranged from traditional diesel and gasoline fuel, to lower-carbon technologies such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells. The main goal of the competition was to travel as far as they could on the equivalent of one litre of fuel or 1kWh of electricity.

Team Avtomobilist participated in the competition for the 6th time. They competed with a battery-electric prototype in the eco-bolide category. They covered a distance of 424 km/kWh and took the 15th position out of 41 participants in this category. The team had developed a completely new prototype, whose design was highly evaluated by the race organisers. The Director General of Shell Eco-marathon Norman Koch mentioned that this was one of the cars with an impressive design.

For a third year in a row HydRU Racing Team participated in the race in the UrbanConcept cars category, driven by hydrogen cell. After a year's hard work on their new automobile, HydRU Racing Team" passed the technical inspection successfully and the result they achieved surpassed their previous results and placed them at the 5th position in the final classification in their category. Thanks to the efforts over the years, the name of the University of Ruse was heard in this competition and the technical inspectors applauded the perfect technical performance of the cars.
For further information:
Assoc. prof. Georgi Hristov, HydRU Racing Team, tel.: 0882000206
Assoc. prof. Simeon Iliev, team Avtomobilist, tel.: 0878333922
28 June 2019, Friday
The training of Palestinian lecturers under Project I-CARE „Increasing the conformance of academia towards rehabilitation engineering" was completed at the University of Ruse
A group of 10 lecturers from universities in Palestine – Gaza visited the University of Ruse in the period 16-29 June and attended a course in Kinesiology.
The programme included visits to the two university hospitals in Ruse. Besides the training, held at the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare, the lecturers visited some laboratories at the Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
The mid-year meeting of the project consortium was held, where the outcomes achieved were reported and the future trainings in Slovenia and Palestine were discussed. Certificates for the training held in Ruse were awarded.

The Project consortium consists of 8 partners – 4 from Palestine and 4 from the EU. The University Al Azar in Gaza, represented by Ahmed Issa, PhD, is the Coordinator.
The University of Ruse is a partner, represented by its Department of Public Health and Social Work with the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare. The lecturers from the Faculty acquainted their colleagues from Gaza with the good practices in rehabilitation technologies, and created prerequisites for starting a training in Rehabilitation engineering in the partner universities in Gaza.
The I-CARE project is funded by the Erasmus + Programme of the EU and has a budget of EUR 914,469.00. Its goal is to transfer knowledge and skills in rehabilitation technologies from established European academic institutions to universities and hospitals in Gaza strip, in the course of three years.
For further information: Prof. Daniel Bratanov, Dean of the Faculty of of Public Health and Healthcare, tel.: 0888226988
24 June 2019, Monday
Delegation of the University of Ruse participated in „HEInnovate" initiative of the European Commission for stimulating entrepreneurial universities
In the period 20-21.06.2019 a delegation from the University of Ruse participated in „HEInnovate" initiative of the European Commission for stimulating entrepreneurial universities. This year the topic of the event was "Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship in and through Higher Education" and it coincided with the official events in Bucharest on closing t5he Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The international initiative was held in the Main building of the Bucharest Politechnica, in the presence of academic representatives from all EU member-states. At the opening of the event, the University of Ruse was given the opportunity to present its achievements under HEInnovate. Three representatives of the University of Ruse took part in the forum.

Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD (Vice Rector in Internationalisation and Communication Policy) participated in the panel „Setting the Scene - The innovative and entrepreneurial higher education institution" and acquainted the official participants and guests with the main fields in which the University of Ruse is working actively at a national and international level, with representatives of the business, academic community and public administration.

Assoc. prof. Daniel Pavlov, PhD (Head of the Centre for Promotion of Entrepreneurship) participated in the panel "Preparing and Supporting Entrepreneurs" and presented the latest initiatives at the University of Ruse for stimulating entrepreneurial behavior in students – INNOVENTER, INTERGEN, „From the experience of an entrepreneur", „Competition for developing business plans" and others.

Anabel Krusteva (a student in Business Management) participated in the student panel "Preparing and Supporting Entrepreneurs "and attracted the attention of the entire public with her entrepreneurial spirit and success of her company for light fixtures – „Balkan Light Export" Ltd. – www.balkanexportltd.com
The three representatives of the University of Ruse were invited to present at the forum by Mr. Peter Bauer (European Commission) based on the entire contribution of the University to improving the state of affairs at a local, national and international level.
For further information: Assoc. prof Daniel Pavlov, PhD, dpavlov@uni-ruse.bg
21 June 2019, Friday
Opening of the 20ieth International Conference on Computer Systems and Technologies CompSysTech and marking the 20ieth anniversary of the Academic Society on Computer Systems and Information Technologies
„The University of Ruse is aware of the significance of knowledge as motivator of young people in our society!" - Ms. Karina Angelieva, Deputy Minister of education and science

Today, 21.06.2109, two anniversaries were marked at the University of Ruse. The first one is the anniversary of the Academic Society on Computer Systems and Information Technologies, whose members are over 60 departments and institutes in computing from all over the country. The second one is related to the 20-ieth edition of the International Conference on Computer Systems and Technologies CompSysTech.

Ms. Karina Angelieva opened the conference, expressing her delight in having the opportunity to give a start to such a sustainable initiative and wishing the team energy and enthusiasm for years to come. Deputy minister Angelieva noted that the atmosphere in the University of Ruse is very special and she feels lucky to be its guest. „…The various research teams of the University serve as an example for building bridges not only between them, but also between different representatives of the public, private and NGO sectors", was her conclusion.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc also congratulated the organisers and participants on the two anniversaries. He wished to the academic society on computing to grow and become stronger, and to the conference participants – success and beneficial contacts.
At the beginning of the conference humanoid robots competed in reading from the screen.
The plenary session included the following three speakers:

1. Prof. Ivan Dimov – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences(BAS), „How close we are to the real quantum computer?";

2. Prof. Avram Escenazi – BAS, „Influence of ICT on the labour market – professions to disappear and others to emerge";

3. Prof. Roman Zahariev – BAS, „Using humanoids in healthcare".
During the sessions, 63 papers of over 100 researchers from 10 countries will be presented. Five papers from high school students have also been accepted for presentation.
13 June 2019, Thursday
The students and teachers from Taraklia Region, Moldova completed their training at the University of Ruse with Bulgarian poems, songs and dances
Today, 13 June 2019, the group of 26 students and 6 teachers from Taraklia Region, Moldova received their certificates for successfully passing their 10-day training at the Department of Bulgarian language, literature and Arts with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education. The course the students have completed is in Linguistic practice in practical Bulgarian while their teachers attended a course in Methods of teaching Bulgarian language, literature and history.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloevb, DTSc, expressed his hopes that the students and their teachers will preserve t5he warm, friendly feelings for the University and the city of Ruse. He wished the students academic achievements. " The doors of the University of Ruse will always be open for you and we will be happy to have you as our students", completed his speech the Rector.

Academic works, written by the members of the Department of Bulgarian language, literature and Arts were donated by assoc. prof. Yana Pometkova, PhD, head of the department to the library in Cishinau.

The teachers from Moldova expressed their gratitude and appreciation to0 the academic management and the lecturers from the Department of Bulgarian language, literature and Arts. Together with their students they performed reciting Bulgarian poems, singing and dancing. The audience was moved to tears and applauded the young learners and their teachers.
5 June 2019, Wednesday
The State Humanitarian University of Izmail and the University of Ruse signed a frame agreement for cooperation
Today, 5 June 2019, Prof. Yaroslav Kichuk – Rector of The State Humanitarian University of Izmail, Ukraine, Nikola Karaivanov – Honorary Chairperson of the Bulgarian Association for Research and Development and Nikola Draganov – programme director of Energy, Econo0my and Environment in the Bulgarian Association for Research and Development.

The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc presented to the guests the history, structure and international achievements of the higher school in Ruse. He informed them that the University of Ruse maintains contact with over 15 universities from Ukraine. "The agreement with the State Humanitarian University of Izmail, located on the River Danube provides perspectives for expanding the contacts and opportunities for cooperation in the Danube Region", noted prof. Beloev.
Prof. Yaroslav Kichuk presented the State Humanitarian University of Izmail, which is the only state university in this city. In the four faculties of the University, Bulgarian language i9s taught and there is a degree programme in Bulgarian philology. Bulgarian is also taught in Sunday schools, as well as in courses for improvement of qualification, added prof. Kichuk.

At the end of the meeting the two rectors signed a Frame agreement for cooperation and the first activity under this agreement will be the participation in the Scientific conference of the University of Ruse in October.
The visitors got acquainted with the facilities of the University of Ruse.
31 May 2019, Friday
The Second International Conference on Occupational Therapy „From Root to Fruit in the Balkan Countries" starts at the University of Ruse today
Today, 31 May 2019, (Friday), the Second International Conference on Occupational Therapy From Root to Fruit in the Balkan Countries, organised jointly with Vasile Alexandri University, Bacau, Romania, starts at the University of Ruse. The two universities are long-term partners and pioneers in the development of Occupational therapy as a university degree programme and health-related profession in Bulgaria and Romania.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc greeted the participants and guests of the conference. He reminded them that the University of Ruse was co-organiser of the First International Conference on Occupational Therapy , held in Bacau under the title Occupational Therapy – present and future perspectives. The fact that today our University is hosting the second conference is a proof for our commitment to the initiative and the fruitful cooperation with the university in Bacau. Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc assured the participants that the higher school will continue to support and aid the development of the degree programme and the profession of occupational therapy. Assoc. prof. Lilia Todorova, PhD, organiser and Vice-dean of the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare mentioned that for 13 years now the University of Ruse is the only one in Bulgaria to offer this degree programme, and in 2014 it was officially recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

The participants were addressed by the Deputy Mayor of Ruse – Ms. Natalia Krusteva, the Vice President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists - Ms. Samantha Shan, Assoc. prof. Bogdan Ratsa – Dean of the Health Faculty of Vasile Alexandri , Bacau, Romania and Ivana Radonova, PhD – state expert in the the Higher education Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Science. Congratulatory addresses were conferred on behalf of the Governor of Ruse region – Mr. Galin Grigorov and the Mayor of Ruse – Mr. Plamen Stoilov.

The forum aims to initiate a constructive dialogue between the state institutions, higher schools and NGOs for clarifying the essence of Occupational therapy as a university degree programme and health profession. The final outcome is envisaged in the form of joint activities and legislative initiatives for harmonization with the European and international standards in the field of Occupational therapy.
30 May 2019, Thursday
Web-based modules for professional education in laser safety are to be developed at the University of Ruse
On 28 and 29 May 2019, the second meeting under the international research and educational project Web-based modules for professional education in laser safety was held at the University of Ruse.

The project coordinator is the Academy of Technologies in Rezekne, Latvia and the members of the project consortium are the University of Ruse, Bulgaria, Veda Consult, Gabrovo, Bulgaria, SWA Academy of Education, Kemnits, Germany; ECONY, Gabrovo, Bulgaria; UICNO, Gödöllő, Hungary and the University of Pitesti, Romania.
The partner meeting was opened by Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Rector of the University of Ruse. He informed the participants about the facilities, the structure and the project experience of the University of Ruse. He also wished successful development of the cooperation between the project partners in the field of science and research. The souvenir that Prof. Beloev re3ceived from Rezekne was produced using colour laser technologies.
The Project leader, Prof. Lyubomir Lasov from the Academy of Technologies in Rezekne opened the work meeting. He reminded the participants that laser technologies are a priority of the EU. Thye expected project outcomes are: Development of three modules of the web-based course in five languages; pilot studies using the modules in each of the partner-countries.
30 May 2019, Thursday
Students from Azerbaidjan presented their country's culture to the academic community in honour of its national holiday
Today, 30 May 2019, (Thursday), Ismet Agjev and Elvon Hasanli from Azerbaidjan, who are incoming Erasmus students for one semester at the University of Ruse, presented to the academic community the culture of their country. The event was organised to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the founding of Azerbaidjan Democratic Republic on 28th May. Prof. Plamen Daskalov – Vice Rector of Development, Coordination and Continuing Education greeted the students from the Higher Petroleum School in Baku on behalf of the academic management.

The cooperation between the two universities started back in 2014 with the signing of a bilateral agreement. As a result, the curriculum of the degree programme Computer Management and Automation o0f the University of Ruse was adopted by the Higher petroleum School in Baku. A future objective is the development of a Master degree curriculum for a dual degree course.

17 May 2019, Friday
Eight international students were awarded for excellent academic performance in the eve of 24th May celebration
Today, 17 May 2019, the traditional meeting of the academic management of the University of Ruse with the international students, dedicated to 24th May celebration was held.

The Rector of the University, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc awarded 37 students, 8 of which for their excellent academic performance. Maria Hondrodimu from Greece, a 3rd year student in Occupational Therapy, has finished the first semester with honours.
Seven students from the preparatory language course were also awarded.
The Rector congratulated the students on their diligent work and high achievements, studying in a language, which is not their mother tongue. He wished them future success and good results at the exams. He reminded them that the University of Ruse is their "nome away from home". Prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, Director of the International Students Directorate with the University of Ruse, also congratulated the excellent students and wished them health, luck and success. Some of the students recited poems in Bulgarian.
There are international students from 23 countries studying at the University of Ruse this year: Austria, Albania, Vietnam, Georgia, Greece, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kamerun, Cyprus, Kuwait, Columbia, Luxemburg, Moldova, Nigeria, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, the USA, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.
13 May 2019, Monday
21st Days of Science and IV Innovative Youth EXPO gathered high school students-inventors, young researchers from the University of Ruse and representatives from the business
Today, 13 May 2019, (Monday), the 21st Days of Science and IV Innovative Youth EXPO are held at the University of Ruse. The events are organised by the Academic Management and the Student Council of the University under the auspices of the Minister of Education and Science of Bulgaria.

The Rector, Cor. Mem.prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc opened the events and welcomed the guests, noting that the event is unique for the North Central Region because it provides the opportunity for scientists of different generations and professions to gather and exchange experience. The University is the logical venue fro this meeting because it is here that science is born and disseminated, said he.

Official guests for the opening were the Mayor of Ruse – Mr. Plamen Stoilov, Deputy Governors of Ruse region – Mr. Svilen Ivanov and Valentin Kolev, Father Marin from the Ruse Metropoliten, the Members of Parliament – Ms. Svetlana Angelova and Mr. Andrian Rajkov. The Mayor pointed out the high appreciation of the community of Ruse for the University of Ruse – the place where young people show how big their dreams are. The Deputy Governor, Mr. Ivanov, expressed his belief that such events support the successful development of the city.

This year, students from 8 high schools in Ruse, 22 labs and clubs of the University of Ruse, The Institute of Mechanics with the BAS – Sofia, the Centre of Excellence (UNITe) and the Centre of Competence – Digitalisation of Economy in Big Data Environment. Many agricultural and transport companies demonstrated their technologies, equipment and vehicles in front of Kaneff Centre.

The 26 participants from 10 countries in the 6th Erasmus week organised by the University participated in the discussion forum "Dialogues about Education". Erasmus representatives from Armenia, Vietnam, Germany, Georgia, Spain, China, Poland, Yurkey and France discussed higher education issues at the World Café format, organised by lecturers from the Faculty of Business and Management of the3 University.

The best student papers in different scientific fields were awarded Best paper Crystal Prize'19. The teams participating in the 6th Youth EXPO also received some awards after their short presentations on the stage of Kaneff Centre.
At the end of the day the European week of Public Health was marked by a number of events, organised by professional club "Fitness. Health. Tone.", the Department of PE and Sport, the Department pedagogy, Psychology and History, the Student Council, Cheerleaders' club and Sports Society Academic, under the auspices of the European Association of Public Health (EUPHA) and the initiative of BPHA.
14 May, Tuesday
Global Village at the University of Ruse 2019
The 11th
edition of the annual seminar Global Village 2019 was carried out on the 14th of May 2019, Tuesday, at 4 p.m. in Siemens Hall at the University of Ruse.

The main
topics of the seminar were the International activities of the Department “Machine
Science, Machine Elements, Engineering Graphics and Physics“at the Transport Faculty of the University
of Ruse and their interaction with the scientific, teaching and learning
activities of students and staff.
The
opportunities for students in the area of scientific and international
activities were explained and analyzed. It was emphasized that the lecturers of
this department can support students in both areas mentioned.

Prof.
Antoaneta Dobreva summarized the
international Department
activities with more than 17 Universities from different European countries. The
representatives of TTK University of Applied Sciences from
Tallinn, Estonia: Markus Gottlieb
Põlluste and Mart
Pärtel – presented the opportunities for academic exchange
and gave details about the facilities and laboratory equipment of their
university.

