THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE GENAISA PILOT TRAINING PROGRAMME

 The University of Ruse invites applications for the GENAISA pilot training programme. If you're ready to master generative artificial intelligence, optimize your daily productivity, and earn a certified "Digital Skills Passport," this is your chance.

CHOOSE YOUR MODULE:

• Technical Module: Designed for information technology students and professionals who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of deep learning, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models, natural language processing (NLP), and managing transformation through GenAI.
• "Fundamentals" Module: Designed for professionals with any level of professional experience who want to master the tools for prompt engineering and the generation of text, images, and video in a safe and ethical manner.

You can select individual courses from each module according to your needs.

THE BENEFITS OF GenAISA:

- Free courses

- 100% online and flexible learning (learn at your own pace)

- 4–5 weeks / 5–6 hours per week for each course

- Earn verified Micro-Credentials and a specialization certificate

- Get access to your personalized "Digital Skills Passport"

The first cycle began on July 7th , 2026. Spots are limited!

 Learn more about the pilot training here:

https://lnkd.in/dUNaRHDr

Link to register for the courses:

https://lnkd.in/dJ8cdSXN

ERASMUS+ BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAMME ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 3D TECHNOLOGIES AND ROBOTICS ENDED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, July 10^th , 2026, the in-person component of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme—Project No. 2025-1-BG01-KA131-HED-000321310-3, titled "Enhancing Future Skills through Artificial Intelligence, 3D Technologies and Robotics"—officially concluded at the University of Ruse.  The in-person training took place from July 6^th  to July 10^th , 2026, and the programme coordinator was Chief Assistant Professor Elitsa Ibryamova, PhD.

 At an official ceremony, certificates of participation were given by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng, Honourary Rector and Chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse.

He greeted the participants for their efforts and achievements, wished them the courage to pursue their dreams, and encouraged them to share their impressions of the University of Ruse and their stay in the city.

 Representatives from nine universities across six countries—Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Türkiye, and Bulgaria—participated in the blended intensive programme. The participating institutions were: The National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest (Pitești Campus, Romania), Bialystok University of Technology (Poland), University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia), Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (Germany), "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iași (Romania), "Mircea cel Bătrân" Naval Academy (Romania), İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa (Türkiye), and the University of Ruse (Bulgaria).

The programme focused on developing knowledge and practical skills in three key, rapidly evolving fields: artificial intelligence, 3D technologies, and robotics. The training combined virtual lectures, practical demonstrations, workshops, teamwork, and project-based assignments. The in-person week at the University of Ruse included practical sessions on local large language models, cybersecurity in robotic and AI-driven intelligent systems, basic robotics, working with a FANUC robotic system, and 3D prototyping and printing. Participants had the opportunity to apply what they had learned through practical tasks and to work in international teams under the guidance of mentors.

On the final day of the programme, the teams presented five projects to a jury—projects developed during the in-person training sessions. These projects integrated various aspects of the programme, demonstrating the practical potential of artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, 3D technologies, and entrepreneurial thinking. The projects presented included: "Building a Conversational Agent to Support Usability Testing" (mentor: Assist. Prof. Daniel Trommler, PhD), "Cybersecurity Assessment and Secure Design of AI-Enabled Robotic Systems" (mentor: Assist. Prof. Şafak Durukan Odabaşı, PhD), "3D Prototyping Basics with Fusion" (mentor: Assist. Prof. Pavel Zlatarov, PhD), "Practical Application of AI and Robotics" (mentor: Assist. Prof. Vasil Kozov, PhD), and "AI-Driven Product Design for Future Entrepreneurs" (mentor: Assist. Prof. Elitsa Ibryamova, PhD).

Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and a member of the jury, congratulated the students on their innovative projects, their active participation in the training, and the results achieved. She noted that the programme enabled participants to develop practical skills, exchange ideas, and build professional contacts within an international environment. Assoc. Prof. Ivanova, PhD also commended the team that organized the initiative for their professionalism, dedication, and the effort invested in the programme's successful execution.

 SECOND ANNUAL ACROSS PROJECT MEETING OF ABEC WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, July 9^th , 2026, a meeting regarding the ACROSS project (https://www.across-alliance.eu/) took place in Hall 2.G 404 at the University of Ruse. The meeting aimed to discuss the future activities of the academic "Across Border Engagement Centre" (a centre for supporting cross-border cooperation) between Ruse and Craiova.

Participants representing the University of Ruse included: Assoc. Prof. Daniel Pavlov, PhD – Head of the Entrepreneurship Promotion Centre; Assoc. Prof. Todor Delikostov, PhD – Director of the Technology Transfer Centre; Assoc. Prof. Svilena Ruskova, PhD ; Assoc. Prof.  Svilen Kunev, PhD (LEAR); and Assoc. Prof. Pavel Vitliemov, PhD.

The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Regional Administration of Ruse, Ruse Municipality, the Regional Information Centre, the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Business Centre for Support of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Prof. Oana Gîngu, PhD from the University of Craiova also participated online.

The centre is expected to serve as a venue for events and seminars organized by the University of Ruse and local partners (local authorities, businesses, etc.), aiming to enable more representatives from Ruse to take advantage of cross-border cooperation opportunities with Romania by engaging with existing local entities that possess relevant international experience.

The ACROSS project has a duration of 48 months (01.01.2025 – 31.12.2028) and receives financial support from the "2024 Erasmus+ European Universities call" under the "European Universities initiative".

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IS HOSTING AN ERASMUS+ BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAMME FOCUSED ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 3D TECHNOLOGIES, AND ROBOTICS

 Today, July 6^th , 2026, the in-person portion of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) was launched at the University of Ruse— № 2025-1-BG01-KA131-HED-000321310-3, on the topic "Enhancing Future Skills through Artificial Intelligence, 3D Technologies, and Robotics."

The programme also includes a virtual component, which was successfully held from June 29^th  to July 3^rd , 2026, and provided a strong start to the international training.

The initiative is organized by the University of Ruse as part of the "Erasmus+" programme, with the active participation of faculty members from the departments of "Computer Systems and Technologies," "Computer Science and Information Technologies," and "Mechanical Engineering and Metal-Cutting Machinery," as well as the Laboratory for Digital, Additive, Energy-Assisted Innovative Technologies and Models, and with the support of partner universities and visiting lecturers from abroad.

Representatives from 9 universities in 6 countries—Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, and Bulgaria—are participating in the programme.

Among the official guests at the opening ceremony were Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector of the University of Ruse and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse—as well as Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Vice Rector for International Cooperation. They welcomed the participants to the University of Ruse and wished them success in their work, active collaboration, new academic contacts, and many pleasant experiences during their stay in Ruse.

The programme is aimed at developing knowledge and practical skills in three key and rapidly evolving fields: artificial intelligence, 3D technologies, and robotics. The training combines lectures, practical demonstrations, workshops, teamwork, and project-based tasks.

The main focus is on interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, solving real-world practical problems, and the application of new technologies in educational and industrial settings.

During the virtual portion, participants attended lectures on topics such as artificial intelligence for improving efficiency in manufacturing processes, human-automated system interaction, presentation skills in the era of artificial intelligence, practical applications of artificial intelligence and robotics, and the basics of 3D prototyping.

The in-person week at the University of Ruse includes hands-on sessions on local large language models, cybersecurity in robotic and intelligent systems with artificial intelligence, basic robotics, working with a FANUC educational cell, 3D prototyping, and 3D printing.

Participants will work in international teams on practical projects, which will be presented to a jury at the end of the programme. They can look forward to days filled with ideas, technology, teamwork, and challenges that closely mirror real-world engineering practice.

The programme coordinator is Senior Assistant Professor Elitsa Ibryamova, PhD. The training is conducted with the participation of faculty members and mentors from the University of Ruse and partner institutions, including: Associate Professor Svetlana Stefanova, PhD, Professor Lewis Chuang, PhD, Associate Professor Anelia Ivanova, PhD, Senior Assistant Professor Vasil Kozov, PhD, Senior Assistant Professor Pavel Zlatarov, PhD, Associate Professor Galina Ivanova, PhD, Senior Assistant Professor Daniel Trommler, PhD, Senior Assistant Professor Şafak Durukan Odabaşı, PhD and Associate Professor Alexander Ivanov, PhD.

WORKSHOP SESSIONS FOR THE "RUSE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY" PROJECT AND THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE "INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTRONICS, ENGINEERING PHYSICS AND EARTH SCIENCE (EEPES 2026) WERE HELD AT UNIVERSITY OF BANDIRMA ONYEDI EYLÜL, BANDIRMA

 From June 24^th  to 27^th , 2026, the International Conference on Electronics, Engineering Physics, and Earth Science (EEPES 2026) was held at University of Bandirma Onyedi Eylül in Bandırma, Republic of Turkey.

The EEPES 2026 International Scientific Conference was organized by the Association of Communication, Information, Electronic and Energy Systems, in collaboration with the University of Ruse, University of Bandirma Onyedi Eylül  in Bandirma, Republic of Turkey, and the Academy of Logistics and Transport (ALT University) in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

On June 24^th , 2026, the rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, opened the conference.

"It is an honour for me to open the fifth edition of EEPES 2026. I wish all participants success, and I believe that the results and achievements presented during this forum can serve as a starting point for establishing joint research projects and preparing project proposals. I would like to thank the leadership of the University of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül , represented by Prof.  İsmail Boz, PhD, Rector of University of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül , for their hospitality and for the overall organization of the conference by the local organizing committee," said Prof. Atanasova, PhD in her opening remarks.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof.  Ebru Kaya Mutlu,  PhD, Vice Rector of the University of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül , and the vice rectors of the University of Ruse, Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD and Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD.

Guests at the conference were Prof. Gani Sergazin, PhD,  Vice Rector for Science and International Affairs at the Academy of Logistics and Transport (ALT University) in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, and Prof. Kuanysh Alipbayev, PhD,  Vice Rector for Science at Almaty University of Energy and Communications, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Following the official opening, a plenary session was held, during which presentations were given by:

1. Prof. Juan Carlos Prince Avelino, PhD from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, with a presentation titled: "Computational Analysis of Airfoil Flow Control and Martian Entry Capsule Aerodynamics: A Research Internship Study."

2. Prof. Adnan Kavak, PhD, Director of the Research Centre for Wireless Technologies and Intelligent Systems, with a presentation titled: "Toward Sustainable IoT in Future Communication Networks: Symbiotic Sensing and Backscatter Communications for Ambient IoT."

3. Mr. Metodi Dimitrov, project manager at Sunotec Group—an official sponsor of the conference—gave a presentation titled: "Perspectives for the Development of Aggregators in Microgrids in Eastern Europe."

Over 152 papers by authors from 20 countries were presented at the conference, divided into 9 in-person and 11 online sessions.

All papers accepted and presented at the EEPES 2026 International Scientific Conference will be submitted for publication in the scientific journals MDPI Engineering Proceedings (Q3) and E3S Web of Conferences (SRJ 0.2) and indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science.