Students
who have implemented mobility for academic exchange and/or for internship
within the program Erasmus+ shared their experience concerning their stay at
European universities and enterprises.
The seminar ended with informal meetings and
discussions between students and academic staff.
SIXTH ERASMUS WEEK, ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE, BULGARIA
The added value of the Erasmus+ programme for the exchange of innovative practices for education and research
13-17.05.2019
One of the indisputable contributions of the Erasmus+ programme is that it is functioning as an enormous interuniversity laboratory for exchange of good practices, innovative methods for education and assessment, as well as joint interdisciplinary scientific performances. Through this programme, the European higher education is promoted all over the world, becomes more competitive and contributes to overcoming cultural boundaries and geographic distances. The Erasmus students and lecturers increase in numbers, the contacts become closer and the results from the programme surpass all expectations.
This optimistic balance is a result of the dedication of partner universities, turning the partner dialogue into a main priority of their strategies for internationalisation with the help of the Erasmus programme.
For a sixth year in a row, the University of Ruse has declared its desire to gather under its hospitable roof Erasmus partners from near and far with the single purpose of continuing the development and promotion of the partner dialogue.
The main topics to be discussed and analysed in the sixth Erasmus week, organised by the University of Ruse, are related to:
- Innovative methods of education and research in partner institutions and the opportunities for their mutual transfer;
- Conducting joint trainings in various degree programmes and awarding dual diplomas;
- Organising joint summer schools for practical training or joint PhD schools of 2-month duration and financing of the participants by the Erasmus programme;
- Involving the partners of the universities from the business and other sectors in the training and research, etc.
The University of Ruse will offer the participants in the Sixth Erasmus week fruitful and pleasant meetings in a friendly environment, exciting experiences in the beautiful city of Ruse and unforgettable memories.
Twenty-six representatives of partner universities from 10 countries are going to participate in the sixth Erasmus week organised by the University of Ruse: Armenia, Vietnam, Germany, Georgia, Spain, China, Poland, Romania, Turkey and France.
A special edition of the student newspaper "Student spark" has been printed in English, where a retrospective review of the five Erasmus weeks held at the University of Ruse, as well as the three previous editions of the innovative youth EXPO.
AGENDA
Time | Activity | Venue |
13.05.2019 (Monday) | | |
10:30 | Official opening Greeting s from the Rector | Siemens Hall |
10:40-11:30 | Presenting the University of Ruse and the Erasmus programme at the University of Ruse, | Siemens Hall |
11:30-12:30 | Opening the 21st May Fest of Science and the Innovative Youth EXPO 4 | Kaneff centre |
13,00 – 15,00 | Discussion forum: „World Cafe: Dialogues on Education" | Hall 2, Kaneff centre |
14.05.2019 (Tuesday) | | |
9:30-11:00 | Presentations of the guests and their universities and international programmes | |
11:15-13:00 | Presentations of the guests and their universities and international programmes - part 2 | Siemens Hall |
14:30-16:30 | Walking tour of Ruse | |
15.05.2019 (Wednesday) | | |
10:00-12:00 | Workshop „of innovative practices for education and research" | Siemens Hall |
12:00-13:00 | Meetings with Erasmus students | Siemens Hall |
16.05.2019 (Thursday) | | |
10:00-12:00 | Workshop „of innovative practices for education and research" – Part т 2 | Siemens Hall |
12:00-13:00 | Meetings with Erasmus students | Siemens Hall |
13:00-14:30 | Awarding certificates to the participants and Intercultural lunch (national cuisine+ specialities from abroad, brought by the guests) | Kaneff centre Catering hall |
17.05.2019 (Friday) | Trip to Veliko Turnovo | |
7 May 2018, Tuesday
The University of Ruse welcomes lecturers and students from Vietnam under the Erasmus+ programme for the first time
The University of Ruse welcomes lecturers and students from Vietnam under the Erasmus+ programme for the first time. They come from Nong lam University in the city of Ho Chi Minh, with which the University of Ruse has signed a bilateral agreement.

Today, Nguyen Tran Phu, PhD, a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, visited the University of Ruse. He met the Rector, cor MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev DTSc, the General Assembly Chairperson, Prof. Velisara Pencheva, PhD and the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education, Assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD. Together they discussed opportunities for expanding the cooperation between the two universities through developing joint research projects, workshops, etc.

In February, three students from Ho Chi Mihn came to study at the University of Ruse during the summer semester. Two of them study mechanical Engineering and one – Computer Sciences. Students study CAD and CAM systems, image processing, Internet technologies, in accordance with their syllabus.

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


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

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

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

15 April 2019, Monday
Lecturers from the University of Ruse attended the ХХХ National Olympiad in Bulgarian language and literature in Chisinau, Moldova
From 12 to 14 April 2019, in the Theoretical Lyceum "N.B.Gogol" in Chisinau, Moldova, the ХХХ National Olympiad in Bulgarian language and literature was held. Assoc. prof. Mira Dushkova and assist professor Nia Doneva,
lecturers from the University of Ruse, the Department of Bulgarian
language, literature and arts represented the University of Ruse. They
conferred the Congratulatory address of the Rector of the Unibversity of Ruse, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSC.
Traditionally, the event was organised by the Ministry of education, culture and research of the Republic of Moldova. The competiton was between 60 high school students from four regions: Tarakliya, Kantemir, Gagausiya and Pridnestrovie.
It consisted of two rounds – written and oral, and there were
additional prizes for most creative answer, best literary work, Best
recital and teacher of the winner. The first prize went to Tatyana ¬ebanova from the village of Kayrakliya, Tarakliya region, who attended a language course at the University of Ruse two years ago.
The lecturers from Ruse visited "Hristo Botev" library, and donated contemporary collected works and monographs. Thew were acquainted with the work of the Sunday school with the library.
The
end of the event was marked by an emotional concert of Bulgarian songs,
poems and dances, prepared and performed by students and teachers of
Bulgarian origin, living in different parts of Moldova.
The University of Ruse was awarded a plaque and a letter of Gratitude by assoc. prof. Elena Raceeva, Chairperson of the Olympic committee. The letter reads: "Your support and sponsorship are a noble contribution to the endeavours to strengthen the Bulgarian identity, traditions, history and language of the Bulgarians in the Republic of Moldova. We sincerely believe that we will preserve our good relationship and fruitful cooperation in the future."

photo Anton Karpov, Chisinau
11 April 2019, Thursday
Expanding the cooperation between the Baku Higher Oil School – Baku Azerbaijan and the University of Ruse
Lecturers from Baku Higher Oil School - Baku Azerbaidjan are on a one-week visit to the University of Ruse.
For the first time, this academic year the University of Ruse received funding for student and lecturer exchange under the Erasmus+ programme with Azerbaijan. As a result, the Head of Department Automation of engineering processes, assoc. prof. Nayla Alahverdieva and assoc. prof. Syulejman Syuleimanidze are in Ruse for a week.

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

The agenda of the visit includes work visits, educational workshop, meetings with the university management. During one of the meetings with the Rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc the opportunity for expanding the cooperation between the two institutions by developing a master degree programme with the perspective of obtaining dual diploma.
11 April 2019, Thursday
The University of Ruse hosted the module „Innovation and creativity for life- IC4Life"
From 1 to 6 April 2019, the University of Ruse hosted for a second time the module
„Innovations and Creativity for Life- IC4Life". The participants were 27 students and 6 lecturers from Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, Lithuania and Bulgaria. The University of Ruse was represented by 13 students from various degree programmes – Occupational Therapy, Computer Systems and Technologies, Industrial Design, Business and Management, Public Administration. Five students and one lecturer from the degree programme Graphic Design at the University of Gloucestershire, England participated online.

In the course of a week, the students worked in five international and interdisciplinary teams on developing innovative solutions of specifically assigned problems – simulation of tactile manipulation, an inclusive playground, classroom of the future, visual impairment and memory loss. In addition, the students had to work out a prototype and business plan for their execution.
Working together with their peers and lecturers, the students obtained theoretical knowledge on the specifics of creative thinking, the principles of prototyping and business planning. At the end of the week the teams presented their developments, which were evaluated on five criteria – creativity, innovations, applicability, business plan and presentation.

Traditionally, the first evening was dedicated to cultural values – each country presented their national dishes, drinks, music, dances, sights, etc. One of the tasks was "Cultural riddles" – the students had to discover and visit at least three of the local historical sights and tourist attractions.
The training held at the University of Ruse is an exceptional opportunity for internationalisation of our students, without the need for them to leave the country
08 April 2019, Monday
The book Citizens of Nowhere presented at the University of Ruse
On 9 April 2019 (Tuesday), at the University of Ruse the book Citizens of Nowhere was presented at the University of Ruse. Its author, Niccolò Milanese, is the director of the organisation European alternatives. A poet and a philosopher, living in Paris, he was born in London to parents of Italian and British origin.

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

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

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

02 April 2019, Tuesday
Second international meeting under the project
„Cooperative Online Peer-assisted and Intercultural Learning in Occupational Therapy" (COPILOT)
The second international meeting under the project „Cooperative Online Peer-assisted and Intercultural Learning in Occupational Therapy" (COPILOT was held in the period 20-24 March 2019, at the University of Applied Sciences HOWEST, Kortrijk, Belgium.
During the meeting, some of the intellectual outputs were discussed: 1)COPILOT metamodel – a model for intercultural online training, applicable to the professions in healthcare; 2) Handbook with seven training modules on various topics to be conducted annually, which will be acce3ssible for lecturers and students from partner universities.
The first meeting under the project was held from 6th to 8th December, 2018 in Bad Gleihenberg, Austria. Issues related to the organisation, management and documentation of the project were discussed, tasks and responsibilities for the development of the intellectual products were distributed.

The University of Ruse is a partner in the consortium for the implementation of the project, together with the Applied sciences universities JOANNEUM (Austria), HOWEST (Belgium) and ZUYD (the Netherlands), the Technological university in Lulea (Sweden). Associated partners are the University of applied sciences ZHAW (Switzerland) and the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE).
The University of Ruse is represented by assoc. prof. Lilia Todorova from the Department of Public Health and Social Work.
29 March 2019, Friday
The University of Ruse will host the module
„Innovations and Creativity for Life- IC4Life"
From 1 to 6 April 2019, the University of Ruse will host for a second time the module

„Innovations and Creativity for Life- IC4Life". Since 2014 this annual event connects students in the degree programme Occupational Therapy, business and engineering degree programmes from Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, Lithuania and Bulgaria in their quest for creative solutions of various problems.
In this year's edition 8 students and 1 lecturer from the University PXL in Haselt (Belgium), 6 students and 2 lecturers from the University of Coventry (Great Britain), 1 lecturer and 1 student from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in Kaunas. All guests are from the degree programme Occupational Therapy.
The module is organized by assoc. prof. Lilia Todorova and assoc. prof. Petya Mincheva from the Department of Public Health and Helath care. The University of Ruse will be represented by 5 students in Occupational Therapy, 3 from Computer Systems and Technologies, 2 from Business and Management and 3 from Industrial Design. This provides interdisciplinarity in addition to the internationalisation of the training. Prof. Daniel Bratanov, assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova and assoc. prof. Daniel Pavlo0v will take part as lecturers as well.
29 March 2019, Friday
Project in the field of national security between Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova was discussed at the University of Ruse
Today, 29 March (Friday) 2019, the University of Ruse was visited by Octavian Melintescu – Deputy Head of Chief Directorate Anti-corruption – Romania, Bransa Genadie, Deputy Head of the Analysis Directorate of the National centre for fighting corruption in the Republic of Moldova and Senior Commissary Rumen Ganev – director of Directorate Internal Security with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria.

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

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

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

28 March 2019, Thursday
Regional forum with international participation "Good educational and professional practices in the field of social work" is held at the University of Ruse
Today, 28 March (Thursday), a two-day regional forum with international participation "Good educational and professional practices in the field of social work" starts at the University of Ruse. The discussion topic of the event is "The social worker profession in XXI c. – challenges and opportunities for development".


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

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

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

NGOs suppliers of social services have exhibited their crafts with materials made by them and the users for charity purposes.
21 March 2019, Thursday
The Social Worker Club with the University of Ruse celebrated Social Work World Day
On 19 March 2019, at the lobby of Building 2 of the University of Ruse, students and lecturers from the Social Worker Club in professional field Social Work celebrated Social Work World Day.
First, the Chairperson of the club, assoc. prof. Sasho Nunev pointed out the significance of this day for the professional and academic communities of social workers all over the world. He put an emphasis on the topic of this year's World Day – promoting the significance of human relationships in people's everyday life, the professional activities of social workers and the training of their future colleagues.
Teams of students from the degree programme Social Work presented their posters, dedicated to the celebration, revealing their ideas in the context of the topic. They composed a colourful interactive mural from their posters. After that, in a flashmob, they expressed their position that the barriers in human relationships must be overcome. In this way, the young people declared their empathy and active attitude to the importance and necessity to develop human relationships. A video prepared by the Club was uploaded to the European Association of Schools of Social Work website (https://www.eassw.org/happy-wswd-by-university-of-ruse/), as a greeting address to their colleagues from over 300 schools and organisations in Europe – members of the Association.
20 March 2019, Wednesday
The International Francophony Day celebrated for a third time at the University of Ruse
On 20 March 2019 The International Francophony Day was celebrated for a third time at the University of Ruse. The initiative was realised in the framework of the active membership of the higher school in the University Francophony Agency.

The Rector of the university, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, opened the event and pointed out that the university organises annually different events with the participation of students from the degree programmes "Bulgarian and French" and "European and Global Studies", who study French. He expressed the readiness of our Alma Mater to support and cooperate in all events, woven into the goals of the University Francophony Ahency. The Director of the High School for European Languages, Ms. Dobromira Nikolova was also a guest of the event.
During the event, students who participated in the Essay competition and the competition for projects were awarded. There was a poetic recital by students and flute performance by a lecturer, Petya Stefanova, PhD as well.
A special accent in the programme was the participation of 15 Erasmus+ students for the summer semester from a French Higher School in Electronics in Paris, who sang 2 popular French songs.

In July 2018, the University of Ruse hosted a National seminar of Francophony universities on the topic of "Improvement of university systems for quality assurance through good practices and internationalisation of education" while in December, the Rector of the University vowed to the Director of the French Institute in Bulgaria, Mr. Fabien Flоri, to revive Alliance Frances in Ruse.
14 March 2019, Thursday
Work meeting under the INNOVENTER – a Project for Innovative Professional Entrepreneurship trainings
Today 14 March 2019, (Thursday) a work meeting was held under the INNOVENTER – a Project for Innovative Professional Entrepreneurship trainings, financed by the Transnational programme INTERREG Balkans - Mediterranean 2014-2020.

The Rector of the University, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc welcomed the guests to the University of Ruse. He pointed out the fact that the higher school has always created a favourable environment for various institutions to meet and discuss ideas, good practices and challenges faced by society today. He wished the participants success in implementing the project because social entrepreneurship is topical and a need is felt for purposeful activities in this direction.
The main idea of the project is to create professionally oriented training in social entrepreneurship for small and medium-sized enterprises so that they can implement innovations while at the same time they employ disadvantaged people. In the workshop participated representatives of schools and other educational institutions from Sofia, Plovdiv, Razgrad and the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", Association Maria Curie -MSA (Bulgaria), Community help in Albania, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DYEKO – a network supporting entrepreneurship and social economy (Greece), Association for Management Consulting (BURM).
13 March 2019, Wednesday
Training seminar "Application of digital training materials in engineering education"
Today, 13 March, 2019 (Wednesday), at the University of Ruse was held a training seminar " Application of digital training materials in engineering education ". The event was organised in the framework of the project „Engineering Student Centered Learning Approaches" (ESCOLA), financed by the ЕRASMUS+, КА203 Programme. The main goal of the project is to develop an electronic training platform for supporting the education of students from engineering degree programmes.