A workshop was also held during the conference on the topic: Innovation and Research in Europe and Beyond: Results and Good Practices from the "Scientific University of Ruse" Project, funded by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001. The seminar featured a presentation on the University of Ruse, the results achieved, and the activities carried out by the research groups. Representatives of the research groups held fruitful discussions across three panels, summarized under the following themes:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Implementations

Intelligent Systems and Applications

Technology Transfer for Sustainable Business Models

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF BANDIRMA ONYEDI EYLÜL , BANDIRMA, REPUBLIC OF TURKEY, SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION

        The Rector of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD,  Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD, Vice Rector for Research, visited  University of Bandirma "Onyedi Eylül ", Republic of Turkey, from June 24^th  to 27^th , 2026. During the visit, they held a series of meetings aimed at expanding cooperation between the two universities in the fields of education and science.

The delegation from the University of Ruse was welcomed by Assoc. Prof.  Selahattin Kosunalp, PhD, coordinator of international cooperation. On June 24^th , 2026, an official meeting was held with Prof.  İsmail Boz, PhD, Rector of the University of Bandirma  " Onyedi Eylül",  during which a memorandum of cooperation was signed and topics were discussed regarding the creation of joint bachelor's and master's programmes, collaboration on research projects, and the expansion of cooperation under the Erasmus+ programme.

The signing of the memorandum is the result of many years of cooperation between the two educational institutions, with the foundation for this relationship laid by Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Selahattin Kosunalp, PhD. Over the past few years, faculty exchanges have taken place, and joint work on scientific publications has been carried out, with over 10 papers published in prestigious Q1 and Q2 scientific journals indexed in the global databases Scopus and Web of Science.

The university of Bandırma "Onyedi Eylul" hosted the fifth edition of the International Conference on Engineering Physics, Electronics, and Earth Science (EEPES 2026) from June 24^th to 27^th.

Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD held a meeting with Prof. Fatih Ayhan, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Services on June 25^th, 2026 to discuss opportunities for establishing joint master's programmes in English; she then toured the university's facilities.

 In this way, the University of Ruse continues to expand its activities on an international level and to establish itself as a reliable and trusted partner in the international educational community.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE AND THE PETRONAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IN MALAYSIA SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION

 The University of Ruse and the Universiti of Technology PETRONAS (UTP) in Malaysia have officially signed a memorandum of cooperation.

The document was signed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD  and Academician Hristo Beloev—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, DscEng.

On behalf of the Malaysian university, the agreement was signed by Prof.  Benjamin Colin, PhD, Cosh, rector of the university, and Prof. Mohd Fadzil Hassan, PhD dean of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies and Research.

The agreement provides an official framework for cooperation in the fields of scientific research, postgraduate education, and academic mobility, and is part of the efforts to strengthen institutional internationalization and develop strategic partnerships for both universities. The collaboration is expected to yield several tangible results, including the development of joint research projects, an increase in the number of joint publications involving researchers from both universities, the development of joint training programmes and sustainable mobility for graduate students, the joint training and supervision of doctoral students, the strengthening of student and faculty exchanges between the two universities, and more.

The signing of the memorandum is the result of long-standing cooperation between the two educational institutions, dating back to 2008, with the foundation of the relationship laid by Assoc. Prof. Nina Bencheva, PhD, from the Department of Telecommunications at the University of Ruse, and Assoc. Prof. Naufal M. Saad, PhD from University of Technology Petronas. Over the past five years, cooperation between the two universities has been on the rise; during this period, a total of 23 mobility exchanges involving students, doctoral candidates, and faculty members have been in May 2026, a delegation from University of technology Petronas visited the University of Ruse to discuss opportunities for strengthening research and academic cooperation with the University of Ruse and to finalize the signing of a memorandum of cooperation. The visit by researchers from the University of Technology Petronas took place as part of the implementation plan for Research Group 3.1.3 "Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems and Technologies for Generating and Visualizing Spatial Objects and Processes," which is led by Prof. Georgi Hristov, PhD, from the Department of Telecommunications and is one of the seven research groups established as part of the project "Ruse Research University," funded under Contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001 by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria.

  The University of Technology Petronas is No. 1 university in Malaysia and is owned by Petronas Corporation—one of the international leaders in oil and gas production and trade. The university was founded in 1997 and was subsequently recognized first as the best private university in Malaysia and, shortly thereafter, as the No. 1 university in the country—a position it has maintained to this day. The University of Technology Petronas campus covers an area of 400 hectares and is located in Seri Iskandar, in the state of Perak, Malaysia. The university enrolls approximately 6,500 undergraduate students and 1,200 doctoral students from more than 60 countries. In global academic rankings, the University of Technology  Petronas ranks 25st , and in the rankings of Asian universities, it holds the prestigious 35th position.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE COMPSYSTECH'26 WAS OPENED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, June 26^th , 2026, the 27th International Scientific Conference CompSysTech'26 opened in Room 2.204 at the University of Ruse. Scientists from 21 countries are participating in the conference: Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Germany, Greece, Egypt, Iraq, Cambodia, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and France.

The long-standing tradition of opening the forum with a musical greeting for the participants and guests—performed by the "Elbetitsa" folk dance club—was observed.

The conference was opened by the Vice Rector for International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

Among the conference guests was Academician Hristo Beloev—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly, DscEng of the University of Ruse—who welcomed the participants and guests and wished them success at the forum.

We are pleased that the CompSysTech conference has established itself as a significant scientific event and continues to attract interest both in Bulgaria and abroad. The fact that researchers from 21 countries are participating in person and online today is eloquent proof of this. Further evidence of the conference's appeal and high standards is the fact that papers presented at CompSysTech have been indexed by SCOPUS for 20 years now. For the past two years, the conference has been included in the IEEE—a significant step toward its development and international recognition," said Academician Beloev in his welcoming remarks.

The plenary session began immediately after the official opening of the event. It was moderated by Prof. Tsvetomir Vasilev, PhD.

Plenary presentations were given by:

1. Marco Porta - Professor, PhD, University of Pavia, Italy

Keynote on: Intelligent Interaction at a Glance: The Future of Gaze-Aware Systems

2. Houcemeddine Hermassi - Associate Professor, PhD,  Head of the Computer Engineering Department, National School of Engineers of Carthage (ENICarthage), University of Carthage

Keynote on: STEG-Guard: A Self-Supervised Multi-Domain Graph Neural Network Framework for Zero-Day Malware Detection in Steganographic Images

The scientific sessions will continue on June 27^th , 2026.

 The CompSysTech conference is now well-established; this year marks the 27th edition, and it is organized as an IEEE conference. All papers presented at the conference from 2007 to 2024 and included in the conference proceedings have been published in the ACM Digital Library. The papers from CompSysTech'25 were published in IEEE Xplore.

Based on an idea by Academician Petar Kenderov, PhD  students who have distinguished themselves and already have notable achievements in the field of computing participate in the conference each year by presenting papers. This year, six teams of students from the "Baba Tonka" Mathematical High School in Ruse will participate in the conference, led by Dr. Neli Tihomirova, Ms. Suzan Feimova, and Ms. Donka Simeonova.

CompSysTech'26 is co-organized under the "Ruse Research University" project, funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001, in implementation of the Strategic Research and Innovation Programme of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev".

More information about the conference can be found on the website: https://www.compsystech.org

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IS ORGANIZING THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE COMPSYSTECH'26

The Programme and Organizing Committees of the INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE COMPSYSTECH'26 are pleased to invite you to the conference opening ceremony and the scientific sessions.

The conference will be attended by scientists from 21 countries, including: Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Germany, Greece, Egypt, Iraq, Cambodia, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and France.

Venue and schedule:

- Opening ceremony and plenary session – June 26^th , 2026 (Friday) at 2:30 p.m. in Room 2G.204 "Siemens" in the University's second building;

- Scientific sessions – June 27^th , 2026 (Saturday), as per the attached programme: https://www.compsystech.org/docs/CompSysTech26-programme.pdf

Plenary presentations will be given by:

1. Marco Porta - Professor, PhD, University of Pavia, Italy

Keynote on: Intelligent Interaction at a Glance: The Future of Gaze-Aware Systems

2. Houcemeddine Hermassi - Associate Professor, PhD, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, National School of Engineers of Carthage (ENICarthage), University of Carthage

Keynote on: STEG-Guard: A Self-Supervised Multi-Domain Graph Neural Network Framework for Zero-Day Malware Detection in Steganographic Images

The CompSysTech conference is now well-established;as this year marks the 27th edition, and it is recognized as an IEEE conference. All papers presented at the conference from 2007 to 2024 and published in the conference proceedings are available in the ACM Digital Library. The papers from CompSysTech'25 were published in IEEE Xplore.

Based on an idea by Academician Petar Kenderov, students who have distinguished themselves and already have notable achievements in the field of computing participate in the conference each year by presenting papers. This year, six teams of students from the Mathematics High School "Baba Tonka" will participate in the conference, led by Dr. Neli Tihomirova, Ms. Suzan Feimova, and Ms. Donka Simeonova.

CompSysTech'26 is co-organized under the "Ruse Research University" project, funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001, in implementation of the Strategic Research and Innovation Programme of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev".

More information about the conference can be found on the website: https://www.compsystech.org

We invite you to attend the INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE COMPSYSTECH'26!

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELCOMED REPRESENTATIVES FROM 13 PARTNER UNIVERSITIES IN 10 COUNTRIES

Today, June 23^rd , 2026, representatives from 13 partner universities in 10 countries, visiting the University of Ruse as part of the "Erasmus+" programme, were officially welcomed in Hall 1 of the Kanev Centre.

They represent Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Jordan, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, and Turkey. This broad international participation is an indication of the growing interest in cooperation with the University of Ruse and its establishment as a preferred partner in the European educational space.

The event was officially opened by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse—who welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of international academic cooperation.

"We are delighted to welcome representatives from 13 of our partner universities, with most of which we have enjoyed a long-standing and successful collaboration. Over the years, we have built lasting connections, friendly relationships, and numerous joint initiatives. It is our pleasure to introduce you to the University of Ruse, Ruse, and Bulgaria over the next few days, as well as to familiarize you with our traditions, scientific achievements, and prospects for development. These partnerships lay the foundation for future joint projects and new opportunities for development, and that is what matters most. On behalf of the academic leadership, I wish you fruitful meetings, inspiring discussions, new professional contacts, and a pleasant stay in Ruse."

The university and its international activities were presented by the Vice Rector for International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

As part of the programme of the event, participants will present their universities and best practices in the field of higher education and international cooperation. The programme includes tours of the university campus, the Centre of Excellence, and the Research Centre at the University of Ruse, as well as a cultural programme featuring visits to historical and cultural landmarks in the region.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELCOMED A DELEGATION FROM VIETNAM TO EXPAND SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION

 Today, June 22^nd , 2026, the University of Ruse welcomed a delegation of scientists from the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Technology in Hanoi. The visit is taking place as part of the "Ruse Research University" project. The delegation included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Long, PhD,  director of IAET, and leading scientists Dau The Nhu and Nguyen Tien Quang from the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (IAET) in Hanoi.

The guests were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD., and Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, who also serves as the academic advisor to three doctoral students from IAET.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the results of more than 15 years of cooperation between the University of Ruse and IAET, as well as opportunities for its future development. Special attention was given to joint scientific research, publications in internationally recognized scientific journals, and participation in joint research projects.

Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between the two institutions. To date, under his academic supervision at the University of Ruse, five doctoral students from IAET have successfully completed their studies and are now working at the institute.

During the meeting, new areas of cooperation were agreed upon, including joint training of doctoral students, participation in international scientific conferences, preparation of publications in journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, and the development of joint research projects.