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

Teachers from several schools in Ruse – Vassil Levski Comprehensive school, the professional high schools of Electronics, of Construction and Architecture, of Industrial Technologies, lecturers from the universities in Gabrovo and Shumen, employees of the Regional Directorate of Employment and the Science and Technology Unions – Ruse, took part in the seminar. Experts from the Nuclear Power Station in Kozlodui, the Regional Management of Education – Ruse, as well as representatives of business – Fotolitics LtD. Dianel LtD, ELSI LtD and Activ El Engineering LtD were also guests of the event.
The leading partner of the project is the Aegean University (EGE), Turkey and the partner organisations are from Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain and a team from the University of Ruse, led by Prof. Nikolai Mihailov, PhD, DHC.
11 March 2019, Monday
The East and the West are meeting at the University of Ruse
On 12 March 2019 (Tuesday), the Rector of the University of Ruse, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, opened the first partner meeting under the project MODERNISATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CENTRAL ASIA THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGIES with the words:
„We are proud that the European Commission ranked the project of this large Euro-Asian consortium second. The University of Ruse has focused its efforts on the diditization of higher education since the beginning of the 21 century. So far, our Alma Mater is the initiator and coordinator of 5 large-scale European projects with the participation of dozens of universities from almost all European countries. We would like to express our gratitude to our long-standing partners from Italy (28-year old cooperation and three joint thematic networks in the field of education), Luxemburg (10 years of cooperation) and Portugal (12-year old cooperation and a joint project for distance learning). We hope to fulfil our function as the coordinator of this project, drawing on our experience so far. I welcome our new colleagues and friends from Kazakhstan, Kirgiztan., Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan".

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

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

At the opening were present H.E. Temirtai Izbastin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Bulgaria, Prof. Kurmanbek Abdildaev – Rector of Issik-Kulski State University, 9 vice rectors, as well as Deans and Heads of Departments.
8 March 2019, Friday
79 international students arrived at the University of Ruse under the Erasmus+ exchange programme
79 international students arrived at the University of Ruse under the Erasmus+ exchange programme for the summer semester. They are going to study or have practical training in the higher school.
On 07 March 2019 (Thursday), a welcome party was organized for them by the University's Erasmus office. On behalf of the academic management, Prof. Plamen Kangalov, Vice Rector in Education and Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice Rector in internationalisation and communication policy greeted the students. Coordinators and lecturers from the University of Ruse were also introduced. In turn, the Erasmus students have prepared short presentations about their countries.

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

The students will study or train in all faculties of the University of Ruse and the branch in Razgrad. Hald of them (38) have enrolled in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation.
22 February 2019, Friday
Civil dialogue on the topic "Digital technologies: opportunities and challenges" with the participation of Mariya Gabriel, European commissioner for Digital Economy and Society
„In the history of Bulgaria and Europe, the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"has a special place. Love of knowledge, values from the past experience and clear vision for the future:
Keep on making us proud of you! Digital Europe needs you!"
Mariya Gabriel
Today the University of Ruse hosted a Civil dialogue on the topic "Digital technologies: opportunities and challenges" with the participation of Mariya Gabriel, European commissioner for Digital Economy and Society.

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

The challenges we face with the development of the means of communication and the necessity for all to bear responsibility in distributing information have been discussed. During the discussion, the role of Digital innovation hubs was outlined, as well as the perspective for creating such structures in every area of the European Union. „Ruse is turning into one such hub in Bulgaria quite rightfully" – said Ms. Gabriel.
The participants in the civil dialogue had the chance to test their digital skills by using and electronic platform to ask and answer questions via their smart phones.

Digital transformation provides a unique opportunity for economic growth, innovations and new job vacancies and in this aspect, the University of Ruse puts a strong accent on digitization in the field of education and adapting the study content to the digital generation.
19 February 2019, Tuesday
Lantern Festival 2019 at the University of Ruse
Confucius study room at the University of Ruse has organised a Chinese Lantern Festival for a second year, decorating colourfully the connection passage between the Main Building and Building 2.

Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, greeted the organisers of the event on behalf of the Academic management of the University of Ruse.
International Erasmus students were guests of the event, of whom 5 students from Shanghai Polytechnic University.

The visitors of the festival took part in the traditional Chinese puzzle game – The puzzle of the lantern. Each lantern from the decoration has a puzzle and when you solve it, you receive a prize. The game dates back to the Song dynasty, when games of wisdom became popular.
4 February 2019, Monday
Third Partner Meeting in Szczecin, Poland under the Project „Engineering Student-Centered Learning Approaches"
In the period 14-16 January, 2019, in the Computer Sciences and IT of the University of West Pomerania, Szczecin the third partner meeting under the project "Engineering Student Centered Learning Approaches (ESCOLA)" was held. The University of Ruse was represented by assoc. prof. Tsvetelina Georgieva, PhD, assoc. prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD, Sen. Assistant Seher Kadirova, PhD, and Sen. Assistant Tsvetelin Georgiev, PhD.
During the event the five main modules from the electronic learning platform were presented and discussed, namely: Digital Inclusion, Innovative Learning, Distance Learning, Video and 3D Simulations for LABs, Joint Learning in Virtual Environments.
The project is financed by the ERASMUS+, key activity ERASMUS+, key activity КА2, Cooperation for innovations and exchange of good practices (2014-2020),Agreement №: 2017-1-TR01-KA203-045955 and is with a duration of 24 months. The deadline for implementation of the activities is the end of September, 2019.
For additional information: prof. Nikola Mihailov, PhD, DHC, Project leader for the University of Ruse, tel. 0888539388


18 January 2019, Friday
The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology visited the University of The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology visited the University of Ruse
The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland, Prof. Arkadiusz Mezyk, DSc, was a guest of the University of Ruse for a day.

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

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

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

The opportunities for joint projects, student and lecturer exchange and joint degree programmes were discussed during the meeting.
During the visit a bilateral frame agreement was signed, regulating the cooperation between the University of Ruse and the Silesian University of Technology.
15 January 2019, Tuesday
A new project starts at the University of Ruse "Live, interactive and virtual environments for the museums of the lower Danube cross-border area between Romania and Bulgaria"
At a press conference today, the project "Live, interactive and virtual environments for the museums of the lower Danube cross-border area between Romania and Bulgaria" LIVE was presented. It is implemented under the Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme, financed by the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF) under aim European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) for the participating member states.

The University of Ruse is a Lead beneficiary of the project. Representatives of all four remaining partners were present: Regional Museum of History – Ruse, Regional Museum of History – Silistra, Regional Museum of History – Calaras, and Regional Museum of History – Drobeta-Turnu Severin.
The press conference was opened by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev. The Project leader, assoc. prof. Plamen Zahariev gave a brief presentation of the main goals and activities.
The project is under Priority Axis 2 of the Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme: Green region; Specific goal 2.1: Improving sustainable use of natural heritage, resources and cultural heritage.
The main goal is to make a significant step forward in preserving and promoting the natural and cultural heritage through developing complex pilit solutions of various ICT systems, which will provide to the beneficiaries advanced technologies for online presentation of events and new forms of content sharing and visualisation.
With the aim to multiply the effect a number of events for promotion and distribution of project results have been planned. Among them probably the most effective will be the two 3D mapping shows in Bulgaria and Romania, respectively. Representatives of all museums and cultural institutions in the cross-border region will be acquainted with the opportunities to use the complex ICT solutions. Within the framework of the project a strategy "The Path of the Danube Museums" will be developed.
The project value is 479,655.05 Euro, of which 407,706.78 Euro from ERDF;
10 December 2018, Monday
The University of Ruse awarded a Quality Sign for their work on the Erasmus+ programme
On 6 December 2018, the University of Ruse was awarded a Quality Excellence Sign for their work on the Erasmus+ programme, at a ceremony in the Central Military Club – Sofia. The event was part of the traditional Valorisation conference under the Erasmus+ programme, organized by the Center for Human Resources Development (CHRD)– Sofia, which is the National Erasmus agency in Bulgaria.
Mr. Georg Georgiev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Petar Nikolov – Deputy Minister of education and science, representatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sport participated in the conference. Both Ministers emphasized the extreme importance of the Erasmus+ programme – the largest, most popular and most effective programme of the European Commission in the field of education, training, youth and sport.
The Executive Director of CHRD, Mr. Petyo Kanev, greeted the representatives of the institutions awarded and reviewed projects and activities, implemented in Bulgaria with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. Over 39 million Euro will be granted by the EC under the Erasmus+ Programme for projects and other accompanying activities in 2019. The budget has a 7% increase compared to this year.

Out of 271 Erasmus projects, selected in 2017, 40 were awarded with Quality Excellence Sign, among which only four are university projects – the University of Ruse, The Medical University – Varna, the Higher school of management – Varna and the national Academy of Music Prof. Pancho Vladigerov.
The award of the University of Ruse was accepted by the Erasmus Coordinator and Vice-rector of internationalization and communication policy – Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD.

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Researchers from the University of Ruse teach rehabilitation engineering to their colleagues in Caza under i-CARE project
The first year of the implementation of the Project „i-CARE Increasing the Conformance of Academia towards rehabilitation engineering, funded by the Erasmus + Programme ended successfully. Eight universities are partners in this project – four from Gaza and four from the EU, one of which is the University of Ruse. The Al Azar University in Gaza, represented by Ahmed Issa, PhD is the Project Coordinator.
Within the first year of activities, lecturers from the Public Health and Social Work Department with the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare presented to their colleagues in Gaza good practices in rehabilitation technologies and provided pre-requisites for starting training in Rehabilitation engineering in partner universities in Gaza.
The project has a budget of EUR 914,469.00 and aims at providing transfer of knowledge and skills in rehabilitation technologies from Established European academic institutions to universities and hospitals in the Gaza strip within the three-year duration of the project.
Next year, lecturers from Gaza are to visit Ruse. They are going to attend a crash course in Kinesiology, led by colleagues from the University of Ruse.

5 December, 2018
The University of Ruse builds and coordinates the Fifth Academic Network between Europe and Asia
The University of Ruse has signed a three-year agreement for modernising the education in 15 universities from 5 Central Asian countries and 4 from Europe. The Education Ministries (with their deputy ministers) of Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are partners under this project.
This is the fifth project for establishing an academic network, initiated and coordinated by the University of Ruse. But while the previous four networks were European, the new one is Eurasian.
The University of Ruse will share with its partners the Concept for adaptation of the educational system to the digital generation through intensive use of ICT-based innovation and educational technologies, as well as the draft of the National programme for digital transformation of education.
The University Guidebook of innovative educational technologies will be adapted to the needs of the project and translated into Russian and English. An interactive multimedia version of the Guidebook will be created and published in the project website, thus becoming accessible for interested parties all over the world.
A Centre for innovative educational technologies modelled after the Centre in Ruse University - http://ciot.uni-ruse.bg/.will be established in each of the partner universities. Study halls of the future, similar to the one that will soon be opened in the University of Ruse, will also be set up.
As the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc noted, through this large-scale project, the educational innovations that have been developed and tested in the University of Ruse for more than 15 years, will be transferred to the partner universities, and through them – into the entire educational systems of their countries.
The signing of this agreement in Brussels showed once again that the digital transformation of education is one of the key priorities of the European commission, emphasized by the European Commissioner on Digitalisation, Mr. Maria Gabriel in her speeches and interviews.
Partners from Central
Asia
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21 November, 2018
Fourth Festival of the Chinese Culture at the University of Ruse
On 21 November 2018, at 17.30, in Kaneff Centre-University of Ruse the Fourth Festival of the Chinese Culture, organised by the university team of Confucius Study hall with the financial support of the Confucius Institute – Sofia, will be held.
As in the previous three editions, the Festival Programme includes demonstrations and concert. In the demonstrations part, which will take place from 17.30 to 18.30, the visitors can participate in Chinese games, have hieroglyphs tattooed, paint Chinese masks, learn how to use Chinese sticks, etc. After the official opening at 18.30, the audience will have the chance to enjoy Chinese songs and dances, presented by visiting performers and students from the University of Ruse, Chinese martial arts and fashion show of Chinese costumes. There will be Chinese food tasting as well.
All the academic community of the University of Ruse, citizens and gue4sts of Ruse are invited.

鲁塞大学孔子课堂第四届中国文化节节目单
PROGRAMME OF THE FOURTH FESTIVAL OF THE CHINESE CULTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
21 November 2018, 17.30, Kaneff Centre
17.30-18.30 часа – DEMONSTRATIONS of Chinese games, tatoos with hieroglyphs, calligraphy, painting Chinese masks, Chinese horoscopes, etc.
18.30 – OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE EVENT
18.45-20.00 - CONCERT
1.武术表演 《保国少年爱武术》 表演者:Kalagia武术学校
Demonstration of Chinese martial arts – Martial arts centre Kalagia
2.扇子舞《Stay open》 表演者:鲁塞大学孔子课堂学生
Chinese dance Stay open performed by students from the University of Ruse
3.歌曲《芦花》 特邀嘉宾:李子君
Song <Reed flower> performed by special guest Zijun Li
4.鲁塞大学孔子课堂年度报告 报告者:Hristina Sokolova
Presentation of the Confucius Study hall activities in the period November 2017 – November 2018 – pr. assistant Hristina Sokolova
5.舞蹈 《青花瓷》 表演者:古赫丽 安娜贝拉
Dance < Blue and white porcelain > performed by students from the University of Ruse
6.古筝 《渔舟唱晚》 特邀嘉宾:赵星娃/张清
Performance of Chinese traditional instrument gu jung < Flowing Steams and Evening Song of Fishing Boats> by special guest Xingwa Zhao/Qing Zhang
7.歌曲 《沧海一声笑》 特邀嘉宾:曹相东
Song <See the World Indifferently> performed by special guest Xiangdong Cao
8.街舞表演《你需要什么》 表演者:Brave Dance Studio
Hip Hop dance <what U need> performed byBrave Dance Studio
9.中国传统服饰秀 《锦绣霓裳》 表演者:鲁塞大学孔子课堂学生
Fashion show of Chinese costumes <Splendid Chinese Costume> performed by students from the University of Ruse
10.武术表演《中国功夫》 表演者:Kalagia武术学校
Kung-fu - Martial arts centre Kalagia
15 November 2018, Thursday
The University of Ruse participates again in the Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Danube Rectors' Conference (DRC)
On 8-9 November 2018, at the Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, the University of Ruse, represented by the Vice-rector in Internationalisation and communication policy, prof. Juliana Popova, participated in the Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Danube Rectors' Conference (DRC), where the higher school from Ruse has been a member for more than 30 years, as the only Bulgarian university there.
The papers and discussions on this year's topic, "Universities as Centres of Regional Development" outlined the contribution of the universities from the Danube region for the implementation of the Danube strategy and their role for stimulating the regional development. A special accent was put on DRC's active contribution, marking the 35th anniversary of the organisation.
For a second year in a row, during the annual conference, the Danubius Young Scientist Award was conferred to young researchers from the Danube countries. From Bulgaria, the prize was conferred to pr. assistant professor Tsvetelin Georgiev, PhD from the Mechanical Engineering and Technologies Faculty of the University of Ruse.

This prize was founded in 2011 by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) in cooperation with the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM). The criteria for nomination and selection of prize winners are: scientific excellence and innovative approach to academic work, relevance of research to issues of the Danube region and beyond national boundaries, scientific potential of the candidate, etc.
In the Award Ceremony participated Friedrich Faulhammer, DRC President and Rector of the Danube University in Krems, Austria, Barbara Weitgruber, Director General of Research and International Relations Department of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the former vice-chancellor of Austria, Erhard Busek, PhD, Chairperson of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe and DHC of the University of Ruse, as well as prof. Miroslav Veskovich, PhD, coordinator of the scientific support for the macro-regional strategies of the European Commission, priority axis PA-7 of the Danube strategy and Head of the Joint Research Centre (JRC).
For the previous three years, the young Bulgarian bearers of the award were also from the University of Ruse: 2017 – assoc. prof. Ivan Beloev, PhD from the Transport Department, 2016 – pr. assistant professor Strahil Karapchanski from the Department of European Studies, Deputy-mayor of Ruse Municipality, 2015 – assoc. prof. Daniel Lyubenov, PhD from the Department of Transp[ort.
On 9th November, 2018, the Assembly General of DRC elected new leadership of the organisation for the next two years: President – prof. Ivanka Popovich, PhD – Rector of the University of Belgrade and Vice presidents Friedrich Faulhammer - Rector of the Danube University in Krems, Austria, and immediate past president of DRC and Prof. Dietmar Meyer – Rector of Andrashi University, Budapest, Hungary. Prof. Miroslav Veskovich, PhD, Head of JRC, was elected Honorary President of DRC.
The Rector of the4 University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, DHC, mult. was DRC President in 2010 and Vice pre3sident in 2009 and 2011, respectively.
During the DRC Conference, the contribution of the University of Ruse was mentioned several times in the presentations in connection with its participation as a key partner in the Danube:Future project, in the frames of the Danube strategy and the organisation and hosting of the International Summer School for sustainable development of the Danube region in September 2018.

7 November 2018, Wednesday
The University of Ruse will cooperate with the Polytechnic University in Shanghai
From 29.10. to 02.11.2108, a group of lecturers from the University of Ruse, led by the Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, visited the Shanghai Polytechnic University. In various research laboratories, they were acquainted with the educational innovations, used by their Chinese colleagues, incl. interactive presentation systems, added and virtual reality, etc. Today, at a press conference, some details about the meetings and the agreements signed were shared.