The programme of the delegation includes meetings with researchers from the research groups involved in the "Ruse Research University" project, presentations on current research projects and results, visits to university laboratories, an exchange of best practices, and discussions on future joint initiatives.

The visit marks another important step in the development of the long-standing and successful academic partnership between the University of Ruse and the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (IAET) in Hanoi. It aims to expand international cooperation and create new opportunities for scientific research, innovation, and academic exchange.

AN INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ENTITLED "UNIVERSITIES AS COMMUNICATION ECOSYSTEMS" WILL BE HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 From November 12^th –14^th , 2026, the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" will host the international scientific conference UNIVERSITIES AS COMMUNICATION ECOSYSTEMS, UCEs2026. The conference is organized within the framework of ACROSS – European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing (https://www.across-alliance.eu/), a European university alliance that brings together the educational, scientific, and innovative potential of nine universities from European cross-border regions, with a special focus on culture, cultural heritage, and multilingualism. The initiative is supported by the National Publishing House for Education and Science AzBuki – Ministry of Education and Science.

The conference builds on previous initiatives by the University of Ruse dedicated to university communication, academic media, and the public presence of higher education institutions, including the roundtable "Communicology of Academic Media" (KAM 2018) and the National Meeting–Seminar on Academic Media and Public Relations at Higher Education Institutions in Bulgaria (2020).

The forum expands this thematic focus into an international and interdisciplinary context, emphasizing academic communication, multilingualism, intercultural dialogue, knowledge exchange, digital transformation, and the role of universities as ecosystems of knowledge, science, and enduring spiritual values in contemporary European societies.

The conference offers the opportunity to participate both with academic papers and with presentations focused on showcasing professional practices, communication strategies, university media, and innovative solutions in the field of academic communication. The format of participation is specified during registration.

All submitted research papers will undergo a blind peer-review process, and following evaluation by the reviewers, selected papers will be recommended for publication in the Journal of Applied Linguistic and Intercultural Studies (JALIS) in accordance with the editorial policy of the journals and peer-review procedures.

The presentations will be published in a digital edition of the conference proceedings.

 More information you can find in the attached invitation

A CONFERENCE WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE AS PART OF THE "RUSE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY" PROJECT

 Today, June 18^th , 2026, a conference was opened at the research complex of the University of Ruse as part of the activities under the "Ruse Research University" project.

The project is funded by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The forum brought together representatives of the academic community, international partners, members of the Advisory Board, and researchers involved in implementing the University of Ruse's Strategic Research and Innovation Programme.

The conference was opened by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng,  Chair of the Steering Committee and Project Leader.

The Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD welcomed the participants and guests, emphasizing that the project is a collective effort of the entire university. She highlighted the successful implementation of the project and the fact that it had exceeded its set goals.

Guests at the event included the regional governor, Prof. Lyubomir Vladimirov, PhD; Deputy Mayor Encho Enchev; and Ms. Kristina Eskenazi, a member of the Advisory Board of the "Ruse Research University" project, who also congratulated the participants.

Academician Beloev, DscEng presented the main results of the implementation of the Strategic Research and Innovation Programme and the development of the "Ruse Research University" project. The programme aims to unlock the potential of the University of Ruse as an internationally recognized research centre that actively contributes to the European Research Area.

Significant achievements were reported in the areas of scientific research, international cooperation, technology transfer, and the development of modern scientific infrastructure.

Academician Beloev, DscEng emphasized that during the 2024–2026 period, the university significantly exceeded the project's initial targets. He noted that 169 researchers participated in the programme, including 24 young scientists, 12 postdoctoral fellows, and 18 leading researchers from Bulgaria and abroad. Seven interdisciplinary research groups and seven high-tech laboratories have been established, providing a state-of-the-art environment for scientific research and innovation.

One of the highlights of the conference was the panel "The Innovator's Journey—From Ideas to Achievements," during which participants discussed the impact of scientific research on business and society, as well as opportunities for knowledge and technology transfer. Ms. Kristina Eskenazi presented her assessment—and that of the Advisory Board members—of the implementation of the research and innovation programme and the prospects for the university's future development as a research centre of international significance.

The programme also included the lecture "Science Without Borders," presented by Prof. Antonios Gasteratos, PhD, a head of the project's research group. The importance of international scientific cooperation and joint research as a driver of innovation and sustainable development was highlighted.

The participants of the conference also visited the seven high-tech laboratories built and equipped as part of the project. These facilities demonstrate the potential for conducting world-class scientific research and training a new generation of young scientists and innovators.

During the conference, the research groups presented their findings in the programme's strategic areas—digital transformation and security, a sustainable green society, as well as mechatronics and new technologies. Thematic discussions were held, and a final meeting of the Advisory Board took place.

The "Ruse Research University" project is funded in the amount of 6,135,502.57 euros (12,000,000 BGN) by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria under Contract BG-RRP-2. 013-0001, for the implementation of investments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility for "Establishment of a Network of Research Universities in Bulgaria – 2," under the "Innovative Bulgaria" pillar, Component 2 "Research and Innovation," Investment 1 (C2.I1): "Programme to Accelerate Economic Recovery and Transformation through Research and Innovation."

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE HAS CONFIRMED ITS POSITION AS A LEADING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTRE IN THE DANUBE REGION

The University of Ruse has successfully completed the "Ruse Research University" project, funded by the European Union's NextGenerationEU programme through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Between 2024 and 2026, the University achieved results that significantly exceeded the initial goals set out in the Strategic Research and Innovation Programme (SRIP) and reaffirmed its role as a driving force for sustainable development in Bulgaria and the Danube Region.

The project aims to unlock the potential of the University of Ruse as an internationally recognized research centre that actively contributes to the European Research Area. To implement the Strategic Research and Innovation Programme, seven interdisciplinary research groups were established. These groups reflect the university's multidisciplinary nature and the areas of focus being developed by bringing together the efforts and research of scholars in the fields of digital technologies, intelligent systems, sustainable transportation mobility, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, mechatronics and industrial innovation, social and economic sciences, mathematical modeling, and modern security management systems. To stimulate innovation, seven state-of-the-art high-tech laboratories were equipped in the newly built research complex.

A total of 169 researchers participated in the project, including some recruited from abroad. The project also included 24 young researchers, 12 postdoctoral fellows, and 18 leading scientists. In this way, the University not only expanded its scientific potential but also created conditions for the development of a new generation of innovators. They will continue their development in state-of-the-art facilities that provide opportunities for collaboration with world-renowned researchers.

Particularly impressive are the results regarding the programme's key indicators, which also romote the transfer of technology and best practices between researchers in Ruse and their colleagues in Europe, Asia, Canada, and North America. International activity has exceeded the planned targets by more than three times through the signing of 22 new international memoranda of understanding and participation in strategic scientific networks. As a result of the University of Ruse's international presence and reputation, as well as its collaboration with Kobe University (Japan), Bulgaria's first international conference on aquaphotomics will be held in September.

The university is also expanding its presence through its participation in initiatives such as the Danube Digital Green Corridor and the DDGC Society, becoming an active partner in the development of European innovation ecosystems.

Through the implementation of this project and the objectives of the Research Institute for Innovation and Development at the University of Ruse, the University continues its strong tradition of fostering international collaboration with some of the most respected and leading universities specializing in the field of innovation. In this way, these networks facilitate the sharing of knowledge and research expertise, which are vital to the University's focus on strategic areas of development.

Significant growth was also reported in terms of external funding and industrial support. A total of 27 initiatives were implemented, including partnerships with companies, public institutions, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as participation in international project proposals under the Interreg and Erasmus+ programmes and other European funding instruments. As part of the project, the University of Ruse joined the AI Cluster – Bulgaria, became a member of the Biotechnology and Health Cluster, and signed partnership agreements with Huawei.

The University's scientific output has seen record growth. During the project period, over 1,200 scientific publications were reported in the internationally recognized databases Web of Science and Scopus, which far exceeds the set targets. This is a clear indicator of the improved quality, international visibility, and competitiveness of the scientific research conducted at the University of Ruse.

Significant progress has also been made in the areas of technology transfer and intellectual property. Six international patent applications have been prepared, along with a number of applied research projects with the potential for implementation in the real economy. As part of the project, the capacity of the Centre for Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property was also strengthened, which will ensure the sustainability of the results achieved even after the project's completion.

Scientific research is focused on areas of high social and economic significance—smart agriculture, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable transportation, digital energy systems, mechatronics, Industry 4.0, risk management, and social innovation. The solutions developed create conditions for the modernization of business, public services, and industry, as well as for accelerating the green and digital transitions.

The project's impact on the development of Northern Bulgaria and the Danube region is particularly significant. Through scientific research, international partnerships, and the established research infrastructure, the University is establishing itself as a major innovation hub for the development of high-tech entrepreneurship. The activities carried out support the building of a competitive, knowledge-based economy and create new opportunities for businesses, public institutions, and young people in the region.

The results achieved show that the University of Ruse is successfully fulfilling its mission to be not only an educational leader but also a leader in science and innovation, occupying a significant place on the European map of research and innovation and becoming a key factor in the sustainable development of the Danube region.

The "Ruse Research University" project is funded in the amount of 6,135,502.57 euros (12,000,000 BGN) by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria under contract BG-RRP-2. 013-0001, for the implementation of investments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility for "Establishment of a Network of Research Universities in Bulgaria – 2," under the "Innovative Bulgaria" pillar, Component 2 "Research and Innovation," Investment 1 (C2.I1): "Programme to Accelerate Economic Recovery and Transformation through Research and Innovation."

A CLOSING EVENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES UNDER THE DREAM PROJECT, ROBG00169, WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, June 17^th , 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Building 2, Room 2G-204 (SIMENS Hall) at the University of Ruse, a closing event was held to present the results and completed activities of the "Danube River Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (DREAM)" project, funded under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria program, with identification code ROBG00169-DREAM Project – Soft.

Guests at the event included the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD.; Academician Hristo Beloev—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly, DscEng as well as Vice-Rectors Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, and Academician Hristo Beloev greeted the participants and guests. They congratulated the teams on the successful implementation of the project and emphasized its importance for the assessment and monitoring of the Danube River, as well as the practical value of the results achieved for future initiatives in the field of environmental protection.

"This is the first project of the new programming period in which the University of Ruse is the lead partner. It is an honour for us to coordinate its implementation, and even more importantly, the project has high practical value. We hope to see sustainable results from the partners' joint efforts in the coming years," said Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD.

For his part, Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and the role of the university in implementing projects of public significance.

"The University of Ruse is a well-established and sought-after partner in cross-border cooperation programmes and has implemented dozens of projects. This project covers an extremely important area—ecology, water quality, and environmental protection. We are confident that the results achieved will serve as a foundation for future initiatives and further development," said Academician Beloev, DscEng.

The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Plamen Manev, PhD.

During the event, attendees were briefed on the overall implementation of project activities by the partners, the difficulties and challenges overcome by the working teams during the process, as well as the final results achieved.

In conclusion: an innovative Environmental Factors Monitoring System (EFMS) was developed and tested as part of the international project. An application has also been filed with the European Patent Office to protect the copyrights shared among the partners.

At the end of the event, the launch of a selection procedure was announced to identify a beneficiary to whom the system will be provided free of charge for the five-year sustainability period of the project, with the sole condition being that it be used for its intended purpose.