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

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


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


24 October 2018, Wednesday
A French Centre is to be opened at the University of Ruse
The Rector of the University of Ruse, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev and Mr. Fabien Flori – Director of the French Institute in Sofia, discussed the opening of a French Centre at the university. The other participants in the discussion were Mrs. Amandine Segers, Mr. Kamen Minkov and Mr. Rosen Novakov, as well as the Vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy – Prof. Juliana Popova.

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

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

The visitors were welcomed by the Vice rector on Internationalisation and Communication Policy of the University of Ruse, prof. Juliana Popova, who introduced them to the structure of the higher school, its development through the years and the opportunities for studying it offers. The Director of International Students Directorate – Prof. Krasimir Martev, presented the history of the unit and provided information on the conditions for education of international students.
The members of the delegation demonstrated interest in the degree programmes offered by the Agrarian and industrial Faculty, and prof. Plamen Kangalov – Vice Rector on Education, acquainted them with the opportuni9ties for studying and the subjects taught in this faculty. At the end of their visit, the guests were shown around the facilities of the University of Ruse.
27 September 2018, Thursday
The German Ambassador visits the University of Ruse for the first time
The Ambassador to the Federal republic of Germany, H. E. Herbert Salber made his first visit to the University of Ruse. At the meet5ing with the Bodyof Rectors, the diplomat was introduced to the opportunities for studying and the facilities of the higher school.

The vice-rector in internationalisation and communication policy, prof. Juliana Popova, presented the profile of the university, the degree programmes offered, the projects of the researchers from the university and its international activities. The high accreditation grade of the University was emphasized. The Director of the Bulgarian-Romanian Inter-university Europe centre, assoc. prof. Mimi Kornazheva, informed the diplomat about the activities of the Centre and shared the hardships that have been overcome over the years, as well as the challenges facing the team.
BRIE was established as a Stability Pact Project for South Eastern Europe under the initiative of the German Rectors' Conference in 2000 and two years later the first international students started their master degree studies here. The training takes place in Bulgaria, Romania and Germany. To date, there are approximately 200 graduates from 16 countries.