A CLOSING EVENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES UNDER THE DREAM PROJECT, ROBG00169, WILL BE HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 On June 17^th , 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Building 2, Room 2G-204 (SIMENS Hall) at the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" will host a closing event to present the completed activities under the "Danube River Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (DREAM)" project, funded under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria program, with identification code ROBG00169-DREAM Project – Soft.

During the event, attendees will be briefed on the overall implementation of project activities by the partners, the difficulties and challenges overcome by the working groups during the process, as well as the final results achieved.

In conclusion: an innovative Environmental Factors Monitoring System (EFMS) has been developed and tested under the international project. An application has also been filed with the European Patent Office to protect the copyrights shared among the partners.

At the end of the event, the launch of the procedure for selecting a beneficiary to whom the system will be provided free of charge for the five-year sustainability period of the project will be announced, with the sole condition being that it be used for its intended purpose.

A SEMINAR ON OPEN DATA AND OPEN SCIENCE IN BULGARIA WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE UNDER THE ACROSS PROJECT

 Today, June 10^th , 2026, a seminar on the topic "Open Data and Open Science in Bulgaria" was held at the Doctoral Centre of the University of Rusena.

The seminar was led by Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD - Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Ruse.

The seminar is closely related to the topics and research areas on which the University of Ruse is working within the framework of the ACROSS project. The event emphasized the importance of open science and open data as important elements of the modern research environment.

Open Science is a modern approach to scientific activity that promotes free access to scientific publications, research results, methodologies, software, infrastructure and educational resources. Its main goal is to make scientific knowledge more accessible, transparent and usable for both the academic community and businesses, public institutions and society.

Open Data is the provision of scientific and research data in a format that allows for their reuse, verification, comparison and upgrading by other researchers. Sharing data increases the reliability of scientific results, facilitates international cooperation and creates conditions for more effective development of innovations.

The seminar addressed current issues related to the development of Open Science and Open Data in Bulgaria, as well as their importance for universities and scientific organizations. It was emphasized that open access to scientific information and research data supports the reproducibility of scientific results, increases the visibility of scientific achievements and creates better opportunities for partnerships at the national and international levels.

THE HEAD OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPRESENTATION IN BULGARIA AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAMME EXECUTIVE AGENCY VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, 8^th of June, 2026, the Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Ms. Yordanka Chobanova, and Mr. Ivan Popov - Executive Director of the Education Programme Executive Agency, visited the University of Ruse in connection with the implementation of the project "Ruse Research University".

The Ruse Research University project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001.

The guests were welcomed by Academician Hristo Beloev, Chairman of the Steering Committee and Head of the Ruse Research University project, DscEng, and by the Rector of the university, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD.

During the visit, the main activities and achieved results of the project, which is aimed at developing scientific research, innovation and knowledge transfer, were presented. The progress in the implementation of the research programs of all scientific groups, the modernization of the scientific infrastructure and the establishment of the University of Ruse as a leading research center were reported.

Ms. Yordanka Chobanova and Mr. Ivan Popov toured the laboratories of the scientific groups and were informed about the achievements of the research teams. Among the highlights were developments related to electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous surveillance systems and technologies for early detection of forest fires.

During the visit, the guests also had the opportunity to visit the Centre of Excellence UNITe (CE UNITe) at the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", where they viewed the laboratories for 3D digitization, kinematics, 3D printing and 3D visualization and became acquainted with the main activities and tasks of the researchers.

CE UNITe was built within the framework of Project BG16RFPR002-1.014-0004 UNITe, which is funded under the Programme "Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Intelligent Transformation" (PRIDIT).

During the meeting between the rector's leadership and the guests, the opportunities for sustainable development of scientific activity at the University of Ruse and the importance of investments in scientific research and innovation for increasing the quality of higher education and the competitiveness of Bulgarian science were discussed.

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON AQUAPHOTOMICS WILL BE HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

From September 23rd  to 26th , 2026, the International Scientific Conference "4th European Aquaphotomics Conference (AqPH2026)" will be held at the Kanev Centre of the University of Ruse - one of the leading European events in the field of aquaphotomics, spectroscopy and intelligent technologies for the analysis of living systems.

The conference is organized by the University of Ruse in partnership with the International Aquaphotomics Society and will bring together scientists, researchers, lecturers, doctoral students, students and business representatives from all over the world.

Among the participants will be established scientists with international recognition, including Academician Hristo Beloev - Honourary Rector and Chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, DscEng, the Rector of the University of Ruse Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD,  Prof. Rumyana Tsenkova, PhD from  University of Kobe, the Vice-Rector Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD,  Prof. Zoltan Kovács, PhD from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, who are part of the scientific and organizational committee of the forum.

Aquaphotomics is an interdisciplinary scientific field that is gaining increasing importance in modern science due to its broad applications in the study of living systems. The conference aims to build on the achievements of previous European Aquaphotomics forums and provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and good practices between scientists, students and industry representatives.

The event will create opportunities to present the latest scientific achievements, discuss current challenges and build new scientific and business partnerships. The forum will feature plenary reports by leading international scientists, scientific presentations and poster sessions that will encourage collaboration between academia and industry.

Accepted and approved reports according to scientific criteria will be published in the Web of Conferences series and indexed in the international Scopus database.

The University of Ruse strengthens its position as an active participant in the international scientific space for high-quality scientific events and international cooperation by holding the conference.

More information about the conference and the conditions for participation can be found on the official website: www.aqph2026.com.

A SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE "DANUBE BRIDGES 2026 SCIENCE AND INNOVATION FOR AN INTEGRATED DANUBE REGION" WAS OPENED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, 04^th June,2026, a scientific conference "DANUBE BRIDGES 2026 SCIENCE AND INNOVATION FOR AN INTEGRATED DANUBE REGION" was opened at the Kanev Centre of the University of Ruse. The event is organized by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences with the support of the University of Ruse. The forum is part of the official calendar of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region 2026.

Among the guests of the event were: Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva - President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD - Rector of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", Acad. Hristo Beloev - Honourary Rector and Chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, DscEng,  H.E. Mrs. Andrea Ikic-Böhm - Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Mr. Emil Jakota - Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Mrs. Natasha Bergel - Ambassador of Slovenia, H.E. Mrs. Aleksandra Micic - Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prof. Lyubomir Vladimirov, PhD - Regional Governor of Ruse Region, Ms. Zlatomira Stefanova - Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality.

In her welcome to the participants, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD emphasized the importance of the forum for the development of scientific cooperation in the Danube region:

"The University of Ruse is honoured to host a forum that unites science, institutions and international partners in the search for sustainable solutions for the future of the Danube region. I am convinced that the exchange of knowledge, ideas and good practices will create new opportunities for development and lay the foundations for even stronger academic and scientific cooperation."

For his part, Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng emphasized the role of science as a bridge between states and societies:

"The Danube river  has always been a symbol of connectivity, cooperation and development. Today, it is science that builds the strongest bridges between people, institutions and countries. I am especially glad that this conference is being held in the year in which Bulgaria chairs the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. Ruse and the University of Ruse have been actively working on the Danube Strategy since its very beginning, and it is our city that is the place where such forums should be held. In the Danube region, we have built sustainable partnerships with universities and scientific organizations from all countries along the river. I am convinced that during the conference we will share valuable experience and scientific results, and the discussions will lay the foundations for new joint initiatives and projects in the future," said Academician Beloev, DscEng.

Greetings to the guests were also extended by Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, H.E. Mrs. Andrea Ikic-Böhm - Ambassador of Austria, Prof. Lyubomir Vladimirov, PhD - Regional Governor of Ruse Region and Mrs. Zlatomira Stefanova - Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality.

Within the framework of the conference, prominent experts, representatives of academia and business will discuss key issues related to technology transfer, modern scientific developments and innovations applicable in industry and infrastructure, the green transition, biodiversity, cultural heritage and sustainable development for an integrated and competitive Danube Region.

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region is one of four EU macro-regional strategies adopted by the European Commission in 2010 and endorsed by the European Council in 2011. The strategy brings together 14 countries along the Danube River and covers a region home to 115 million people, or one fifth of the EU population.

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and the Regional Academic Center - Ruse are reinforcing their role as a driver of regional development, providing a platform for cooperation, dialogue and exchange in support of the European integration of the countries of the Danube region.

On June 5, the conference continues with a scientific session in the Siemens Hall of the University of Ruse.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELCOMED AN ARGENTINE DELEGATION AND HOSTED A SEMINAR ON NO-TILL AGRICULTURE

 Today, 04^th June, 2026, the University of Ruse welcomed an Argentine delegation, which held a meeting with the Academic leadership and participated in a seminar on "Technologies and equipment for no-till agriculture and post-harvest processing", organized jointly by the Embassy of Argentina in Bulgaria and the University of Ruse.

The guests were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova,  PhD, Academician Hristo Beloev - Honourary Rector and Chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, DscEng Vice-Rectors Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Industry, Assoc. Prof. Kaloyan Stoyanov, PhD.

The Argentine delegation included: Marcelo Torres - President of the Argentine Association of Farmers Using No-till Machinery, Leandro Cardoso - Post-harvest Processing Specialist at the Argentine National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Marco Stiuso - Executive Coordinator of the Argentine Chamber of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, Juan Ignacio Camio Bavaso - Acting Head of Mission of the Embassy of Argentina in Bulgaria.

During the meeting, the possibilities for developing cooperation between the University of Ruse and Argentine scientific, educational and industry organizations were discussed. Special attention was paid to the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of modern agricultural technologies, joint research projects and future partnerships between the institutions.

The Rector, prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD expressed gratitude for the interest shown in the university and emphasized the importance of international cooperation.

Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng noted that the University of Ruse has well-established traditions and expertise in the field of agricultural technologies, including the development and implementation of minimum tillage systems.

After the meeting held at the Kanev Centre, a seminar was held on the topic: "Technologies and equipment for no-till farming and post-harvest processing". Within the framework of the programme, a technical presentation was presented on the topic "Building joint solutions: Argentina and Bulgaria as strategic partners in sustainable production and post-harvest efficiency".

At the seminar, Marco Stiuso presented the Argentine technological model in the production of agricultural machinery, and Marcelo Torres introduced the participants to Argentina's applied experience in no-till agriculture and sustainable practices in the sector.

Leandro Cardoso presented technologies for improving post-harvest efficiency and modern solutions for optimizing the processes of storage and processing of agricultural produce. Discussions and question and answer sessions were held after the individual presentations.

The seminar provided an opportunity for the exchange of good practices and experience between Bulgarian and Argentine specialists in the field of no-till agriculture, modern agrotechnologies and effective management of post-harvest processes.

THE TRADITIONAL MEETING OF FOREIGN STUDENTS WITH THE ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, 2^nd June, 2026, the traditional meeting of foreign students with the academic leadership of the university was held in the reading room of the University Library of the University of Ruse. The event was organized on the occasion of May 24th - Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture and Slavic Writing, and this year it coincided with the celebration of the Day of Botev and those who died for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria.

Guests of the event were: the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Academician Hristo Beloev - Honourary Rector and Chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, dscEng,  Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD - Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD - Vice-Rector for International Cooperation; Prof. Anelia Manukova, PhD - Vice-Chairman of the General Assembly and Editor-in-Chief of the University of Ruse newspaper "Studentska Iskra" and the lecturers from the Department of "Bulgarian Language, Literature, History and Art" Assoc. Prof. Emilia Nedkova, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Velislava Doneva, PhD.

Prof. Atanasova, PhD and Academician Beloev, DscEng congratulated the students for their courageous choice to continue their education in a foreign country and to study in a language other than their mother tongue. They expressed their satisfaction with their achievements and assured them that the academic leadership would continue to support them.

During the event, foreign students with excellent and very good results were awarded.

This year, 48 students were awarded, of which 11 were excellent. 3 students from different majors received full honours. 11 students from the Preparatory Course in Language and Specialized Preparation also received certificates for very good results in mastering the Bulgarian language.

Foreign students studying at the University of Ruse this year come from 21 countries: Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Germany, Greece, Israel, India, Spain, Cyprus, China, Kuwait, Latvia, Moldova, UAE, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATES AS A CO-ORGANIZER IN A JOINT WEBINAR WITH PARTNERS FROM KAZAKHSTAN

 The University of Ruse participates as a co-organizer in a joint international webinar with partners from Kazakhstan. The event is organized by Prof.  Zhanat Nurbekova, PhD from Digital Experts Group, and the topic of the webinar is "Integration of AI into Professional Courses".

The webinar was opened on June 1^st , 2026. On behalf of the academic leadership of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, welcomed the participants. In her address, she thanked the University of Ruse for the invitation to participate as a co-organizer of the seminar and emphasized the importance of the long-standing successful cooperation with partners from Kazakhstan.

Assoc. Prof. Ivanova, PhD recalled that the joint work has a solid foundation, built within the framework of the international project HiEdTec "Modernization of Higher Education in Central Asia through New Technologies", in which the University of Ruse was the coordinator. The project, coordinated by Prof. Angel Smrikarov,  PhD brought together partners from Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal. The main focus of the activities was the digital transformation of education and the adaptation of universities to the needs of the digital generation. The welcome note noted that a sustainable academic network for the exchange of experience and good practices has been created within the framework of the project.

"We are particularly pleased to note that our cooperation with Kazakhstan continues after the completion of the project. This seminar is another important step in our common mission to improve the quality of education and prepare specialists for the digital transformation of industry and society," emphasized Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

As part of the webinar, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD also delivered the first lecture of the programme. She presented the topic "Digital Security and Artificial Intelligence in Education: Risks, Ethics and Responsible Use" to the participants of the event. The lecture was dedicated to current issues related to digital security, ethical challenges and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education.

The webinar is held in the form of an interactive online course for improving the qualifications of teachers. It continues in the coming days and focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence into professional courses. The programme has a total of 80 hours and includes thematic modules, online consultations and defense of a final project.

The joint initiative is another step in the development of the partnership between the University of Ruse and Kazakh organizations in the field of digital education, innovative technologies and international academic cooperation.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE SIGNED MEMORANDUMS OF COOPERATION WITH LEADING THAI SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS

 Today, 1^st of June, 2026, in the conference room of the Rectorate of the University of Ruse, a working meeting was held between the university management and delegations from University of Chulalongkorn  and  University of Mae Fah Luang , from Bangkok and Chiang Rai, Thailand, respectively.

The meeting was attended by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Academician Hristo Beloev - Honourary Rector and Chairman of the General Assembly of the University, DscEng,  the Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Prof. Georgi Hristov , PhD- Director of the Centre for Information and Computer Services of the University, as well as Prof. Plamen Zahariev, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Nina Bencheva PhD,  respectively Head and Deputy Head of the Department of Telecommunications.

The guest delegations were composed of: Assoc. Prof. Punnarumol Temdee, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Roungsan Chaisricharoen, PhD and Dr. Chayapol Kamyod from University of Mae Fah Luang , Prof. David Banjerdpongchai, PhD, Prof. Lunchakorn Wuttisittikulkij, PhD  and Senior Lecturer Sirikanya Singcuna from University of  Chulalongkorn , as well as their students Poonsup Kumprasert, Anyu Murakami, Sirapop Saengthongkam and Minn Bo Bo.

During the working meeting, various joint activities between the University of Ruse and the two universities from Thailand were discussed, including the exchange of students and lecturers under the Erasmus+ programme, preparation of joint scientific and educational projects, as well as more in-depth implementation of joint scientific research. To date, researchers from the University of Ruse have more than 15 joint publications with their partners from Thailand, of which 8 in renowned international scientific journals with Impact Factor and rank Q1 and Q2. The culmination of the meeting were the two ceremonies for signing Memorandums of Cooperation.

The second memorandum of cooperation was signed between the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and University of Chulalongkorn , which acted as the founder and representative of the research network of East Asian universities MANGOS - "Metaverse of Academic Nexus for Global Opportunities". The founders of the network are University of Chuo in Japan, the Public University of the Philippines (Philippines Open University),University of  Duta Wacana Christian from Indonesia and the Thai universities University of Srinakharinwirot  and University of Praboromarajchanok.  The main activity of the network, which currently includes more than 100 educational and scientific organizations from all over the world, is the digital transformation of education and science by creating the so-called metaspaces and metauniverses - digital counterparts of real objects and environments, which can be used by teachers, doctoral candidates and students. After signing the memorandum, the guests from Thailand also presented the digital counterpart of the Rectorate building, developed within a few days, to the university management.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE BROUGHT TOGETHER 33 YOUNG RESEARCHERS FOR THE FIRST EDITION OF THE STAR COLLOQUIUM

On May 27^th , 2026, the inaugural edition of the innovative scientific forum for doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and young scholars—the "Social Transformations and Adaptive Solutions" (STAR) Colloquium—took place entirely in a digital environment. This joint initiative between the Centre for Doctoral Students at the University of Ruse and the Learning Development Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University established a new platform for academic exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue. The main organizer and driving force behind this prestigious forum on behalf of the University of Ruse is the Faculty of Business and Management.

The implementation of this innovative approach to networking and idea generation among young scholars, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers is the result of specialized training and the exchange of best practices among the researchers who initiated the colloquium; its realization was made possible thanks to the strategic partnership and support of the "Ruse Research University" project and the STAR-MSCA project ( "Sustainability Transformation: Research and Innovation Network for Quality Information, Better Sustainability Reporting Practices and Business Resilience"). The organizers of this first-of-its-kind digital scientific forum are the Departments of "Management and Social Activities" and "Computer Systems and Technologies" at the University of Ruse.

Behind the success of the event, the professional moderation of the academic debate, and the provision of the overall logistical and communication infrastructure are Assoc. Prof. Irina Kostadinova, PhD., and Dr. Ana Todorova from the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Ruse, and, on behalf of the Learning Development Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University, Dr. Lina Petrakieva, who is also an alumna of the University of Ruse.

Even in its first edition, the colloquium generated enormous interest among the research community. During the event, 33 research papers were presented by 33 active participants (doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and young scholars representing 13 universities and research institutions).

The scientific programme stood out for the uncompromising quality of the presented research and in-depth academic discussions, with participants successfully integrating their specific thematic research into the colloquium's main framework—social transformations and adaptive solutions. The event unfolded across four key thematic panels:

• Panel 1: Public Health, Prevention, and Health Data – with a primary focus on physical health, monitoring, and data management.

•  Panel 2: Social Transformations, Security, and Sustainability – addressing current issues related to public attitudes, migration, entrepreneurship, and the law.

•  Panel 3: The Digital Age, Technology, and Innovation – covering contemporary challenges in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, UX design, and digital marketing.

•    Panel 4: Education, Identity, and Innovations in Learning – focusing on innovative pedagogy, the mental health of young people, and new teaching methods.

The thematic panels covered a wide range of current issues – from modern methodologies in human resource management and role diagnostics to the challenges of digital transformation in education, AI literacy and the competencies of the future. This scientific diversity and the large-scale participation of researchers categorically affirm the need for the creation and development of such formats in the academic space. Shared feedback indicates that young scholars participate in the colloquium because the format provides them with a protected environment in which to present their dissertations – whether they are in the early or advanced stages of their development. It is also essential for researchers to have the opportunity to receive feedback and constructive guidance from colleagues and established researchers, as well as to publicly declare and defend their copyright over their ideas on the scientific topics under consideration. In addition, the colloquium provided participants with the opportunity to overcome their fear of public speaking with the support of an extremely well-intentioned and dialogical audience, as well as to test their technical skills for presenting in an online environment. The innovative regulation of the event became a sought-after challenge. Participants had exactly 5 minutes for a presentation and 5 minutes for questions and answers.

Being able to synthesize a large-scale work within just 300 seconds is a serious test, requiring perfect focus, precision of expression, and brilliant presentation skills. The moderators are pleased to report that the colloquium format has stimulated unconventional approaches from some of the participants, who break the traditional lecture framework and provoke the audience with interactive questions, impressive scientific maturity and readiness for debate. As a direct result of the fruitful work, the participants' research will be collected and published in the official collection of abstracts of the event. The publication will serve as a valuable resource and a mirror of the contemporary scientific pursuits of the new generation of researchers.

The Organizing Committee expresses its sincere gratitude to all young scientists for their professionalism, adherence to high academic standards and courage to face the challenges of the dynamic regulation. The success of the first edition of the STAR 2026 Colloquium is a clear indication that the forum will continue its development as a sustainable tradition and a prestigious arena for scientific debates in the coming years.

If you are a young researcher and are still unsure whether this innovative format is right for you, we invite you to visit the official website of the event – https://star-colloquium.eu/. Get to know the atmosphere of the first edition, see for yourself the benefits of our supportive academic environment and become part of the next edition of the STAR Colloquium.

A TEAM FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATES IN A WEEK DEDICATED TO BULGARIA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GIRONA

From April 27^th  to May 8^th , 2026, the 9th Guest Country Week was held at the University of Girona, Spain. This year's edition was dedicated to Bulgaria and was marked by excellent organization, strong interest, and active participation by representatives of the academic community, cultural organizations, and students.

The university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" was among the main participants in the programme. The university team represented Bulgaria through institutional, cultural, and creative events that showed the richness of Bulgarian history, traditions, folklore, and contemporary identity.

The official opening took place on April 27^th  with an institutional welcome session. It was attended by Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova PhD  who presented the University of Ruse and its role in the development of international academic cooperation. The event marked the start of the programme dedicated to Bulgaria as the guest country.

On May 4^th , Senior Assistant Professor Milena Velikova, PhD from the Department of Bulgarian Language, Literature, History, and Art presented the topic "The Seven Wonders of Bulgaria." The hybrid format of the event allowed the session to be attended by nearly 230 students, faculty members, and guests of the university, as well as participants from outside Girona. Dr. Velikova presented both the diversity and beauty of Bulgarian musical folklore and the "Harmony" dance ensemble of the university of Ruse. At the invitation of Prof. Marina Buzh, PhD she also gave lectures to students enrolled in the teacher training programme at the university of Girona.

The closing event of the Ninth Week of Guest Countries took place on May 7^th  at the university of Girona and was dedicated to a creative workshop exploring the folklore regions of Bulgaria through song and dance. The programme featured Milena Velikova, Svetla Minkova, Anastasia Nazarova, Nevin Hebibova, and the dance group "Ot Izvora" from Lloret de Mar.

The event was attended by the Rector of the University of Girona, Prof. Dr. Josep Calbo Angril, Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Robert Martí Marli and Prof. Dr. Silvia Espinosa Mirabet, as well as students, faculty, staff, and international guests. The beauty of Bulgarian dance was presented by the dance group "From the spring"," founded by the Bulgarian community in the province of Girona, Spain. The event became a lively and emotional experience for the participants, presenting Bulgarian traditions in an accessible, impactful, and inspiring way.