The diplomat expressed his satisfaction from the visit to the University of Ruse and his commitment to aiding the enhancement of cooperation with German higher schools.
26 September 2018, Wednesday
A project from Ruse is among the six most attractive and original cross-border projects of the European Union
A project from Ruse has been selected with five other projects to compete for the prize of the most attractive and original project with the votes from the social media. The Project ROBG-9 ARCHIVE - „Interactive visualisation of ancient Roman cultural heritage in the Bulgaria-Romania cross-border region, financed by the Interreg V-A, in which the University of Ruse is a leading partner, will be presented in Brussels on 10 October, during the European Week of the Regions and Cities within the framework of the initiative Interreg Talks: 6 projects, 1 slam, organised by the INTERACT Programme.
The only project with Bulgarian participation is competing for the votes from the social media. The voting is until the end of September directly on INTERACT's website. Those willing to support the project should like the video clip тук. The competitors of ROBG-9 ARCHIVE are projects with a number of partners from countries such as Italy, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, etc.
The Project ROBG-9 ARCHIVE uses information and communication technologies for digitalisation, visualisation, promotion and preservation of ancient Roman cultural and historic heritage from the lower part of the Roman Limes. Under the project, 16 Roman fortresses from the cross-border region between Bulgaria and Romania have been digitalised. One interactive platform and two mobile apps - RomanForts (for iOS and Android) have been created. Two exhibitions with 3D printed models of artefacts and fortresses, accessible in the historical museums in Ruse and Constanta. More information about the project can be found of its website or its Facebook page
H.E. Gurbanova outlined the interests in the cooperation between her country and Bulgaria. Focusing on the sphere of education, she offered cooperation with several Azeri universities. In their turn, the vice-rectors informed her that there are two frame agreements signed between the University of Ruse and the Khazar University and Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University.
In 2015 the University of Ruse supported the opening of a Bachelor degree programme in Automation at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and provided a comprehensive training programme in English, methodological support and exchange of students and lecturers. This useful cooperation could be enhanced with a Master degree programme in the same field.
The Ambassador of Azerbaijan invited representatives of the University of Ruse to the annual Exhibition on Education in Baku, in October, 2018, where universities from Russia, Turkey, Iran, the USA, thye Central Asian countries, etc. participate.
The Vice-rector of Danubius University in Galati, Romania, prof. Emanuel Marinesku was on a visit at the University of Ruse. At the meeting with Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the guest extended his congratulations to the newly elected rector. Issues of cooperation between the two universities were discussed. This cooperation dates back to 2013 and is growing more and more intensive. The University of Ruse was invited to become co-organiser of the International conference "European integration – reality and perspectives", which will be held on 18-19 May 2018 at the Danubius University http://www.conferences.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/EIRP/EIRP2018
For five years noe the two universities have been co-organisers of the International conference "The River Danube – an axis of European identity", which is held annually on the Day of the Danube – 29 June, and is quite popular with lecturers and PhD students.
At the end of February, in Brussels, the International conference "HEInnovate: Make Innovation Work in Higher Education" was held under the patronage of the European Commission and the United Nations Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The University of Ruse was invited to share their experience in stimulating entrepreneurial attitude among its academic community.
At the workshop in the frames of the forum, the Head of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Ruse, Assoc. prof. Daniel Pavlov, pointed out the key benefits from the activities undertaken from the higher school in 2014 in response to the initiative of HEInnovate. The students were also given the chance to present their expectations for the improvement of the performance of EU Universities. During the conference, "Student HEInnovate Hackaton" was held for the first time. At this event, the Chairperson of the Student Council of the University of Ruse, Stanimir Boyadjiev, took part together with 30 other students from 19 countries.
Besides the two representatives of the University of Ruse, Bulgaria was represented by Ivana Radonova, PhD (Ministry of Education and Science) and Dimka Mihajlova-Radeva (Center for Human Resources). Dr. Radonova announced to the participants that the next international conference will be held at the University of Ruse, 14-16 June 2018. The event will be coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science within the framework of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of Europe.
Confucius study hall in the University of Ruse decided to welcome the Bulgarian Baba Marta with the Chinese Latern festival, which took place in the connecting unit to Building 2.
The Lantern Festival is celebrated everywhere in China on 15 January from the Lunar calendar, immediately after the Spring festival, and is part of the holidays, connected to the coming of spring. The Chinese tradition calls for celebration by hanging colourful lanterns and garlands in their homes and in the streets. The festival is marked by concerts and fireworks while the participants a treated to Chinese dumplings with sweet rice Yuanshyao – an attractive continuation of the Spring festival.
The students from Ruse had the chance to take part in the traditional Chinese game opf puzzles – The Lantern Puzzle. On each lantern there is a puzzle written and he, who solves it, gets a prize. The game originated at the time of Song dynasty, when games, which brought entertainment through wisdom became popular.
The Rector of Tarakliya State University "Grigorii Tsamblak", assoc. prof. Maria Paslar, visited the University of Ruse and had a meeting with the Body of Rectors. They discussed an activity plan after the establishment of the Bulgarian-Moldovian university consortium. The Agreement for the International consortium in the sphere of science and education between the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" and Tarakliya State University "Grigorii Tsamblak" was signed last autumn. Development and exchange of educational and methodological literature, joint research monographs and research and methodological publications, academic exchange of specialists in the framework of educational and research programmes, lecture courses, joint research, student exchange, etc.
After presenting the current state of Tarakliya State University "Grigorii Tsamblak", the rector outlined the tasks and problems they face. Assoc. prof. Paslar admitted that a small part of the staff have academic ranks and this problem can be solved with lecturers from the University of Ruse and the University of Veliko Tarnovo, who can give lectures to the students from Moldova.
Some issues related specifically to the accreditation process and the methodological support which the University of Ruse can provide for the successful completion of the accreditation procedure.
At the meeting, the Body of Rectors of the University of Ruse declared once again their unreserved support for the Tarakliya State University, which is the largest spiritual and cultural centre of the Bulgarian diaspora and the ethnic Bulgarians in the region.
The Ambassador of the State of Kuwait – His Excellency Jaqoub Youssef al-Attiki visited the University of Ruse and had a meeting with the students.
At a meeting with the Body of Rectors later, His Excellency Jaqoub Youssef al-Attiki shared his expectations for strengthening the cooperation between Bulgaria and Kuweit both in the sphere of economy and education.
The Rector, Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev stated that the University of Ruse is ready for an exchange of students and lecturers and for cooperation in the field of research.
His Excellency Jaqoub Youssef al-Attiki is well acquainted with the research and human resource potential of the University of Ruse because he has a Master degree in International Cooperation and European Projects in the professional field Political Sciences from this university.
COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, DHC mult. was elected the Rector of the University of Ruse with 176 votes. He will be at the head of the institution until the end of the mandate in 2019. The elections were conducted after the Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva handed her resignation from the post on 24 January.
The only candidate for the rector's post, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, was nominated by 17 departments, 5 faculties, the three branches in Silistra, Razgrad and Vidin and the Student Council. At a session of the Assembly General he presented his platform for management of the University.
In her address to the academic community, Prof. Velizara Pencheva thanked them for the mutual understanding and joint efforts in the past two years.
The Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Ruse and Confucius study hall announce to the general public that they will be offering courses in Chinese language and culture for university and high school students, as well as adults. The courses are:
Tel. 082 888 567
The common goal of the project is to develop the capacity for employment of unemployed and inactive individuals from the region Giurgiu-Ruse for the period of 18 months through:
On 14 February 2018, the first job fair was held in the Resource centre in Giurgiu, where Romanian and Bulgarian employers, as well as representatives of the target groups under the project from Romania and Bulgaria. The fair was visited by the Mayor of Guirgiu, Mr. Nikolae Barbu.
The final meeting under the project "Risk Management for Large-scale Infrastructures in the Romanian-Bulgarian Cross-border Area", in which the University of Ruse is a partner, was held in the Grand lecture hall Mihai I of the University of Craiova. The rectors of the two largest universities in the cross-border region, Prof. Velizara Pencheva and Prof Cezar Spinu, signed a frame agreement for cooperation.
The signing of this document is a continuation of the work under bilateral agreements, signed years ago between the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation and Razgrad Branch of the University of Ruse and the Romanian university and the joint projects realised under those agreements.
The Frame agreement provides opportunities for student mobility and cooperation in research. At the University of Craiova there is a Research centre with four units – Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Biotechnologies and Вioengineering, and Computer Sciences. There are laboratories in each of these units, whose teams will collaborate with PhD students and lecturers from the University of Ruse.
A delegation from "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy, led by the Vice-rector in education, prof. Aleku Toma, visited the University of Ruse. Projects of mutual interest were discussed, with an emphasis on cooperation in the field of engineering sciences. Exchange of lecturers from the two higher schools would contribute to the strengthening of the partnership, was the view of the participants in the discussion. Joint research, publications in specialised journals and publishing books were also discussed at the meeting.
The participants in the meeting agreed that the short distance between Ruse and Constanta would facilitate the realisation of a joint study programme for students. The key to an improved cooperation is the close contact between researchers from Ruse and Constanta, noted prof. Toma.
Discussions with the management of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Еlectronics and Аutomation, visits to their laboratories and introducing the new projects of the University of Ruse were also part of the visit.
The cooperation between the University of Ruse and "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy dates back to 2011, when a three-year project in the field of human resources and RES started. In 2015 the project was awarded the RINNO award for most active inter-university cooperation in the cross-border area between Bulgaria and Romania. Gradually the joint activities have been diversified. An annual exchange between students and lecturers is carried out while researchers from the two institutions participate in international conferences with joint papers. Cor. Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev became Doctor Honoris Causa of the Naval Academy in 2015 and a year later the Rector of the Academy – Rear Admiral Prof. Vergil Kitsak was awarded the highest academic title – DHC of the University of Ruse.
Nidal Saleh Hamda was the first Palestinian who graduated from the University of Ruse. In 1986 he obtained his degree in Engineering in the degree programme "Automobiles, Tractors and Fork-lifts". At a meeting with the Rector, prof. Velizara Pencheva and the General Assembly Chairperson, Cor.Mem. Prof. Hristo Beloev, he shared moments from his professional development, which has been successful due to the knowledge, acquired at the University.
„When I was studying here in the 1980s, there were 27 Palestinian students in the preparatory language course, who are still in my list of contacts today", recalled Mr. Hamda. His first work place was in one of the large construction companies in the region, and his first building project was a university in Jordan. „I was not worried that I would not know anything because the preparation I had at the University was not merely theoretical, but such that provided confidence that I will manage", shared our guest. For 10 years he had been Head of the Transport Department of the Jordan Ministry of Healthcare and, as an engineer, he was responsible for over 800 vehicles, including specialised ambulances. His professional development continued in Canada, but today he is back in Jordan, where he is running his own business.
Every week alumni from Bulgarian universities, living in Aman, get together. There is a special place in their hearts for the Student Day celebration on 8 December and the Day of Bulgarian education, culture and letters – 24 May. They always organise a special celebration on this day, just like they had experienced it in Bulgaria.
During the discussion with the University Management, Nidal Hamda declared his readiness to cooperate for establishing contact between the University of Ruse and higher schools in Jordan and developing common research projects. Mr. Hamda saw the exhibition, presenting the 70-year history of the higher school in Ruse and was impressed by the section, dedicated to the international students and the faculty of Transport, he had graduated from.
In the next few days, Mr. Hamda will meet the team of the Transport department, where he had his specialisation and developed his diploma thesis, dedicated to road safety. Some of his lecturers are still working there.
Cooperation with Mongolian universities was discussed by the University of Ruse management and the Ambassador of Mongolia to Bulgaria, Mr. Dashjamts Batsaihan. Members of the Body of rectors, Assoc. prof. Kiril Panayotov – Manager of Medica hospitals and lecturer at the University of Ruse, Dr. Kamen Milkov – future honorary consul of Mongolia in Ruse in Ruse and the First secretary in the Embassy of Mongolia Tulshig Tuvshin.
The Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva presented the fields of study in the University of Ruse and shared her satisfaction from the agreement signed with the Training Centre for Traditional Mongolian Medicine "Manba Datsan" in Ulan Bator. In May, a team of the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care visited Mongolia.
The diplomat commented that Mongolian young people are interested in computer sciences and prof. Beloev answered that the University of Ruse is the best choice for this degree programme, which is internationally acknowledged. Prof. Pencheva announced that the University has a long-standing e3xperience with managing four international computing networks.
A future objective will be finding partners in the multi-profile higher schools in Mongolia to develop joint projects with researchers from the University of Ruse.
On 23 November 2017, the University of Ruse hosted and co-organised the Regional meeting „Career in Romania". The event was organised by the Bilateral Commercial Chamber Bulgaria – Romania and is aimed at attracting the attention of young professionals with Bachelor or Master Degree, or students at pre-graduation stage to working positions in Romanian companies.
The participating companies from Romania were presented at special stands, where they recruited for the following positions:
Detailed information about the work places offered can be found on the website of the Career Centre with the University of Ruse www.ckr-firmi.uni-ruse.bg
On 20 November, at 9.00 a.m. in Siemens study hall (2Г. 204) of the University of Ruse, prof., Velizara Pencheva, PhD Rector of the University of Ruse opened the first meeting on the international project Building Bridges of Europe in the frame of Erasmus+K2 – Cooperation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices.
The International consortium of the project involves 3 associations of more than 100 universities and civil society organisations, as well as one institute, 5 universities and 1 civil society organisation from Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy.
The main goal of the project is scientific – developing criteria, analysis and evaluation of projects with good practices, related to new methods of learning, and thus supporting the exploration and studying of European countries, fighting against the stereotypes and prejudices to Eastern Europe, actively including people over 55+ in social activities in the state and forming European consciousness in the contest of trans-national European cooperation for various target groups and educational institutions.
The partners will present their research at international conferences in Ulm, Germany – 2018, Zagreb, Croatia and Mola di Bari, Italy - 2019.The project result will be an online toolbox of innovative methods of learning such as learning through new media, through social participation, intergenerational learning. These methods will be used by the students in all participating universities, including students from the degree programmes Pre-school and Primary School Pedagogy, Primary School Pedagogy and a Foreign Language and Social Pedagogy at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education with the University of Ruse.
In 2014, with the support of the Union of pensioners'2004 the first Centre for Third Age Education in Bulgaria a set up within the structure of the University of Ruse. The Centre has participated in 18 international projects coordinated by Ms. Carmen Stadelhofer, Germany. Specialists, Специалисти – partners in the project, ill exchange experience in formal and informal education.
Ms. Amasha was greeted by a multifarious audience of students, lecturers, high school students and representatives of the Jewish community in Ruse during her first visit to the University. She opened a photo-exhibition and spoke to the Body of Rectors, which in its turn, presented the opportunities that the Ruse Alma Mater provides.
The visit of the Israeli diplomat was made possible through the invitation of the European Studies and International Relations Department, as part of the advanced forms of learning applied in the degree programmes from the professional fields of security and political studies. Israel in the aspect of regional and global security was the topic of the lecture, which Ms. Amasha has prepared especially for the students from the degree programmes Euro-Atlantic and Global Security and European and Global Studies. In the discussion took part students from the High school of English Language "Geo Milev", who have become traditional partners in the initiatives of the European Studies and International Relations Department. With her personal experiences, interesting geopolitical story and competence, the Deputy Head of Mission of the State of Israel won the admiration of the audience and raised many questions about the role of Israel, politics, security and human destinies in the state of civil war in the neighbouring Syria.
During the discussions with the academic leadership of the University, opportunities for establishing contacts with higher schools from Israel, which have similar profile to that of the University of Ruse.
Iman Amasha defended Master degree in Political Science and Leadership at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Tel Aviv University in 2010, and at the end of 2011 she graduated from the Programme for cadets of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and started her career in the institution. From 2011 to 2015, she occupied different positions in the Latin America Directorate, the Directorate of Economics – Middle East Econo0mic Bureau, Middle East Directorate and Europe Directorate – the Department of European Organisations. Since August 2015, Ms. Amasha is the Deputy Head of Mission of the State of Israel in Sofia.
Representatives of more than 30 higher schools, experts from the Ministry of education and science, the National centre for information and documentation, the Centre for Human resources development participated in the workshop, dedicated to modernization of curricula and syllabi in the universities. The participants discussed the implementation of the instrument HEInnovate in support of entrepreneurship studies in the Bulgarian higher schools.
Ms. Andrea-Rosalinde Hoffer, an expert in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with UN, explained how and why HEInnovate tool can be used (and is already being implemented) as a leading framework for innovative and entrepreneurial institution for tertiary education.
The Director of Higher Education Directorate in the Ministry of Education and Science, assoc. prof. Maria Fartunova, presented the project BGTITHE – „Innovative instruments for improving the skills of university lecturers and the quality of higher education in Bulgaria", posing the questions to what extent it is possible for higher schools to become entrepreneurial and how we can modernise the curricula.
The challenges for the universities such as the demographic crisis and globalisation, were presented by the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velizara Pencheva. Vanya Grashkina, executive director of the National centre for information and documentation and a national Bologna counsellor, spoke about the contemporary models of higher education and the guidelines, recommendations and practices in the EU.
Two lecturers from the University of Ruse shared their experience with the participants. Prof. Angel Smrikarov demonstrated using innovative educational technologies in teaching and answered the question How to make a lecture more interesting for students from the digital generation?". Prof. Juliana Popova, Vice –rector of the University of ruse and national Bologna counsellor, informed the participants about education in support of the regions.
During her visit in the University of Ruse, Ms. Hoffer met the HydRU team and got acquainted with their development of a car driven by a fuel cell.
A team of the University of Ruse took part in the preliminary round of Shell Eco-marathon –Challenger Event in Istanbul on 22-24 September for the first time.
This is the latest Bulgarian team to get involved in the race and it managed to secure a place for the finals in London in 2018. During the competition the technical panel evaluated the quality of the car and its design highly, which resulted in the team winning the prize for Best design at the competition. This prize was not only for the exterior design, but also for all details and systems. This is the first time a Bulgarian team has won such a prize.
HydRU team was represented by 15 students, PhD students and lecturers, but the whole team consists of about 40 representatives from four engineering faculties of the University of Ruse: Transport; Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, Mechanical Engineering and Technologies and Agrarian and Industrial Faculty. The automobile is driven by a fuel cell and is designed and produced by the HidRU team. They worked all summer to improve the systems and the exterior and the prize the won is deserved.
Shell Eco-marathon is a unique competition, challenging students from all over the world to design and build highly energy-efficient automobiles. Three locations in Europe, America and Asia select the participants in the finals to compete who will drive the longest distance with the lowest fuel or energy consumption. In Europe, the competition started in 1985 in France with 25 wooden cars while today more than 4000 students from over 30 countries measure their knowledge and skills in the field of energy efficient automobile construction.
The fuel cell car of HidRU will compete in the category Urban concept and is the second car of the University to take part in Shell Eco-marathon. The team is supported by the Municipality of Ruse and the Foundation "Ruse – the free spirit city". The team is inspired by the recognition of their endeavour and at their reception by the Minister of education and science, Mr. Krasimir Valchev, they declared their ambition to build a laboratory for automobile prototypes, alternative to the conventional ICE ones. This is the future and the young researchers will be looking for innovative and ecological solutions in the automotive industry.
The University of Ruse, represented by the vice-rectors prof. Juliana Popova, PhD and prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhD, was the only higher school from Bulgaria that took part in the Fourth international meeting of institutions of higher learning from Central and Eastern Europe and the People's Republic of China (Consortium 16+1) and the Fifth dialogue for educational policies. The events took place at the end of September in Novi Sad, Serbia, and were hosted by the University of Novi Sad, which was chosen as the headquarters of the Consortium for the next two years.
Representatives of 80 universities from China and 16 countries from Central and Eastern Europe participated in the meetings. The Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development of Serbia, Mr. Mladen Sharchevich, the Deputy Minister of Education of China, Mr. Zhanyuan, the Chairperson of the provincial government of Voyvodina, Mr. Igor Mirovich, the Mayor of Novi Sad, Mr. Milosh Vuchevich and the Rector of Novi Sad University, prof. Dushan Nikolich, PhD, as the host.