The programme also included lectures and discussions on Bulgarian history, literature, Bulgaria's accession to the European Union, contemporary audiovisual culture, the country's media image, and its geopolitical role between the Black Sea and the Balkans. Some of the events took place online, others in person or in a hybrid format, which allowed for broader participation by students, faculty, and guests.

Bulgaria Week at the university of Girona was a success and left a lasting impression on participants. The participation  of the university of Ruse significantly contributed to presenting our country as a nation with a rich cultural heritage, an active academic life, and strong potential for international cooperation.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL EVENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY ACROSS

On May 28^th , 2026, the annual event of the international working group on equality, diversity, and social inclusion (Task Team 1.4) will take place within the framework of the European University Across—European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing. Following last year's event, which focused primarily on diversity and bridging differences, this year's forum will focus on generational differences in an academic context (Across Generations: Age as a Resource for Inclusion).

Representatives from partner universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia will participate in a discussion across three panels:

- Academic careers and generational trajectories;

- Intergenerational Perspectives: The Voice of Youth;

- Social Dimensions of Generational Differences.

Representing the university of Ruse and participating in the first panel is Prof. Maria Nikolova, PhD, who is among the youngest professors at the university and an active participant in Across's research initiatives.

Prof. Nikolova, PhD will present the experience of the university of Ruse as a space for education and science, where equal opportunities for talent development and academic careers are prioritized.

We look forward to seeing you on May 28^th , 2026, at 3:00 PM. The link to the event is in the attached flyer.

"BOLOGNA PROCESS LABORATORY – BULGARIA" – NATIONAL MEETING WITH A WORKSHOP ON THE FUTURE AND A GLOBAL CAFÉ IN RUSE – DAY TWO OF THE "BOLOGNA PROCESS IN THE DANUBE REGION" FORUM

Following the international forum "The Bologna Process in the Danube Region," held on May 19^th , 2026, at the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" , the university library was transformed into a policy laboratory on May 20^th . On the second day of the event, organized by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) as part of the "Bologna Process Laboratory – Bulgaria" (BPLab) project, a national meeting was held at which the project manager, Anna Varbanova-Ivanova (Directorate of Higher Education, MES) presented the parameters, strategic goals, and ways to participate in BPLab, co-funded by the European Union under the "Erasmus+" programme. "Bologna Process Laboratory – Bulgaria" is a joint three-year project of the Ministry of Education and Science and Heidelberg University, implemented by the "Higher Education" Directorate of the national body responsible for higher education policies and by the Centre for Social Investment at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. It is structured as a large-scale initiative that combines policy design, expert analysis, and broad stakeholder participation.

Unlike traditional "working groups," the laboratory approach encourages systematic thinking, which involves seeing the big picture, linking quantitative data and analyses with the narratives of the experiences of members of the academic community and stakeholders, an awareness of the historical context and the specificities of each situation at the national level, as well as testing small-scale interventions (prototypes) and tracking their effects in a real-world setting. In this sense, the BPLab aims to function as a safe space for dialogue, where higher education institutions in Bulgaria will have the opportunity to identify "bottlenecks" in the system and legislation and to participate themselves in developing proposals that have a greater chance of success precisely because they are created by the people who will implement them. This will be made possible through the unique transfer of know-how regarding the System Innovation Lab approach.

The role of co-moderators was assumed by Dr. Ivana Radonova (Ministry of Education and Science) – co-chair of the Bologna Implementation Coordination Group (BICG), Prof. Eliza Stefanova, PhD – chair of the National Agency for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NAAAE), Vanya Grashkina-Mincheva – executive director of the National Agency for Academic Recognition and Regulated Professions (NAARRP), Kosta Tonev – Director of the "Academic Recognition and Regulated Professions" Directorate (NAARRP), and Yana Yotova-Bakalova – Head of the "Strategic Planning and Development Policies" Department (MES).

The following individuals actively participated in the event: the honourary rector of the University of Ruse and chairman of the Municipal Council, Acad. Hristo Beloev;DscEng, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD rector; and Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD,  vice rector for international affairs at the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"; Prof. Miroslav Karabaliyev, PhD—Rector of Trakia University—Stara Zagora, Prof. Vasil Georgiev, PhD—Vice Rector for International Affairs at the Academy of National and Information Security, Assoc. Prof. Anna Ivanova, PhD – Vice Rector for International Affairs at St. Cyril and St. Methodius the university of Veliko Tarnovo "St. Cyril and St, Methodius, Assoc. Prof. Petrana Stoykova, PhD – Vice Rector at South-West University"Neofit Rilski. – Blagoevgrad, Assoc. Prof. Sonya Vulkova, MD – Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at the Medical University of Pleven, Prof. Tereza Trencheva, PhD – Vice Rector for Research and International Affairs at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Nora Angelova – Member of the Board of the European Students' Union (ESU), Dr. Miroslav Zlatev (Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works) – Member of the Bulgarian EU Presidency Team for the Danube Region, Dimitar Andreev – State Expert at the Directorate of Higher Education (Ministry of Education and Science), as well as representatives of the administrations of the "Prof. Asen Diamandiev" Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts – Plovdiv, the N. Y. Vaptsarov Naval Academy – Varna, and the Air Force Academy  "Georgi Benkovski" – Dolna Mitropoliya, The Higher School of Agribusiness and Regional Development – Plovdiv, the Technical University – Varna, the University of National and World Economy, Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, and others.

As a result of the discussions and reflections at the previous day's international forum, the view was confirmed that Bulgaria is one of the leaders in the Bologna Process and a proactive participant in the working structures of the European Higher Education Area, and that this role should be supported. Bold and, at first glance, radical proposals for updating the regulatory framework were discussed, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of higher education institutions and their integration into international networks, placing the student at the center of learning, horizontal and vertical degree mobility, and the quality of higher education.

A series of meetings in a similar format is planned within the project until the end of 2028, and the intention is for the laboratory to continue functioning as a strategic policy tool even after the project concludes.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE HOSTED AN EVENING OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES AT THE FACULTY OF ELECTRONICS, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, AND AUTOMATICS

On May 20^th , 2026, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automatics held its annual "Evening of the Fields of Study" in Room 2.101 at the University of Ruse. A total of 84 awards were presented to students with outstanding academic performance, as well as to participants in the student research session and the academic competitions and contests organized by the faculty. Among the awardees were Erasmus+ students from Egypt, Romania, Tunisia, and Turkey.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD – Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD – Vice Rector for Research, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD – Vice Rector for International Cooperation, Prof. Ivaylo Stoyanov, PhD – Director of the Academic Sector, Prof. Nikola Sabev, PhD – Dean of the Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, and many business representatives – Intellitis, FAAC Bulgaria, Avenga, Reward Gateway, Intermedia Ltd., Mi9Retail, and others.

Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD, Vice Rector of the University of Ruse, and Assoc. Prof. Viara Ruseva, PhD – Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automatics – congratulated the students on their achievements and wished them good health, continued creativity, and active participation in the student research session and other events organized by the faculty.

Ms. Yanitsa Vitanova from Avenga and Ms. Victoria Lapadzova from FAAC Bulgaria also addressed the students.

The ceremony continued with a motivational speech by Mr. Lyudmil Radulov, CEO of the software company Intellitis and founder of the technology community Software Roastery.

Boris Tsvetkov, a classical guitar student at the National School of Arts "Prof. Veselin Stoyanov" in Ruse, and Emilia Velikova, a second-year student in the Department of Classical Music and a member of the "Danube Waves" choir, provided entertainment for the attendees.

Awards were presented to 33 students with outstanding academic performance from all courses and majors within the faculty, as well as to 51 undergraduate and graduate students, including Erasmus students from four countries, who participated in the Student Research Session in the sections "Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automatics" and "Communication and Computer Engineering," and in the competitions organized by the faculty as part of the spring science festival.

At the end of the ceremony, students and doctoral students from the faculty were honoured with certificates for their active participation in the activities of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automatics.

AN INTERNATIONAL FORUM TITLED"THE BOLOGNA PROCESS IN THE DANUBE RIVER – A RECTORS' DIALOGUE ON POLICY" WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE AND A NATIONAL MEETING TO LAUNCH THE "BOLOGNA PROCESS LABORATORY – BULGARIA"

Within the framework of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) organized the international forum "Bologna Process in the Danube Region – Rectors' Policy Dialogue," dedicated to policy dialogue regarding the implementation of the Bologna Process in the Danube Region. The event opened in Ruse today, May 19^th , 2026, and tomorrow, May 20^th , 2026, a national meeting will be held to launch the "Bologna Process Laboratory – Bulgaria" as part of the eponymous BPLab project, serving as a new strategic tool of the MES for policies in the higher education sector. The events are organized with the support of: the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, the Secretariat of the European Higher Education Area based in Bucharest, the Danube Rectors' Conference based in Vienna, as well as the State Opera  of Ruse and the European Centre for Culture – Ruse.

The forum is distinguished by its strong international participation. Representatives from the following countries will participate: Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Kosovo, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Italy, and Belgium.

Among the officials present was Dr. Georg Mildenberger, director of the Centre for Social Investment at Heidelberg University—a partner of the Ministry of Education and Science in the BPLab project. The University of Ruse signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with partners from Heidelberg University in May 2025.

Today's event in the "Siemens" Hall at the University of Ruse was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Academician Nikolay Vitanov, PhD, Dr. Ivana Radonova (MES)—co-chair of BICG, Yana Yotova-Bakalova – Head of the "Strategic Planning and Development Policies" Department at the Ministry of Education and Science, Anna Varbanova-Ivanova, project manager (and the BPLab team) from the "Higher Education" Directorate at the Ministry of Education and Science, Prof. Eliza Stefanova, PhD  – Chair of the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation (NAAA), Ms. Vanya Grashkina-Mincheva – Executive Director of the National Agency for Civil Society Development (NACSD), the Mayor of Ruse Municipality – Dr. Pencho Milkov, Deputy Mayor – Zlatomira Stefanova, the Rector of the University of Ruse – Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD,  Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng– Honourary Rector of the University of Ruse, Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse and Chair of the Ruse Municipal Council, Vice-Rectors: Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD,  Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Prof. Gencho Popov, PhD, Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD.

Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Academician Nikolay Vitanov, PhD greeted the forum participants and expressed his gratitude to the university administration for hosting the event. Academician Vitanov, PhD emphasized the importance and value of the forum, as it brings together experts and representatives from various institutions, building bridges between them.

The Mayor of Ruse Municipality, Dr. Pencho Milkov, also welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of the city and the region as a natural bridge between different cultures. He emphasized that holding such a forum in Ruse reinforces Bulgaria's place in European policies.

The rector of the university, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, welcomed the forum participants with a warm "Welcome!" She thanked the Ministry of Education and Science for selecting the university and the city as the place for the event, and wished the participants fruitful discussions.

The focus was on the key commitments of the Bologna Process—qualification frameworks, quality assurance, academic recognition, and the social dimension. The programme was designed to ensure a smooth transition from the broad European policy context, through specific national actions, to a discussion from an institutional perspective. The forum was attended by the co-chairs of the four Thematic Working Groups within the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG) and the Implementation Coordination Group (BICG), as well as higher education leaders from Romania, Germany, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Kosovo, and Bulgaria. Link to the programme.