Within the frames of four work meetings, discussions were held on interinstitutional cooperation, with a special accent on joint capacity building in the field of higher education, science and innovations. The participants in the conference pointed out the significance of mutual exchange of information and other resources, joint curricula, research and development projects, current and planned mobility programmes, as well as international conferences, forums and other significant activities of the universities.
During one of the panel sessions direct negotiations with partners from Chinese universities were held for future cooperation in the field of education and research. The University of Ruse was the object of significant interest for partnership.
At the end of the conference the Platform for joint capacity building of universities in the countries from Central and Eastern Europe and China in the field of higher education. This is a key document for further development of multilateral and bilateral cooperation.
23 new universities from Central and Eastern Europe and China were accepted as members of the Consortium.
The University of Ruse received an automobile, which will be used by students from the Transport Faculty, the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation for their projects and research.
Mr. Liviu Popescu – manager of the Research centre of „Renault Technologies – Romania" (RENAULT TECHNOLOGIE ROUMANIE) and the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, signed today а protocol of acceptance for the automobile. The academic management was represented by the Chairperson of the Assembly General COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc. and the Dean of the Transport Faculty – assoc. prof. Vasko Dobrev. The possibility for signing an agreement for student practices in the plants of Renault Technologies – Romania.
The agreement for collaboration between the University and the company under the programme of Renault Romania, called AUTOLAB, was signed by the two parties on 19.06.2017.
The main goal of this initiative is to help the training in automobile machinery, providing opportunities for lecturers, students and PhD students to work and do research on real automobiles. The company has provided automobiles to universities in Romania, and student teams have made a number of improvements on those.
Some preliminary ideas for student activities in the higher school in Ruse include: new design of elements from the automobile's structure; investigation of harmful emissions when using alternative fuels; investigating fuel consumption and dynamic indexes; preparing the automobile for investigating sensors and executive mechanisms from electronic control systems.
At the end of his visit, Mr. Popescu was shown the preparation of Ruse University's automobile HydRU R1, driven by hydrogen powered cell, which will take part in the next edition of Shell Eco-marathon. The guest was impressed and asked for permission to take in his hands some of the parts, like the fuel cell. The young team felt flattered by this attention and its members answered all questions with pleasure. Mr. Popescu learned from the young people that there are graduates from the University of Ruse already working in „Renault Technologies – Romania".
In August, prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, Rector of the University of Ruse, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Chairperson of the Municipal Council of Ruse and of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse, and Prof. Krasimir Martev, PhD, Director of International Students Directorate visited Vietnam. During the visit a number of meetings were held with the academic leaderships of Vietnamese universities. One of the most significant of those meetings was with prof. Nguen Cha, PhD, Rector of the Agrarian and Forestry University in Ho Chi Min and his team. This was the second meeting for the representatives of the two universities. In the autumn of 2016, a delegation, led by the Dean of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty of the Vietnamese university visited the University of Ruse and got acquainted with its traditions in education of international students. Detailed talks were conducted on the education of Vietnamese students in the higher school in Ruse and the possibilities for dual programmes. The foundations for training PhD students were also laid.
Another meeting was with Pham Anh Tuan, PhD – Director of VIAEP (Institute of Agricultural Machinery and Technologies for Storage of Crops). Arrangements have been made for joint research in the field of agricultural machinery. An agreement was signed for joint training of the Institute's employees in a PhD course.
During the visit, the university lecturers had exciting daily meetings with former students of the University of Ruse, who were convinced that their good professional realization in Vietnam was a result of their high quality education at the University of Ruse. The graduates expressed their gratitude to their lecturers for the knowledge and skills they have acquired with their help, to their colleagues and the citizens of Ruse – for the friendly attitude they have experienced. They shared the fact that among the Vietnamese people, they are known as the Bulgarians and the Vietnamese - Bulgarian societies they had established, not only help them preserve their good memories from Bulgaria, but also provide the latest information about the social and political reality in this country.
The Vietnamese graduates of the University of Ruse fondly remembered the 15-day train journey to the student life there. The conversations were interrupted by songs of Lili Ivanova, Emil Dimitrov and Pasha Hristova. Those graduates, some of whom are directors, managers of companies and researchers, shared that in their busy schedules they have the dates of some typically Bulgarian holidays underlined – 24th May, 8th December, etc. – and they always get together in order to mark those holidays accordingly. Many of them had visited Ruse in the years past, together with their grown-up children, to show them the University, where they had studied.
The Chairperson of the Association for Vocational Education and Social Work in Vietnam, Phang Sih Nghi, met the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva. During their talks, the opportunities for developing joint programmes in the field of vocational training between the University of Ruse and higher schools in Vietnam were discussed with Prof. Krasimir Martev – director of International Students Directorate and Assoc. prof. Chavdar Vezirov – Scientific Advisor of Mr. Nghi.
came back to Ruse 30 years after defending his PhD thesis under the scientific guidance of Assoc. prof. Chavdar Vezirov. Dr. Nghi finished the University of Ruse in 1978 in the Faculty of Mechanisation and Electrification of Agriculture, predecessor of today's Agrarian and Industrial Faculty. From 1984 to 1987 he did his doctoral studies at the same Faculty. Before heading the Vietnam Association of Vocational Training, Dr. Nghi was the Rector of Hanoi Pedagogical University, which prepares teachers for the vocational schools in the country. About 7000 students study in 15 degree programmes in this university, said Dr. Nghi.
Vietnam is aiming at becoming a highly industrialised country by 2020, and in this connection the government invests in preparing specialists with technical vocational education. The Government's plan is the qualified workers to become 55% of all employed people by 2020, a substantial raise from the 30% at present. In the implementation of these objectives, vocational training is adapting to the needs of businesses and expanding.
The University of Ruse was the co-organiser of the First International Scientific Conference in Occupational Therapy, held in June in Romania. The forum took place in Bacau and had the slogan "Occupational therapy – present and future perspectives". The event was initiated by "Vasile Alexandri" University in Bacau and the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", together with the Romanian Professional Association of Occupational Therapists and the Association of Bulgarian Occupational Therapists. The two higher schools are long-standing partners in the development of Occupational therapy as academic programme and profession on a national level.
More than 150 university lecturers, as well as representatives of a number of national and local health and social institutions took part in the conference.
The forum was greeted by the President of the European Network in Occupational Therapy in higher education and the Vice-President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Assistant professor Elitsa Velikova, who is a member of the Executive Committee of th Occupational Therapists Council for European countries, greeted the participants in the conference.
The programme included plenary sessions, papers and 4 workshops, led by lecturers from Finland, the Netherlands, Romania and the USA. The need for including occupational therapists in multidisciplinary teams, which participate in the processes of deinstitutionalising and reforming of social services. The participation of occupational; therapists in these teams would ensure the full participation of people with work impediments in public life.
At the end of the event the host university conferred an honorary diploma for exceptional contribution to the development of occupational therapy in Romania to the University of Ruse.
On 05.07.2017 Olga Serebrennikova – vice-director on transport development in the Russian association of manufacturers of specialised machinery and equipment ROSSPECMACH visited the University of Ruse. COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc – Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse, Prof. Gencho Popov, PhD – Dean of the Agrarian and Industrial faculty, and assoc. prof. Kaloyan Stoyanov – vice-dean of the same faculty were present at the meeting.
COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev informed the visitor about the profile of the University and the examples of good partnership between the higher school and companies, producing agricultural machinery and equipment. He also provided information about the relations and cooperation with foreign universities, particularly those from the Russian Federation.
Mrs. Serebrennikova, in her turn, informed the university management about the structure of the Association, which combines 80 Russian plants, producing not only agricultural machinery and equipment, but also road construction and other transport equipment.
The representatives of ROSSPECMACH spoke about the interest of the Russian Association to the opportunities, provided by the Bulgarian market. She mentioned the Russian Programme for Support of Export, highlighting the four industries, which were allotted with the biggest funding: aviation and railway machinery production, automobile industry and machine building. She also announced the development of a project for creating a service system for exportable equipment.
The visitor presented the potential of the Association to develop training courses for universities, including study materials and machine specimen to be used by the learners.
Professor Beloev expressed the willingness of the higher school to start cooperation for re-furnishing laboratories and creating a training centre, as well as exhibiting machinery. The opportunities for organising jointly exhibitions in the University and in the city of Ruse. He can help this initiative in his capacity as a Chairperson of the Municipal council - Ruse.
In the period 26 June - 1 July 2017, the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velizara Pencheva paid a working visit under the Erasmus programme to the State Technological Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was accompanied by the Vice Rectors, prof. Plamen Kangalov and prof. Juliana Popova, as well as the Director of Razgrad Branch, assoc. prof. Stanka Damyanova, DTSc. In 2015, a bilateral agreement under the Erasmus+ programme was signed with this University, in the field of chemical technologies and biotechnologies. Moreover, Razgrad Branch has been in cooperation with the Russian partner in research projects under the 7th Frame Programme for almost 10 years.
St. Petersburg Technological Institute is one of the oldest higher schools in Russia, founded in 1828. Dmitrii Mendeleev, the creator of the Periodic System of Chemical Elements, lectured there and some memorabilia of this period is kept in one of the lecture halls while in the courtyard of the University a monument has been erected of the great chemist. The father of the present Russian Prime Minister Medvedev was also a lecturer there.
The Bulgarian delegation was met by the Rector of St. Petersburg Technological Institute, Andrei Pavlovich Shevchik – DTSc, who presented the profile of the higher school. In turn, Prof. Pencheva pointed out the strengths of the University of Ruse and its leading role in the Danube region.
The two rectors outlined the areas of further cooperation between the two universities: exchange of students and lecturers, participation in conferences, joint publications, work on educational and research projects, etc.
The Rector of St. Petersburg Technological Institute invited his Bulgarian colleagues to take part in marking the 190th anniversary of the Russian higher school, which will take place in November 2018. Then the completely renovated (with investments by the Russian government of about 30 mln Euro) Main building will be opened.
The Bulgarian delegation visited two laboratories for innovative developments in the field of biotechnologies, in one of which a new formula for cancer medicine was being tested. The laboratories are equipped with the most advanced apparatuses, their financing amounting to 5 mln Euro each.
The International summer internship within the framework of the program Erasmus+ finished on the 30th of June 2017 for the students from TTK University of Applied Sciences – Tallinn, Estonia: Ken Kaljurand, Konrad Ilustrumm, Vahur Lükk. Altogether 14 students from different European countries will benefit from the opportunities of the International summer internship at the Transport Faculty during the summer of 2017 within the same program.
The internship is the third issue of this international activity. It started as an initiative of the department Machine Science, Machine Elements and Engineering Graphics at the Transport Faculty and it is coordinated by Prof. Antoaneta Dobreva. This international internship began during the summer of 2015 thanks to the support of the Rector management of the University of Ruse on behalf of Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc and Prof. Juliyana Popova, PhD.
During a period of two months the Estonian students carried out laboratory work in the area of Machine science and Machine elements, solved design tasks with the application of CAD systems, licensed for the University of Ruse, carried out scientific assignments in the area of Fluid and Technical mechanics based upon the usage of the software product ANSYS. These students implemented also experimental tests in the area of Hybrid Automotive Technologies and they increased their practical skills for working with CNC machines.
Lecturers from different departments at the Transport Faculty, the Agrarian & Industrial Faculty, the Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Faculty and also the International Office team of the University of Ruse contributed to the successful implementation of this International internship.
The project team of the University of Ruse, led by assoc. prof. Georgi Mitev and research adviser prof. Harold van Es from Cornel University, the USA organized a third annual work meeting under the project AGR0042.20140328 „Preserving Bulgaria's Soils". Farmers from Northeast Bulgaria, representatives of institutions and university lecturers gathered together in Kaneff Centre.
Interesting moments from the development of agriculture were shared with the participants in the meeting by the researchers from the team. What was new this year were the testimonies of farmers, who had provided land for trials of the new technologies, proposed by the specialists from the University of Ruse, in real conditions – they shared from firsthand the results and their opinions.
During the meeting, the team manager Brian Goggin, spoke about the economic aspects of implementing the technologies for soil conservation while prof. Harold van Es, President of the Association of agronomists in the USA, presented some technical aspects of implementing green cultures and their importance for conserving the soils and increasing the yields.
The participants were shown the laboratory "Management of soil and water resources in agriculture".
A frame agreement for cooperation, a bilateral Erasmus agreement and one in the frames of the Mevlyana Programme were signed between the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and the Thracian University in Edirne. Prof. Velizara Pencheva – Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Krasimir Martev – Director of International Students Directorate and inspector Nevin Hebibova were invited to visit the Republic of Turkey by the Rector of the Thracian University in Edirne, prof. Erhan Tabacoğlu, PhD.
The visit in Edirne started with a meeting at the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in the city. prof. Velizara Pencheva presented the University of Ruse and its mission. Some useful information was exchanged and advertising materials, presenting the opportunities for studying for international students were left at the Consulate for dissemination.
During the official meeting at the Thracian University in Edirne the two universities and the opportunities for cooperation and exchange of students and lecturers within the frames of the two programmes – Erasmus and Mevlyana as well as for developing joint research projects were presented. The Thracian University 47 thousand students study at the Thracian University. The Medical Faculty is the pride of the University with its 500-year history. The two Rectors discussed the activities of the Balkan Universities Association and exchanged ideas for future cooperation.
The meeting in Tekirdag with the Rector of the "Namık Kemal" University, Prof. Osman Shimshek, PhD and the Vice-Rector, Prof. Ismail Yılmaz, PhD was conducted in a friendly atmosphere. 35 thousand students study at "Namık Kemal" University. It became autonomous in 2006 (before that it was a Branch of the Thracian University in Edirne) and since then it has developed at an impressively fast rate. The relations between the University of Ruse and the "Namık Kemal"University are based on a long-term cooperation and joint work. Opportunities for student internships from the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care at the newly built University Hospital in Tekirdag were discussed.
On 19 June Renault – Romania and the University of Ruse signed an agreement for working under the company, called AUTOLAB. Liviu Popescu, Head of the research centre of Renault-Romania presented the activities of the centre and the cooperation with Romanian higher schools to the Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, Prof. Hristo Beloev, the Vice rector on research Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD and the Dean of the Transport Faculty, Prof. Vasko Dobrev, PhD.
The main purpose of the initiative of Renault is to help the training in automobile machinery, providing opportunities for lecturers, students and PhD students to work, do research and implement their original ideas on real cars. Under this programme, Renault Romania has given cars to universities in Romania, to0 be used in testing and implementing innovations.
The University of Ruse will be given a Dacia to be used by students from the Transport Faculty and the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty, as well as the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation for projects and research.
Some preliminary ideas for student activities involve: new design of elements from the car structure; investigating harmful emissions when using alternative fuels; studying fuel consumption and the dynamic indexes of the car; preparing the car for investigation of sensors and executive mechanisms from the electronic driving systems.
The American professor in genetics, Prof. Samuil Refetov, visited the University of Ruse and had a meeting with the academic management. The Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, the Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DTSc, the Vice rectors Prof. Plamen Daskalov, and Prof. Juliana Popova, the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, Prof. Daniel Bratanov, the Vice dean, assoc. prof. Liliya Todorova, the Department head, assoc. prof. Ivanichka Serbezova and assoc. prof. Nikola Sabev – Head of Medical activities in the University were present at the meeting. The guest was accompanied by his son and his classmate from Ruse – Veselin Petrov.
In the beginning, prof. Pencheva made a retrospective review of the two years that have passed since Prof. Refetov's last visit and noted that Ruse already has two University hospitals and is working in very good cooperation with them. The need for medical st5aff in Bulgaria has been discussed, as well as the education that is offered in this field. A great part of the young doctors are leaving our country with 60 GPs in deficiency for Ruse region alone, said assoc. prof. Sabev.
Despite the inevitable human factor in the treatment of different diseases, medicine will be turning more and more dependent on technology and technical advancement, said prof. Refetov. He noted that a tendency for cooperation between medical and engineering universities can be observed in the USA. It is possible to develop degree programmes, related to the engineering support with medical equipment and working with it at the University of Ruse, said prof. Beloev.
During the discussion some topics of mutual interest for the American scientist and the lecturers at the University of Ruse were touched upon. Prof. Refetov agreed to Head a laboratory and to work with lecturers from the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, supporting them in their research.
The management of the Faculty invited Prof. Refetov to give a lecture to students, studying the subject "Medical Genetics". With the help of advanced technologies, this lecture will become a fact really soon. Prof. Refetov suggested including the medical specialists from the University in the discussions of medical cases and complex clinical cases, which he holds with colleagues from other countries. He emphasized the usefulness of such discussions for all participants.
The Plenary session, which will be broadcasted live on the Internet, will start with a presentation of Vladimir Koilazov, the first Bulgarian Oscar winner. During the forum a meeting will be held for electing a new Board of the Academic computing community.
On 24 June almost 50 papers, indexed by SCOPUS, will be presented at the sessions. The papers have been selected by a reputable international programme committee through triple reviewing under the double blind, i.е. 100 % anonymity. In the afternoon the authors of the best papers will be awarded the Best Paper Crystal Prize. The Association for Computing Machinery will publish the proceedings.
171 teams from 29 countries took part in this year's international competition of energy efficient automobiles Shell Eco-marathon. In this tenth year of Bulgarian participation in the competition, the teams have achieved a dignified performance. The electronic drive car of the University of Ruse ran 360 kilometres with only 1 кWh and was among the first 12 teams in the category "Prototypes" with electric battery.
Once again the pilots Iliyana Minkovska and Elitsa Nakova relied on the team: assoc. prof. Simeon Iliev – Team leader, Salim Kuytov – Team captain, Teodor Nenov, Milko Milkov, assoc prof. Dancho Gunev and pr. assistant Georgi Kadikyanov.
Shell Eco-marathon 2017 had changes of the tracks in the Olympic park in London. The new track and the numerous accidents on it slowed down the speed of the participants and this led to deterioration of some results, compared to last year's ones. The "Motorist" Team leader, assoc. prof. Simeon Iliev mentioned that in one of the accidents there were 6 cars, which stopped the movement on the track entirely for some time. He shared that the team has passed technical inspection successfully and really fast before the start of the race and during the first day of the competition DTT-2 ranked third. This means that the team was very well prepared and had foreseen all technical obstacles that could slow it down.
The fourth participation of the students from the University of Ruse in Shell eco-marathon Europe 2017 has become possible with the financial support of the academic management of the University and the companies „Saksa Fuels", "Discordia", „Hobi Car", „Quis Nostrum", „Vitto", „Karnes", „Gera", „М.А. Design" and „Miro Design". A number of companies have been helping the team through the years, including also the Foundation "Ruse – a Free Spirit City".
On 26 May 2017, Friday at a formal meeting of the Academic Council, Prof. Karol Karski, a professor of International Law at Warsaw University, a Member of the European Parliament and a Member of the Bureau, was awarded the honorary title „DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse.
The academic activity of prof. Karol Karski started in 1990 at Warsaw University, the Faculty of Law and Administration, Institute of International Law, Department of International Public Law. Since 2011 he has been the Head of this department. From 2012 to 2014 he was an extraordinary professor at the Warsaw school of humanities "Boleslav Prus", Faculty of Social Sciences. Since 2015 he has been an extraordinary professor at the Higher School of Economics in Byalistok, Department of Management and Law.
He has published 92 academic works – monographs, textbooks, articles and papers.
In 2004-2005, Prof. Karski was a Deputy Chairperson of the EU Committee of the Regions, in 2007 he was a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, and from 2007 to 2009 he was a Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Polish Institute for International Relations. From 2005 to 2011 Prof. Karski was a deputy in the Sei9m of the Republic of Poland (a Chairperson of the Committee on European Issues and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs). Since 2014 he has been a deputy in the European Parliament and a member of the Bureau. For the same period he has been a vice-director of "Fundamentals of European Reform".
Nineteen lecturers from 7 universities from Europe and Asia are taking part in the Fourth International Erasmus Week at the University of Ruse. Representatives of the academic community of Armenia, Germany, Georgia, Estonia, China, Latvia and Russia are exchanging experience and good practices in the various forms of the Erasmus Programme.