As the host of the event, the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"  embodied the role of academic institutions as bridges between tradition and modernity, between national policies and European horizons.

The accompanying cultural programme "Mozart by Candlelight" by the  State Opera of Ruse highlights the cultural dimension of Danube cooperation. Music is used as a metaphor for the harmonization of educational systems, where each country retains its individuality but contributes to the common European ensemble, while light, as a symbol of knowledge, embodies the transparency and comparability of higher education systems in the Bologna Process countries, which share common goals, policies, and intellectual trajectories within the European Higher Education Area.

The event is part of the project by the Ministry of Education and Science and Heidelberg University No. 101228818 – BPLab – ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EHEA-NARIC "Bologna Process Lab – Bulgaria: Piloting a System Innovation Lab Approach to the Implementation of the Bologna Process in the Bulgarian Higher Education Sector."

Context:

The Project. The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has launched an innovative project, the "Bologna Process Laboratory – Bulgaria (BPLab)," to accelerate higher education reforms in line with the commitments of the Bologna Process. BPLab is a direct response to the priorities set out in the 2024 Tirana Communiqué and aims to overcome barriers to the automatic recognition of qualifications, improve quality assurance and foster a "culture of quality," and promote transnational cooperation. Through the "system innovation lab" approach, higher education institutions in Bulgaria will be active partners in policy-making. The full project summary and more information on the approach are available in the "Projects" section under "Higher Education" on the Ministry of Education and Science website.

The Bologna Process. The Bologna Process is an intergovernmental collaboration among European countries in the field of higher education that began with the signing of the Bologna Declaration in 1999. Its main goal is to establish a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in which national higher education systems are more compatible, transparent, and mutually recognized. Forty-seven countries, the European Commission, as well as representatives of higher education institutions, students, and other stakeholders are actively involved in the process. The Bologna Process promotes cooperation among countries and institutions to improve the quality of higher education, facilitate academic mobility, and improve the recognition of qualifications and periods of study by establishing common principles and tools that foster trust between national systems and facilitate learning and professional development in an international context. Bulgaria has been an active participant in the Bologna Process since its inception and is part of the European Higher Education Area. Participation in the process supports the international recognition of Bulgarian degrees, the mobility of students and faculty, the development of quality assurance systems, and the modernization of higher education in line with European trends and priorities.

More information is available on the Ministry of Education and Science website, under the "Higher Education" section.

(

STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WON PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS IN THE 2026 "CHINESE LANGUAGE BRIDGE" COMPETITION

 On May 10^th , 2026, the 25th edition of the "Chinese Language Bridge" competition in Chinese language and culture for high school and university students was held at the Confucius Institute in Veliko Tarnovo.

Two students from the university of Ruse took part in the competition and achieved remarkable results. Nuray Salim and Melissa Emin represented the university in a dignified manner. Both have been studying Chinese language and culture at the Confucius Classroom at the university of Ruse for more than three years and are among the most active and talented students.

The "Chinese Language Bridge" competition consists of three stages: a speaking skills demonstration, a test of knowledge of Chinese language and culture, and a part where they have to present their talents. Nuray Salim took third place in the competition for best command of the Chinese language, while Melissa Emin was awarded the prize for best talent in the field of traditional Chinese art for her impressive lotus painting.

A significant contribution to the students' success was made by Ma Wen, a Chinese instructor at the university of Ruse, who invests a great deal of effort and energy in preparing her students and is a true ambassador of Chinese culture in Bulgaria.

Special congratulations on the excellent performance of the Ruse students were extended by the directors of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, Ms. Aksinia Koleva and Prof. Chen, PhD.

The "Confucius" Classroom at the university of Ruse was established in 2016 under the auspices of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and in November 2026 it will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a series of festive and memorable events.

The initiatives of the Ruse classroom serve as a model in Bulgaria as an innovative centre for the promotion of the Chinese language and culture, contributing to the strengthening and development of friendly relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Bulgaria.

\

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WILL HOST AN INTERNATIONAL FORUM ENTITLED "THE BOLOGNA PROCESS IN THE DANUBE REGION – A RECTORS' DIALOGUE ON POLICY" AND A NATIONAL MEETING TO LAUNCH THE "BOLOGNA PROCESS LABORATORY – BULGARIA"

 As part of Bulgaria's Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) is organizing the international forum "Bologna Process in the Danube Region – Rectors' Policy Dialogue," dedicated to policy dialogue regarding the implementation of the Bologna Process in the Danube Region. The event will take place in Ruse on May 19^th , 2026, and on May 20^th , 2026, a national meeting will be held in the Danube city to launch the "Bologna Process Laboratory – Bulgaria" as part of the eponymous BPLab project, serving as a new strategic tool of the Ministry of Education and Science for policies in the higher education sector.

The host and co-organizer of the international forum and the national meeting is the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev". The event is organized with the cooperation of: the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, the Secretariat of the European Higher Education Area based in Bucharest, the Danube Rectors' Conference based in Vienna, as well as the State Opera of Ruse and the European Centre for Culture – Ruse.

The focus will be on the key commitments of the Bologna Process—qualification frameworks, quality assurance, academic recognition, and the social dimension. The programme is designed to ensure a smooth transition from the broad European policy context, through specific national actions, to a discussion from an institutional perspective. The forum will be attended by the co-chairs of the four Thematic Working Groups within the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG) and the Implementation Coordination Group (BICG), as well as leaders in higher education from Romania, Germany, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Kosovo, and Bulgaria. Link to the program

As the host of the event, the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" embodies the role of academic institutions as bridges between tradition and modernity, between national policies and European horizons.

The accompanying cultural programme "Mozart by Candlelight" by the State Opera of Ruse highlights the cultural dimension of Danube cooperation. Music is used as a metaphor for the harmonization of educational systems, where each country retains its individuality but contributes to the common European ensemble, and light, as a symbol of knowledge, embodies the transparency and comparability of higher education systems in the Bologna Process countries, which share common goals, policies, and intellectual trajectories within the European Higher Education Area.

The event is part of the project by the Ministry of Education and Science and Heidelberg University No. 101228818 – BPLab – ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EHEA-NARIC "Bologna Process Lab – Bulgaria: Piloting a System Innovation Lab Approach to the Implementation of the Bologna Process in the Bulgarian Higher Education Sector".

Context:

The Project. The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has launched an innovative project, "Bologna Process Lab – Bulgaria (BPLab)," to accelerate reforms in higher education in line with the commitments of the Bologna Process. BPLab is a direct response to the priorities set out in the 2024 Tirana Communiqué and aims to overcome barriers to the automatic recognition of qualifications, improve quality assurance and foster a "culture of quality," and promote transnational cooperation. Through the "system innovation lab" approach, higher education institutions in Bulgaria will be active partners in policy-making. The full project summary and more information on the approach are available in the "Projects" section under "Higher Education" on the Ministry of Education and Science website.

The Danube Strategy. In 2026, the Republic of Bulgaria assumed the responsible role of rotating presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). This presidency is not merely a political commitment, but a strategic platform for demonstrating leadership in transforming education systems and reducing regional disparities through knowledge and innovation. The motto of the Bulgarian Presidency—"Connected Regions, Greater Cohesion: A Stronger Danube for All"—sums up the drive toward territorial integration, where education is the main link between EU member states and candidate countries. In this way, the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region seeks to highlight the importance of macro-regional cooperation in science and innovation and to contribute to a more sustainable, integrated, and competitive Danube region. The development of human capital through education, vocational training, scientific and academic cooperation, as well as the promotion of cultural exchange, youth participation, and people-to-people contacts, forms the foundation for social cohesion and a shared European identity. The development of European higher education in the third decade of the 21st century is marked by the need for unprecedented flexibility, sustainability, and social cohesion.

The Bologna Process. The Bologna Process is an intergovernmental collaboration among European countries in the field of higher education that began with the signing of the Bologna Declaration in 1999. Its main goal is to establish a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in which national higher education systems are more compatible, transparent, and mutually recognized. Forty-seven countries, the European Commission, as well as representatives of higher education institutions, students, and other stakeholders are actively involved in the process. The Bologna Process promotes cooperation among countries and institutions to improve the quality of higher education, facilitate academic mobility, and improve the recognition of qualifications and periods of study by establishing common principles and tools that foster trust between national systems and facilitate learning and professional development in an international context. Bulgaria has been an active participant in the Bologna Process since its inception and is part of the European Higher Education Area. Participation in the process supports the international recognition of Bulgarian degrees, the mobility of students and faculty, the development of quality assurance systems, and the modernization of higher education in line with European trends and priorities.

 More information is available on the Ministry of Education and Science website, under the "Higher Education" section.

THE 10TH INNOVATIVE YOUTH EXPO WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, May 14^th , 2026, the Tenth Innovative Youth Expo was inaugurated in front of the Kanev Centre building, marking the closing event of the 28th Spring Science Festival at the university of Ruse. The initiative was organized by the Academic Administration and the Student Council of the university of Ruse, under the auspices of the Minister of Education and Science and with the participation of the National Representation of Student Councils in Bulgaria.

The opening of the event was attended by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD; Acad. Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the Ruse Municipal Council; the Mayor of Ruse Municipality, Mr. Pencho Milkov, the Head of the Regional Education Administration, Dr. Rositsa Georgieva, Father Simeon from the Holy Metropolis of Ruse, and Vice-Rectors Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD

Vice-Rector for Research Prof. Daniel Bratanov, PhD opened EXPO'26. Welcoming words to the participants and guests were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng,  Mr. Pencho Milkov, and Dr. Rositsa Georgieva, while Father Simeon blessed the forum.

With each passing year, students present increasingly interesting and innovative projects that come closer to real opportunities for development and implementation. "We thank the business community for its support, because it is through such partnerships that Bulgaria's future is built," said Rector Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, wishing success to all participants.

"It is a pleasure for me to celebrate the tenth anniversary edition of EXPO together. This forum provides an opportunity to show new ideas and encourages young people to develop their potential. I wish all participants future success and confidence in the realization of their projects," said Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng.

In their words, the guests emphasized that the initiative brings together in one place schoolchildren, students, teachers, representatives of business and public institutions, and is a shining example of efforts aimed at the development of innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research.

This year's edition of EXPO'26 brought together participants at 35 exhibition booths—an impressive achievement that demonstrates the event's steady growth and increasing interest.

Visitors had the opportunity to view a variety of projects, prototypes, experimental models, samples, and demonstrations showcasing innovative ideas and practical solutions. Among the most attractive exhibits at the Tenth Innovative Youth EXPO were 3D mock-ups and models of various objects, solar benches powered by photovoltaic panels, automotive developments, as well as many other interesting projects and technological solutions created by the participants.

At the same time another important event for the university took place—the Student Scientific Session: "Best Paper Crystal Prize '26," which featured scientific papers by students, doctoral candidates, and young scientists that had been awarded the Crystal Prize by the scientific juries at the Spring Science Festivals and student scientific sessions held across all faculties and branches of the university of Ruse.

A DELEGATION FROM POLITECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF SHANGHAI VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, May 13^th , 2026, a delegation from Politechnic university of Shanghai visited the University of Ruse.

The guests were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD  Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD—Vice Rector for International Affairs, the Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automatics, Assoc. Prof.Viara Ruseva, PhD and Distinguished Associate Professor Stoyanka Smrikarova, PhD—an expert in international affairs at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automatics.