Today's event started with a welcome address from the Vice – Rector on European Integration and International Relation, prof. Juliana Popova and another one from the Secretary-in-chief of the University, Assoc. prof. Tanya Grozeva.
On 24 and 25 March 2017, at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" the Third Annual Conference of the Balkan Universities Association (BUA) took place. The University of Ruse has been a member and co-founder of this Association since 2014. More than 70 participants from about 40 universities from the Balkan countries registered for the Forum.
The Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD and the Vice-Rector of International Relations Prof. Juliana Popova, PhD took part in the Conference. The Ruse Higher School demonstrated its active position in the Conference through a presentation on the topic "Perspectives for enhancing the influence of the Balkan Universities Association in the Danube Region". The leadership position of the University of Ruse in the Danube higher education space, as well as its long-term active membership in the Danube Rectors' Conference were highlighted as justification for the efforts of University of Ruse to serve as a mediator in the cooperation between the two organisations and the development of joint initiatives.
The Chairmanship of BUA, which is realized on the principle of rotation, was taken over by the Rector of Tetovo University, Macedonia, Prof. Vulnet Ameti, after the present Chairperson, Prof. Ivan Ilchev of Sofia University reported on the annual activities of the organisation.
Representatives of the Russian Cultural and Information Centre in Sofia, the Director Pavel Juravlev and his colleague, Prof. Kosta Peev, discussed with the management of the University of Ruse a proposal for study and joint research in the field of nuclear energy. During the meeting a proposal by the State Corporation of Nuclear Energy "Rossatom" and the National Nuclear Research University "MIFI" for specialized lectures in the field of nuclear energy. The two institutions are ready to support interuniversity mobility for study and joint research papers.
„We would like to note that the opportunity to work with the National Nuclear Research University "MIFI" is unique because it has been classified for many years and only last year half of its degree programmes were declassified", said Juravlev.
The Russian party is ready to present the opportunities that the National Nuclear Research University offers in all contemporary fields of study: nuclear chemistry, nuclear physics, etc., to prepare a course of lectures for both lecturers and students, to work out programmes for the selection of trainees in the Nuclear University at all levels – Bachelor, Master and PhD.
In turn, the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, presented the Faculties and the international contacts of the University, emphasizing those with Russian institutions. The Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, highlighted the collaboration with the universities in Volgograd, Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The guests were informed about the syllabi for training and qualification of university graduates in nuclear energy, developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic Institute in Saint Petersburg, and learned that 324 graduates of the University of Ruse are working at the Nuclear power station in Kozlodyi at present.
At the end the hosts showed the guests the University Exhibition and Kaneff Centre.
Cooperation in the field of mechatronics, joint research projects and participation of students in competitions in robotics, as well as an agreement under the Erasmus+ Programme were some of the joint activities discussed and agreed on by the managements of the University of Ruse and the Higher Vocational School in Ipsala, with the Thracian University in Edirne.
The participants in the meeting were: the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, the Chairperson of the Assembly General, COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev, the Vice-Rectors: in Education, Prof. Plamen Kangalov; in European Integration and International Cooperation, Prof. Juliana Popova and the Director of International Students Directorate, Prof. Krasimir Martev. The Turkish delegation was led by the Director of the Higher Vocational School, Assoc. Prof. Hayati Arda, accompanied by lecturers from the school.
The Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, presented the University and its Faculties. It turned out that some of the degree programmes studied here correspond with similar degree programmes in the Higher Vocational School in Ipsala. Education in mechatronics, electronic technologies, logistics and management can be the foundation for research and educational partnerships.
COR. MEM. Prof. Hristo Beloev addressed the issue of concluding agreements for joint study of the University of Ruse and a University from Turkey.
The first steps to be taken by the managements of the two educational institutions will involve exchange of student teams for the competitions in robotics and establishing a connection between the Robotics clubs of the University of Ruse and the Higher Vocational School. During the visit of the Bulgarian delegation in Ipsala, a Frame Agreement for Cooperation will be signed with the Thracian University under the Erasmus Programme.
Shushan Melik-Adamyan gave a lecture to the students from the Branch on the topic "Contemporary aspects of teaching English", applying interactive approach in her presentation. The students participated actively in the intercultural communication.
Jaquelin Minasyan presented and interesting lecture in the Language High School on the topic "Intercultural communication through advertising in teaching French" to senior students and interns from the degree programme "Pedagogy of teaching Bulgarian and French". She revealed the hidden messages of adverts and their influence, guiding with great mastery the students in their quest for finding associations and challenging aspects, using their imagination.
During the meeting with the Branch Management, some opportunities for expanding the international relations and organising student and lecturer exchange were discussed.
The visit of the two lecturers from the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, Erevan, Armenia was in the frame of the Information days under the Erasmus+ programme in the Branch, which continued with meetings of first year students, a seminar, organised by students, who had studied under the Programme and which will finish with an exam in a foreign language for the mobility candidates for next year's academic exchange.
The Body of Rectors and the First secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bulgaria, Robert Shestakov discussed joint training of students at the University of Ruse. The Body of Rectors was represented by prof. Velizara Pencheva – Rector, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev – Chairperson if the Assembly General, Vice Rectors prof. Plamen Daskalov and prof. Juliana Popova, the Secretary General – assoc. prof. Tanya Grozeva and Assistant Rector Valeri Gegov. Mr. Robert Shestakov was accompanied by Marina Sergunina – Attaché at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ruse.
The two parties discussed the involvement of educational institutions from Russia in European projects, coordinated by the University of Ruse, the organizing of exhibitions and joint participation in specialized educational events.
The guest expressed an interest to possible instruction in Russian of Russian students in some degree programmes offered by the University of Ruse. The academic management of the University informed him that there are 15 bilateral agreements with Russian Universities and around 20 Russian students are expected to study in Ruse in the summer semester of this academic year under the Erasmus Programme. The opportunities for developing joint Master degree programmes with Russian universities were also discussed.
At the end of the meeting, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev – Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse pointed out the fruitful cooperation with the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ruse, as well as the joint exhibitions we have realized during the years.
Krzyszrof Krajewski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Bulgaria, visited the University of Ruse today. During his meeting with the Academic Management he was acquainted with the history of the University and the opportunities for study that it offers. The Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, introduced the faculties and branches and shared information about international relations of the University. It has over 350 bilateral Erasmus agreements, 18 of which are with Polish Universities. Three Polish students are studying at the University of Ruse at present under the Erasmus Programme.
Possible enhancement of the relations between the University of Ruse and Polish Universities in the field of research in various areas of knowledge, participation in conferences and joint publications were some of the opportunities discussed.
His Excellency Krzyszrof Krajewski was shown around the facilities and was impressed by the interactive exposition "Chronicles of Growth," dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the University. After seeing Kaneff Centre, the diplomat said it would be a perfect venue for events during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. „Although this is my first visit to the University of Ruse, it will certainly not be the last." said Ambassador Kraevski, who accepted the invitation to give a lecture to our students.
At the end of the meeting with the University Management, prof. Pencheva conferred to the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland the Crystal sign of the University of Ruse for his contribution to deepening the warm relationship and strengthening the friendship between our two peoples.
The Deputy Minister of environment and water, Ms. Atanaska Nikolova and the Minister of natural resources and environment of Laos, Mr. Sommad Folsena, discussed the possibilities for signing a memorandum for cooperation in the field of environment. They met in Ruse at the 5th Dialogue for sustainable development within the Cooperation initiative Danube Mekong. The topic of this year's forum is "The water nexus in the third decade".
"Bulgaria has been an active participant in the partnership Asia-Europe. Such platforms for cooperation are of great significance for the exchange of experience and the sustainable development of the countries, said deputy minister Nikolova. The focus of the annual seminar is environmental protection and green growth. This year it is hosted by the University of Ruse.
In his welcome address, the Chairperson of the Municipal Council in Ruse, SOR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, put an emphasis on the contacts to be established at this forum and their future development. „The good relations, which we have been developing with our Vietnamese partners from the twin city Can Tho, provide one more opportunity for cooperation and exchange of ideas in the field of water nexus and twinning of cities:, said he. The Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velisara Pencheva, encouraged the participants in the seminar to be the "ambassadors" of the academic spirit of Ruse all over the world.
Sustainable water resource management is a key factor both for the improvement of the quality of life and for the balanced social and economic development of th
In her opening address, the Rector, prof. Pencheva, pointed out that the classroom provides the opportunity to all students of the University – over 9000, to get acquainted not only with the Chinese language, but also with the culture. The library, which has over 1000 volumes of study and interactive materials, can be used by the citizens of Ruse as well, added the Rector.
The relations between Bulgaria and China have been revived and we are happy that this is the fourth such classroom, which the Confucius Institute has opened in the country. These rooms are not only in Universities but also in high schools, said assoc. prof. Koleva.
Chinese has been taught at the University of Ruse for four years, by native speakers. At the moment, more than 20 students from the scientific field Political sciences study Chinese.
Besides serving as a Chinese language centre, the Confucius classroom will be used as a "bridge" between the Bulgarian and the Chinese culture, which is one of the main tasks of the Confucius Institute in Sofia. The Directors of the Institute prof. Zhiqiang and assoc. prof. Aksinia Koleva, were awarded with the Crystal sign of the University of Ruse while the teacher of Chinese at the University of Ruse, Hong Haiju, received an address of gratitude.
After the opening ceremony, the Second Festival of the Chinese culture stared in Kaneff Centre. There were participants from Sofia and Ruse, who demonstrated tai chi softball, wu shu, and traditional Chinese dresses. There were unique performances of Chinese songs and dances by Bulgarian singers and dancers and a Chinese singer sang the Bulgarian song "Oblache le byalo".
The authoritative international organization, which has a definitive voice in the higher education space in the Danube region was founded in 1983, and the University of Ruse is а long-time member, as well as the only Bulgarian University in it. In the period 2010-2012 the Presidency of this organization was held by the University of Ruse and its then Rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Berloev, DSc.
The annual meeting of DRC in Krems had as a topic „Vision-Knowledge-Prosperity. Contributions of the universities to the good practices and the challenges of the European Strategy for the Danube Region".
During the first day of the event, an Awards Ceremony was held for conferring the Danubius Awards in two categories – for a renowned scholar from the Danube region and for young scholars. In the first category the award was conferred to Prof. Ingeborg Fialova from the Czech Republic, who is a scientist in the humanities. In the second category, one young scholar from each of the 14 Danubian countries was awarded. Bulgaria was represented by Rossitsa Yaneva, PhD, who has defended her science degree in the field of geography at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In 2014 and 2015 the Danubius award was conferred to representatives of the University of Ruse - Assoc. prof. Daniel Lyubenov from the Dept. of Transport and Strahil Karapchanski, PhD from the Dept. of European Studies and International Relations, Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality.
The Award ceremony was opened by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Rossen Plevneliev, who highlighted the role of our country in the implementation of the European Strategy for the Danube Region.
The annual DRC conference was opened on the second day by Johannes Hann, PhD – European commissary on the policy for territorial cooperation and expansion of the EU and Erhard Busek, PhD – former Vice Chancellor of Austria, DHC of the University of Ruse. In a conversation with Prof. Pencheva, Dr. Hann expressed his satisfaction from the visit to the University of Ruse in 2010 for the opening ceremony of Building 2, and Dr. Busek accepted the invitation for a lecture to the students of the University of Ruse.
The Conference was organized in three panels, dedicated to the role of the Danube Universities and DRC for the development of the European Strategy for the Danube region. The presentations of Mrs. Charlina Vicheva – vice director general of the Joint Research Centre with the European Commission and prof. Miroslav Veskovich – expert in the same centre.
Two strategic projects for the implementation of the Danube strategy were highlighted – Danube-Inco.net and Danube: Future, in which the University of Ruse is a key partner. The name of our University was mentioned numerous times in the presentations of the panelists, which confirms the international prestige of our Alma Mater and its important role in the Danubian space.
During the third day, the Assembly General of DRC was held, in which the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Pencheva, voted for the Report of the organization for the previous year, the plan for the following year and the election of the new President of DRC – the Rector of the Danube Univewrsity of Krems – Fridrich Faulmacher. The next DRC meeting will be held on 8-10 November 2017 at the University of Zagreb, Croatia.
The Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse – COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DSc and the Vice-rector on Education, Prof. Plamen Kangalov were on a work visit at the Slovak Agrarian University in Nitra, Slovakia. They participated in the sessions of the Scientific Council of the Technical Faculty for electing a professor. COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, DSc is one of the reviewers of the research work of the lecturer at the University of Nitra Assoc. prof. Pavel Findura, PhD. The other two reviewers are Prof. Ian Mareček from the Czech Agrarian University in Brno and Prof. Vladimir Krochko, from the University of Nitra. Members of the panel were also Prof. Plamen Kangalov from the University of Ruse, Prof. Ian Turan from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, Prof. Vladimir Yura from the Czech Agrarian University in Prague. The Chairperson of the panel was Prof. Zdenko Tkach, Dean of the Technical Faculty of the University of Nitra.
The Technical Faculty of the University of Nitra has a long-standing contact with the University of Ruse and the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty, and COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev is a DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA since 2009 of the Slovak Agrarian University.
Future joint initiatives have been discussed at a number of meetings with the Board of Rectors of the Slovak Agrarian University, the Dean's team and Heads of Departments of the Technical Faculty. During discussions with long term partners from academia in the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Serbia, who were also in Nitra a joint participation in a project under Horizon 2020 has been agreed on. Another common activity would be the formation of joint research teams for solving specific problems.
Students from the University of Ruse celebrated the World Occupational Therapy Day. The young people studying in this degree programme organized the celebration of their professional holiday in front of the Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare building at 97 Aleksandrovska str. The students informed the passers-by about the profession „occupational therapist", handing them some promotional materials made by them. Four students from the Higher School of Occupational Therapy ETOS in Osnabrück, Germany took part in the celebration. They are in Ruse for a four week internship under the Erasmus + Programme.
The University of Ruse is a pioneer in introducing the degree programme of Occupatio0nal Therapy in Bulgaria. Supported by the |Association of the Bulgarian Occupational Therapists (ABOT) – member of the World Federation, the University of Ruse is active in the promotion, consolidation and development of Occupational Therapy as academic subject, field of research and professional practice on a national level.
Adolf Meyer, a renowned psychiatrist and one of the founders of occupational therapy, defines it in this way: "Our role is to provide opportunities, not to prescribe treatment. Everybody should have the opportunity to work, to produce, to plan and to create…..."
Five students from Estonia have summer practice in Ruse. They are here as a result of an agreement signed between their higher school and the University of Ruse. Arthur, Tamara, Valentin, Maxim and Anastasia study in the degree programme Technology of fuels in the town of Kohtla-Yarve, Estonia.
The young people shared that they have been impressed from their visits to companies in the region, which have business in the production and processing of fuels. „We saw how the processes, which we have studied theoretically, happen in reality. In the laboratories of the University of Ruse, we got acquainted with the devices and apparatuses used by the students in Ruse. At the Branch in Razgrad, we learned the secret of the Bulgarian yoghurt and the technology of its production", shared the students from Estonia.
Besides studying, the students also had the chance to see some of the sights in Bulgaria. They conquered Tsarevets, Shipka and Buzludzha, and the museums of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo and of the Rise in Kazanluk, as well as the Ethnographic village Etura showed them interesting moments from the life of Bulgarians in the past and today. Undoubtedly, the Black sea coast has been the biggest attraction for the Estonian students, who were pleasantly surprised by the sea water temperature.
The two month exchange under the Erasmus programme is part of the education of the students from both universities.
Four representatives of the Agrarian University in Nitra, Slovakia visited the University of Ruse. They were: prof. Wladimir Krochko, DHC of the University of Ruse, prof. Zdenko Tkach – Dean of the Technical Faculty, prof. Roman Galik – Vice –dean of the Technical Faculty and assoc. prof. Pavel Findura – Head of Department Agricultural Machinery. During the meeting with the Rectors' body joint master degree programmes and opportunities for Erasmus exchange of students have been discussed, as well as joint participation of lecturers from the two universities in international conferences and in projects.
The delegation also met the management of the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty.
An exposition on the history of the University of Ruse since its founding date has been arranged on an area of 300 sq.m. in the main building of the University. The long and successful road of development of the University is exposed in 12 topics. The first 8 are related to the development of the faculties, and the remaining ones cover the successful achievements of alumni, bearers of DHC , rectors, as well as the opportunities for the students' leisure time.
The main structural units of the higher school, present the achievements of its researchers and its distinguished alumni, award bearers and rectors. The modes of presentation include audio and video demonstrations and interactivity, providing opportunities for searching and sharing information, as well as illustration through symbolic objects. Multimedia, touch-screen computers, audio points are used with specially designed media. They allow animation of characters and including stories "in first person singular". The choice of the 12 topics is closely linked to the development of Ruse in the Lower Danube region at the time of modernity.
One of the aims of the exhibition is to preserve and present the history of the University, but also to connect it to the present day. Thus, the messages are topical and create information medium, which reflects the position of the University in the life of the city, country and academia.
The exposition "The University of Ruse - Chronicles of Growth" has the functions of a digital archive, where entertaining and educational theme games are created, video and audio content is shared, individual search is performed, collections are designed and virtual walks in time are offered. This exposition, built on the principle of social inclusion of stakeholders, provides the University with a new tool for working with different audiences – alumni, currents students and guests, as well as prospective students.
The working time of the exposition "The University of Ruse - Chronicles of Growth" is Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
In the period 04-14.07.2016, 21 representatives of academic institutions from Uzbekistan are visiting the University of Ruse under the Project MATcHES (TEMPUS). The University of Ruse is the leading partner.
The initiative is under TEMPUS IV — Reform of higher education through international university cooperation (2012/C 375/07).
The schedule of the visit includes meetings with the Rectors' Body of the University of Ruse and with the Dean's team of Business and Management Faculty, participation in the International conference of the Association of lecturers in economics and management (organised with the active involvement of the University of Ruse), workshops for work on international projects at the University of Ruse. The members of the delegation had useful meetings with researchers, who are working on applied research under international projects, and they also visited technological parks for RES energy production.
The guests will be meeting representatives of the local authorities in Ruse, visiting companies in the region and discussing issues of mutual interest with representatives of the business at the Chamber of Commerce.
70 participants – farmers, representatives of companies offering equipment and services in the field of agriculture, scientists and representatives of institutions, discussed the conservation of soil diversity and soil health in Bulgaria. The forum was opened by the vice-rector of the University of Ruse – Prof. Juliana Popova. Welcoming words were extended by COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, Chairperson of the Municipal council and of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse; Stanimir Stanchev – vice-governor of Ruse region and Violeta Nedeva – programme director of agriculture in the America for Bulgaria" Foundation.
The Project "Preserving Bulgaria's soils", funded by "America for Bulgaria" Foundation is implemented by the University of Ruse for the duration of 4 years (until September 2018). Its goal is to encourage local farmers to adopt new technologies for soil treatment and thus, to reduce their losses due to fast destruction of the Bulgarian soils, due to climate change and inappropriate treatment.
The latest research shows that many farms, particularly in northern Bulgaria, lose more than 5 tonnes of soil per hectare annually due to water and wind erosion. The tendency for such losses is growing with the intensive ploughing, the use of heavy machinery and inappropriate methods of tilling.
The two American speakers - Prof. Harold van Es and Brian Goggin, shared their experience with the participants, talking about soil health and some economic aspects of implementing the new technology for soil preservation.
The University of Ruse is hosting the Third International academic Erasmus week. The events, which start today, have as their topic "The New Agenda of the European institutions for higher education". The forum was opened by the vice-rector in Education, Prof. Plamen Kangalov, who greeted the participants and wished them efficient work and useful meetings in Ruse and the University.
In the course of 5 days, 14 representatives of partner universities from Latvia, Turkey, Estonia, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Slovenia, and Albania will exchange experience and good practices in different spheres of the Erasmus Programme. Two PhD students from China, who are currently studying at the University of Ruse are among the participants in the Erasmus week.
The vice-rector in European integration and international cooperation, Prof. Juliana Popova presented the agenda of the forum for the whole week. The meeting started with a presentation of the University of Ruse and the opportunities for studying in it. Later the guests will have a lesson in Bulgarian language and culture. The discussions on the main topic will be on Tuesday and Wednesday. The programme includes a tour of Ruse and participation in university sports event on Thursday.
The participants will discuss the development of new technologies, the globalisation of the economy and culture, the competition on the education services market, the cultural diversity in the context of the new agenda of higher institutions in Europe, where modernisation and internationalisation have no alternative.
In Brushlen, baking bread, using technologies from our childhood was organised. Rituals, showing the way of bread, starting from sowing of the grain, to putting the bread on the table for bringing the people closer were demonstrated. The competition with bread and wine tasting will contribute to the variety of the programme events.
The Governor of Ruse Region, Mr. Stefko Burdjiev, was present at the event, as well as the mayors of 5 municipalities of the region. There were guests from Bucharest - Prof, ion Secheleany and his wife, as well as representatives of the municipalities of Slivo pole, Ryahovo, Brushlen and Babovo. From the University of Ruse, Assoc. prof. Emilia Velikova, coordinator of the project for Bulgaria and member of the DANET Board was present and made a presentation about the project and the involvement of different organisations in it. There was an exhibition of bread and bread products and some prizes were distributed. A quizz for all the participants, related to the topic of bread, sent some of these products to the winning participants, who knew the answers to the questions.
Photographs, books, posters and other project outcomes like bread and bread products and wine will be presented at the Danube Festival in Ulm, Germany, 1 - 10 July 2016.
This international project generates interest among the general public in the countries from the Danube region, and attracts the support of the local and national authorities. The national heritage gems of the different nationalities are preserved and an environment of cooperation, information exchange, and friendship is created between the people from this region.
His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria, Tom van Oorschot, visited the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" for a second time this year. Invited by the University management, he led an interactive discussion with students from the Department of European studies and the Bulgarian-Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre (BRIE) on the tоpic of "The challenges of the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers for the Kingdom of the Netherlands".
His Excellency, Tom van Oorschot described the practical aspects of the Presidency and the priorities, which his country identified even before embarking on it. The three leading principles are related to helping the ordinary European citizens understand the policies of the EU, focusing these policies only on the crucial issues, and, last but not least, to encourage innovations and create new work places and economic growth.
The Netherlands chairs the EU Council of Ministers for the twelfth time, while Bulgaria is to chair it in 2018 for the first time.
The two main challenges for the Dutch Presidency are the migration crisis and the referendum in Great Britain. The Ambassador praised Bulgaria for its achievements in defending the outer borders of the EU. "Our task is to defend those who need defence, but the problems appear when these people mix with the economic migrants. This whole process was not understood by all member-states and some adopted internal national measures, which undermines the European tool for crisis action". Shared the Ambassador with the students.
Today, many of us, especially those who have not seen the atrocities of war, take the EU Project, thanks to which we live in freedom and cooperate, for granted, said the diplomat, but if we look at the world around us, we will become aware of this great achievement and realise that the Eurosceptics should think about history when they present their arguments.
After his diplomatic posts in Hungary and Turkey and his work for the Ministry of foreign Affairs, Mr. Oorschot has been an Ambassador in Sofia since 2013.
The Rector of Mircea cel Batran Naval Academy, Constanta, Romania, Rear Admiral prof. Vergil Chitac is the 42nd bearer of the Honorary title DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse. He was granted the honorary title for his contribution in the field of interuniversity cooperation. The ceremony was led by the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Pencheva.
„I am moved and deeply honoured by the title conferred to me by a most prestigious university not only in Bulgaria, but also in the European research and education space", started his talk prof. Chitac. "The time when the higher schools were closed systems and education was accessible to the elite only are long gone. Now we are facing the challenge to open the universities and to train people, who acquire serious knowledge and can cope with the new realities," said the rector of the Naval Academy in Constanta. In this context, prof. Chitac reminded the audience of the four pillars of education, according to Jacqueс Delors: Learning to know; learning to act; learning to live together; learning to be.
The Vice Rector for Education and research, prof. Diana Antonova, presented the professional life of prof. Chitac. His research activities include a long list of publications in national and international professional journals. He has participated in a number of educational and research projects and has six patented innovations.
Today's solemn act is an expression of gratitude of the academic community of the University of Ruse for the extremely active and fruitful cooperation with the Naval Academy Mircea cel Batran in Constanta. The two higher schools signed an agreement for cooperation, in 2010, and they have interacted actively ever since then, working on joint projects, exchanging students and lecturers, participating in conferences, etc.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, His Excellency Tom van Oorsschot, visited the University of Ruse and had a discussion with the Academic Body of Rectors. „I am extremely impressed by your University, after I was one of the participants in the citizens dialogue with the Vice Chairperson of the European Commission Frans Timmermans" were the first words of the visitor.
During the discussion with the academic management, the Rector, prof. Velizara Pencheva informed the ambassador that the University of Ruse has four bilateral agreements with universities in the Netherlands. We endeavour to be the leader in our region, so we offer a wide range of degree programmes from 23 professional fields. Besides, for the last 7-8 years, we have been working actively in cooperation with the business on practical training and internships and even on developing the training materials for our students, mentioned prof. Pencheva.
His Excellency Tom van Oorsschot was interested in the training in English at the University of Ruse. He declared his willingness to meet our students from different degree programmes and discuss with them interactively the challenges for the European Union in the light of the Dutch Presidency.
The Chairperson of the University Senate of Vasile Alexandru University in Bacau, and bearer of the honorary title DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA of the University of Ruse, prof. Valentin Nedeff visited the University today. During the discussions with the Rector, prof. Velisara Pencheva, the opportunities for joint master degree programmes, research and PhD training were reviewed.
„It is a happy coincidence that we have similar scientific and professional interests with the Chairperson of the Assembly General of the University of Ruse, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev. When I was Rector, he too was at the head of the University of Ruse. After two rector mandates, I am now Chairperson of the University Senate in Bacau, just like him.", said prof. Nedeff.
The guest conveyed the invitation of the Rector of Vasile Alexandru University to the academic management of the University of Ruse, for participation in the events, dedicated to the 55th Anniversary of the higher school in Bacau.
Grateful for the hospitality and the interest of the academic community to the exhibition „The Poles in and for Independent Bulgaria", the Head of the Consular Department of the Republic of Poland, Katarzhina Deda, came to meet the Rector of the University of Ruse, prof. Velizara Pencheva in person. "We will be glad to share more events like the exhibition because we have many initiatives that may be attractive for the academic community", said Ms. Deda.
In turn, the Rector, prof. Pencheva, stressed the fact that four lecturers at the University of Ruse e graduated in Poland. Together with Juliana Popova, Vice Rector for Euro integration and International Cooperation, prof. Pencheva presented the activities of the Bulgarian and Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre. The bilateral Erasmus agreements of the University of Ruse and the contracts with the higher schools in Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan and other Polish cities were also among the discussion topics.
The exhibition "The Poles in and for Independent Bulgaria" was exhibited on the campus of the University of Ruse and, in 10 days, the academic community had the chance to observe the 15 panels with photographs, text and facsimiles, which track the contribution of some Poles to the unification and the establishment of the Bulgarian state after the Liberation. The same exhibition will be set up tonight in the lobby of the Theatre building.
The team of the Centre for Adult Education with the University of Ruse, led by Prof. Nikolai Mihailov, is the organizer of the second meeting under the project FairGuidance of the Erasmus+ Strategic partnerships Programme. The meeting will be held on 9 and 10 March 2016 (Wednesday and Thursday at 9 o'clock a.m. in room 1.322 in the Main building of the University of Ruse. Representatives of the eight partners under the project from Germany, Romania and Bulgaria, as well as Directors of Centres with the University of Ruse and representatives of the Labour Office - Ruse.
The main goal of the project is better integration of disadvantaged people (low educated, migrants, ethnic minorities, long-term unemployed and others) into the education system and on the labour market. In the course of the project, qualified consultants in the field of vocational education and job training will be prepared. Taking into account the specific needs of the end beneficiaries, they will facilitate not only their access to career orientation services, but also their transition to continuous education, training and professional realization.
Materials presenting good practices in the field of career consultancy will be discussed at the meeting. Collected in an online library, these materials will be used in the development of training courses for counsellors, helping those who are looking for a job. During the meeting, the partners will exchange ideas about the structure and content of the modules and will determine criteria for evaluation of the study materials. The first pilot course will be conducted in Germany with the participation of counsellors from the three countries.
The international partners are representatives of the Ministry of culture, youth and sport of Baden-Württemberg province, Germany, The Regional Employment Agency, Galati, Romania, TTG team training GmbH, Germany, coordinators of the project, Association St Spiridon, Galati, managing a Day care centre for disadvantaged people and two church organisations from Germany and Romania. Bulgaria is represented by the teams of the Centre for Adult Education with the University of Ruse and the Territorial organization of research specialists-Ruse. The varied experience and competence of the partners are a guarantee for the success of the project.
The partnership agreement between the University of Ruse and the State Agricultural Academy of Belarus in Gorki is one of the agreements signed between higher schools in Bulgaria and Belarus. A total of 17 universities from both countries have such agreements, announced the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, His Excellency Vladimir Voronkovich during his visit to the University of Ruse.
The Rector, prof. Velizara Pencheva, presented the faculties and degree programmes at the University of Ruse. She also shared some of the experience, which the team of the University has in the training of international students and Erasmus students.
Two of the Vice Rectors – in Education, prof. Plamen Kangalov and in European integration, prof. Juliana Popova, as well as the chairperson of the General Assembly, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev, took part in the meeting.
His Excellency Vladimir Voronkovich invited the academic management of the University of Ruse to visit the State Agricultural Academy of Belarus and to participate in joint educational and research conferences, as well as to prepare syllabi. Some possible spheres of closer cooperation are agricultural machinery repair, business and management, and ecology.
The possibility or student exchange under Erasmus + from the academic year 2017/2018, as well as the training of students in joint Master degree programmes between the University of Ruse and higher schools in Belarus was discussed. Prof. Pencheva gave an example of good practice with the Centre for Continuing Education, which has conducted such an exchange for a given period.
Some of the paramount issues for the agriculture and ecology in both countries could be solved using the contacts with partner universities from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, said the chairperson of the General Assembly, COR MEM prof. Hristo Beloev. He promised to organise a meeting between teams from the University of Nitra (Slovakia), Brno (the Czech Republic and Gorki (Belarus) in Ruse, together with the Vice Rector prof. Plamen Kangalov. Issues related to recovery, repair and reliability of machinery will be discussed at this meeting, and scientific areas of common interest will be identified for future projects.
Lighting projects, including LED, developed by scientists at the University of Ruse are of interest for a team of researchers from the Technological Academy at Rezekne, Latvia. Lecturers from the two higher schools cooperate in the field of engineering sciences and are in the process of expanding their partnership. It was discussed during the working meeting between the delegation, led by the Rector of the Technological Academy at Rezekne, Prof. Edmunds Teyrumnieks, and the academic governing body of the University of Ruse. New opportunities for joint research developments and training of students were shared during the talks.
The Latvian Higher School has developed technology for ultrasound processing of metal items, improving the mechanical properties of the material, announced the Rector, Prof. Teyrumnieks. On this basis, cooperation with some of the Faculties of the University of Ruse is possible. Moreover, the field trials are conducted in Bulgaria (in a German and Bulgarian joint company, based in Gabrovo).
The idea of developing a master degree programme that would allow students from the University of Ruse to study at the Technological Academy at Rezekne. An example was provided with an agreement signed between the Latvian higher school and a German university last September. The students, who graduate the Master degree course receive a German and a Latvian Diploma. If the University of Ruse is interested, it could join the agreement too, said the Rector, Prof. Teyrumnieks.
We have experience with two similar joint programmes, shared the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Velizara Pencheva. One of them is established with the support of the German Rectors' Conference and is in partnership with the Academy of Economics in Bucharest, and the other is in Management of Quality and Metrology, in cooperation with Romanian and French universities.
Prof. Pencheva suggested working out a joint programme of the scientific conferences of the two higher schools and coordinating the participation of students and lecturers in them.
Vice Rectors, Directors of Branches in Silistra and Razgrad, as well as directors of Directorates, Sectors and Centres were elected on 2 February by the new Academic Council of the University of Ruse.
Prof. Plamen Kangalov, PhDEng, who was the Dean of the Agrarian and Industrial Faculty, was elected Vice Rector in Education. Another new member of the Rector's team is Prof. Diana Antonova, PhD, who was Vice Dean in Research and Personnel Development of the Faculty of Business and Management. She will be in charge of Research and Development /R&D/. Prof. Plamen Daskalov, PhDEng was elected Vice Dean in Development, Coordination and Continuing Education while preserving his position as the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education. Prof Juliana Popova, PhD continues as Vice Rector in European Integration and International Cooperation. The Deputy Rector Valerii Gegov is also to keep his position, as well as the Secretary General – Assoc. Prof. Tanya Grozeva., PhDEng.
The Directors of the Branches in Razgrad and Silistra remain the same – Assoc. prof. Stanka Damyanova, DSc and Assoc. prof. Temenuzhka Buhcheva, PhDEng, respectively.
The Directorate on Quality of Education will be headed by Assoc. prof. Emil Trifonov, PhD; the Research Sector – by Assoc. prof. Danko Tonev, PhDEng; the Education Sector has as a Director Assoc. prof. Valentin Stoyanov, PhDEng. The University Sport Centre will be headed by Prof. Borislav Angelov, PhDEng; the Centre for Technology Transfer – by Assoc. prof. Teodor Iliev, PhDEng; and the Centre for Intellectual Property – by Assoc. prof. Todor Delikostov, PhDEng.
Besides the personal changes, the Academic Council supported the conception of the Rector, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhDEng for the following changes in the university structure:
To improve the efficiency of student admission, a new Sector is formed with the Vice Rector in Education, called New Students Admission, with a Director – Assoc. prof. Julian Angelov, PhDEng and a coordinator – Assoc. prof. Vyarka Ronkova, PhDEng;
For the organization of Master degree programmes and Student Practice at an institutional level, in the Education Sector there will be two coordinators – Assoc. prof. Margarita Teodosieva, PhD and Prof. Todorka Stefanova, PhD, respectively.
The position Coordinator of Publishing activity will be eliminated and tis activity will be managed and controlled by the Vice rector in Education through the Director of Education Sector;
There will be a Coordinator of PhD students, who will have the responsibility of organizing the admission and training of PhD students, and the information support of the work with them. This person will also be the Head of the PhD Centre. This position will be occupied by Assoc. prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.
The Bulgarian and Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre, the International Students Directorate, the Centre for Information and Computer Services and the remaining Centres will preserve their current Directors.
Project „Contemporary Methods for Training and Education Activities in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies"is funded within the frames of Programme BG04 under the financial mechanism of the European economic space 2009-2014.
The main goal of the project is to contribute to the successful implementation of the various financial instruments, directed to reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency (ЕЕ) and sustainable development of energy production from renewable energy sources (RES).
- municipal and government officials from the Municipalities in the Danube regions;
- individuals dealing with development of plans and projects on energy efficiency;
- individuals, performing audits.
- distinguished lecturers from the University of Ruse„Angel Kanchev" in the fields of ЕЕ and RES;
- Eminent specialists form the company „Enkon Services" Ltd, specializing in the fields of EE and RES.
The duration of the project is from November 2015 to April 2016, with three types of activities:
Training will be held in the Municipalities of Vidin, Vratsa, Montana, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Svishtov, Ruse, Razgrad, Tutrakan, Silistra and Dobrich. It is planned to conduct training of 300 municipal, regional and other officers, responsible for implementing measures for EE and RES. The topics covered, each with 6 academic hour duration include:
3) Developing plans in accordance with the national legislature and the respective EU directives, related to measures in buildings;
11) Solving case studies.
Consultancy activities of municipal, regional and other institutions' staff responsible for implementing measures for EE and RES includes:
- Providing distance consultancy service via e-mail and Skype, as well as scheduled consultancy;
- Providing specific consultations when solving more complex case studies.
It is envisaged to review, summarize and publish information, concerning current municipal plans and projects in the cities where training is conducted;
- Providing wide media coverage of the project activities.
For more information about the goals, participants, team and project activities visit our web site at:
The Faculty of Public Health and Health Care of the University of Ruse is hosting the international forum „Innovations and creativity for life". 54 students and 14 lecturers from universities in Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, Finland and Great Britain will be sharing experience in the course of one week in Ruse.
The training is interdisciplinary and young people studying occupational therapy, computer sciences, business and information technologies, social work, engineering take part in it. The methods used by the forum participants has been developed by a team from the University of Olu, Finland. The lecturers have prepared interactive workshops, where students design and make an object with practical application, using available materials.
The module „Innovations and creativity for life" started in 2014, as an intensive Erasmus programme. Taking part in it, the students work in an intercultural environment and get the opportunity to find realization in the professional field of their choice of study. On the other hand, they acquire valuable experience in cooperation with colleagues from other countries and update their practical skills for working with people with disabilities.
The international forum „Innovations and creativity for life" will continue until 23 January and is held in room 2,203 from 9.00 to 16.30. On 19 January, the organisers from the degree programme "Occupational therapy" will organize "An Evening of Cultures", where participants from different countries will demonstrate specific customs. On 21 January, Thursday, at 17:30 in room 2.203, the hosts from Bulgaria will show some of the traditional rites of Babinden (the mid-wife's day).
With 138 votes Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD was elected the Rector of the University of Ruse for the 2016-2019 mandate. For the first time in its 70-year history the higher school will be governed by a woman. Until now Prof. Pencheva was Vice rector on Development, coordination and continuous education at the University of Ruse.
At the General Assembly's meeting 261 representatives of the academic community cast their vote.
The new Chairperson of the General Assembly is COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev, who garnered 212 votes, and his deputy is Assoc. Prof. Anelia Manukova with 241 votes. The Chairperson of the Control Council in the new mandate is Prof. Vladimir Hvarchilkov, who was elected to this position with 219 votes. The members of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse also decided that the new Academic Council will consist of 45 members and the Control Council – 11.
In the beginning of the meeting, the former Rector, COR MEM Prof. Hristo Beloev reported the activities during his second mandate, focusing on the growth of the academic staff, deepening the international cooperation, the visibility of the university and the renovation of facilities.
The four candidates for the leading position, Prof. Mihail Iliev, PhD, Prof. Rossen Ivanov, PhD, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD and Prof. Krasimir Enimanev, DSc presented their platforms and answered to questions from the audience, related to the future of the higher school.
The voting continued an hour and a half and each attendant had to make four votes – one for the Rector, one for the Chairperson of the General Assembly,DSc.
More than 80 representatives of pensioners' clubs from the Union of Pensioners Ruse – 2004 gathered in Kaneff Centre for a meeting on the topic of Bread and Wine, organized by the Centre for Education of the Third Age (CETA) with the University of Ruse.
Professor Nikolay Mihajlov, Director of the Centre, greeted all the participants and expressed his satisfaction with the joint work of the Centre and the Union of Pensioners on several European projects.
Assoc. prof. Emilia Velikova made a presentation on the results of the activities of CETA during 2015, and Assoc. Prof. Yoana Ruseva informed the attendants of the proposal by German partners for participation in a new European project with a working title "Tastes of Danube". This Danube project wants to motivate people of all generations, ethnic groups, social and educational backgrounds to take part. The focus is not only to enhance mutual knowledge and to find out more about traditions and values common to all countries. The focus is also to exchange experience and to meet – in real life as on the internet by pictures, skype, and videos. The participants get the chance to become acquainted to each other within a country or across the borders. Additionally, they get the possibility to create something as a team – an experience that fills the idea of an European identity with life. Finally, Milena Popova talked about the opportunities for training in 2016.
After the official part and the report on the Centre's activities, representatives of the pensioners' clubs displayed ritual breads and home-made wines, made by their members. The exhibition was also a competition. The jury, formed by representatives of the two organisations, found it hard to rank the exhibits, but after a serious debate, they picked the winner in the category "Ritual Christmas Breads" the pensioners' club in Sredna kula. The prize for home-made wines went to pensioners' club No.1.
The meeting continued with informal talks between the participants and tasting of the exhibits.