The delegation included representatives from various academic units and the international administration of the Chinese university: Ms. Xia Yanchun – Director of the Academic Affairs Office, Mr. Shenfa – Dean of the School of Art and Design, Ms. Hu Zhen – Deputy Director of the International Office, Mr. Shi Linxiang, Associate Dean of the School of Computer and Information Engineering, PhD, and Ms. Pan Hailan, Associate Dean of the School of Economics and Management, PhD. The composition of the delegation reflects the broad scope of the planned discussions and the opportunities for developing cooperation between the two institutions in various fields of higher education and scientific research.

During the visit, meetings were held with representatives of the university administration. The main focus was on opportunities to deepen cooperation in the areas of education, research, student and faculty mobility, as well as the development of joint projects. Discussions were also held regarding the renewal of the dual-degree agreement between the university of Ruse (major in "Computer Systems and Technologies") and  university of Technology in Shanghai (major in Computer Science and Technology). Under this agreement, outstanding students from both universities will have the opportunity to study for three years at their home university and the fourth year at the other university, and receive bachelor's degrees in computer engineering from both universities.

The partnership between the two institutions dates back to 2014 and is based on a signed agreement for academic cooperation, which provides for the exchange of faculty, researchers, students, and administrative staff; the development of joint scientific and innovative activities; the exchange of academic materials and publications; and participation in international seminars, conferences, and academic forums. Over the past 10 years, 27 student and doctoral student mobility exchanges have taken place between the institutions under the Erasmus+ programme.

The visit marks an important step in the development of international ties between the two institutions and underscores the commitment of the university of Ruse to building sustainable partnerships. The meetings are expected to lead to new opportunities for joint educational programmes, research projects, and the exchange of best practices for the benefit of students, faculty, and research teams at both institutions.

THE ANNUAL "2026 GLOBAL VILLAGE" SEMINAR WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, May 12^th , 2026, in Room 2.101 at the university of Ruse, the annual "2026 GLOBAL VILLAGE" seminar was held for the 18th consecutive time on the topic "International Activities of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Machine Elements, Engineering Graphics, and Physics" (MMEG and Physics), was held for the 18th consecutive year in Room 2.101 at the university of Ruse. During the event, students and faculty were presented with the department's scientific and international activities and their impact on the quality of the educational process and teaching at the university. More than 50 students and doctoral candidates participated in the seminar.

The event was opened by the Rector of the university of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, who emphasized that the seminar has established itself as one of the most consistent and inspiring presentations of international activities at the university of Ruse.

She noted that the goal of this seminar is not only to present our achievements but also to inspire those who have not yet taken advantage of academic exchange opportunities, and she expressed hope that more and more students will take advantage of these programmes, broaden their horizons, and gain valuable experience.

During the event, opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of research and international activities were discussed, opportunities that can be realized with the support of faculty members from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Machine Elements, Engineering Graphics, and Physics.

Prof. Antoaneta Dobreva, PhD, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Machine Elements, Engineering Graphics, and Physics summarized the department's international activities in partnership with more than 20 universities from various European countries.

Undergraduate and graduate students who participated in academic exchanges and internships under the Erasmus programme shared their impressions of their stays at European universities and companies.

The seminar concluded with a discussion and informal meetings and conversations between students and faculty members.

INTERNATIONAL LUNCH PRESENTED THE NATIONAL CUISINES OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN ERASMUS+ WEEK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, May 12^th , 2026, an international lunch was organized at the Kanev Centre of the university of Ruse, featuring dishes from the national cuisines of the participants in the tenth international Erasmus+ Week. The event at the university of Ruse was attended by representatives from 28 partner universities from 23 countries, including Azerbaijan, Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Cambodia, Canada, China, Kosovo, Malaysia, Morocco, Palestine, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, France, and Montenegro.

The rector Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD and Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng — Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the university of Ruse—welcomed the guests.

At the event, held in an informal setting, participants presented dishes typical of their countries. Guests at the event had the opportunity to sample: durian chocolate from Malaysia, churchkhela from Georgia, djuzia from Algeria, dried cherries and traditional wine from Moldova, dates and Turkish delight from Turkey, shekerbura, uchkolak cookies, and baklava from Azerbaijan, nut cake from Slovenia, caramelized nuts from Brazil, baklava from Palestine and many other traditional national sweets and specialties.

The hosts, for their part, served banitsa, pita, sarmi, cheese, yellow cheese, and other Bulgarian dishes.

Cultural clubs from the university of Ruse also participated in the intercultural lunch. The dance troupe "Harmony," the "Mood" sports dance club, and the  majorette squad  of the university kept the guests in good spirits. The programme was complemented by violin and bagpipe performances.

This year's International Week is themed "Exchange of Knowledge and Innovation Without Borders." The focus is on international cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and the development of partnerships in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation.

The university of Ruse has been among the first universities in Bulgaria to organize an Erasmus Week for its partners since 2014. The event annually attracts representatives from higher education institutions across Europe and the world, strengthening international cooperation, fostering new professional connections, and contributing to the development of long-term academic partnerships. The holding of the tenth edition of the International Erasmus+ Week confirms the active role of the university of Ruse in building an open, modern, and internationally connected academic environment.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE SIGNS MEMORANDUMS OF COOPERATION WITH AREL UNIVERSITY OF ISTANBUL

 Today, May 11^th , 2026, as part of Erasmus Week, two memoranda of cooperation were signed between the University of Ruse and Arel University of Istanbul. The documents were signed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD and the Rector of Arel University of Istanbul, Prof. Ersin GÖSE, PhD.

The signing ceremony was attended by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse—Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD—Vice Rector for International Affairs—and Distinguished Associate Professor Stoyanka Smrikarova, PhD—an International Affairs Expert at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation . Representing Arel University in Istanbul were Prof. Ali Güngör, PhD—Vice Rector—and the Rector's Advisor, Assoc. Prof. Serdar Menekay, PhD.

The signed memorandum of cooperation between the university of Ruse and Arel University of Istanbul builds upon the partnership between the two universities, providing for the expansion of cooperation between the two institutions.

The second memorandum was signed as part of the "Ruse Research University" project, funded by the EU through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (BG-RRP-2.013-0001). The project is led by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng. The memorandum provides for scientific cooperation, including the exchange of doctoral students and faculty members, joint publications, participation in international projects, and the organization of joint events.

The Arel University of Istanbul was established on September 14^th ,1999, thanks to the Kemal GÖZÜKARA Foundation for Education and Culture. The mission of the university is to provide the best education to all students without discrimination, preparing them to meet the demands of the future and become creative individuals.

The university educates over 16,000 students across 8 faculties and has more than 300 lecture halls and seminar rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The university also has numerous centres, including: the Technology and Engineering Centre, the Distance Learning Centre, the International Strategic Research Centre for Applications and Research, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence Applications and Research, the Technology Transfer Office, Communication Centre, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre, Career Planning, Application, and Research Centre, and many others. The university also has three vocational high schools.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELCOMED INTERNATIONAL GUESTS FROM 23 COUNTRIES DURING ITS ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WEEK

 Today, May 11^th , 2026, the tenth edition of the International Erasmus+ Week was officially opened in the "Siemens" Hall at the University of Ruse. Guests were welcomed with a traditional Bulgarian dance—the Dzhinovska Zakachka—performed by children from the "Elbetitsa" folk dance club at the "St. Constantine-Cyril the Philosopher" Secondary School of Economics and Economics.

The event continued with a festive surprise to mark the tenth anniversary—a special cake in honour of the tenth anniversary of the annual International Erasmus Week at the University of Ruse. The candles on the cake were lit by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the university of Ruse, and Rector at the time of the first Erasmus Week at the university. All those involved in the organization and development of the initiative over the past years were present, including the Erasmus coordinators from the university's faculties.

The university of Ruse will host its partners under the Erasmus+ programme from May 11th -15th . During the week, meetings will also be held for the international groups working on two work packages of the ACROSS project—European University for Cross-border Knowledge Sharing.

The International Erasmus+ Week was officially opened by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of international cooperation.

"The University of Ruse believes in the power of partnership, cultural exchange, and joint efforts for quality education and scientific achievements. For us, international cooperation is a mission and a responsibility — a path to new knowledge, innovation, and better understanding among people. I wish everyone fruitful meetings, inspiring discussions, and new friendships," said Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD in her welcome address.

The university and its international activities were presented by the Vice Rector for International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

The International Week brings together representatives from 28 partner universities in 23 countries, including Azerbaijan, Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Cambodia, Canada, China, Kosovo, Malaysia, Morocco, Palestine, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, France, and Montenegro. This year, there are over 60 participants in the week, which is a record number for the event and demonstrates the sustained and growing interest in partnering with the university of Ruse and its international initiatives, Assoc. Prof. Ivanova , PhD added.

The motto of this year's International Week is "Exchange of Knowledge and Innovation Without Borders." The focus is on international cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and the development of partnerships in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation.

The event's programme includes working sessions, a tour of the university campus, and intercultural activities. Guest lecturers will deliver presentations and lectures to students and faculty members of the university. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, present their universities, and discuss opportunities for future cooperation.

This year, a special highlight of the programme will be the presentation of ACROSS—the European University for Cross-border Knowledge Sharing. Special sessions will also be held dedicated to Work Packages 4.2—Cooperation among European University Alliances—and 4.4—Project Support Unit, in which the University of Ruse is the lead partner.

The university of Ruse's participation in a European university with more than 100,000 students and over 10,000 faculty and administrative staff opens up new development prospects for the University of Ruse. This reinforces the university's position not only as a research-oriented institution of higher education in Bulgaria but also as an influential center for education, science, and innovation within the European Research and Education Area.

The university of Ruse has been among the first universities in Bulgaria to organize an Erasmus Week for its partners since 2014. The event annually attracts representatives of higher education institutions from Europe and around the world, strengthening international cooperation, creating new professional contacts, and contributing to the development of long-term academic partnerships. The holding of the tenth edition of the International Erasmus+ Week confirms the active role of the university of Ruse in building an open, modern, and internationally connected academic environment.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL GUESTS FROM 23 COUNTRIES FOR ITS ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WEEK

 The university of Ruse will host the tenth edition of the International Erasmus+ Week from May 11^th to 15^th, 2026. During the week, meetings of the international groups will also be held on two work packages from the ACROSS project—European University for Cross-border Knowledge Sharing.

The International Week will bring together representatives from 28 partner universities in 23 countries, including Azerbaijan, Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Cambodia, Canada, China, Kosovo, Malaysia, Morocco, Palestine, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, France, and Montenegro. This year, there are over 60 participants in the week, a record number for the event, demonstrating the sustained and growing interest in partnering with the University of Ruse and its international initiatives.

The motto of this year's International Week is "Exchange of Knowledge and Innovation Without Borders." The focus is on international cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and the development of partnerships in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation.

International Week will be officially opened by the administration of the university of Ruse on May 11^th , 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the "Siemens" Hall, Building 2, Room 2G.204.

The programme of the event includes working sessions, a tour of the university campus, and intercultural activities. Guest lecturers will deliver presentations and lectures to students and faculty members of the university. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, present their universities, and discuss opportunities for future collaboration.

This year, a special highlight of the programme will be the presentation of ACROSS—the European University for Cross-border Knowledge Sharing. Special sessions will also be held dedicated to Work Packages 4.2—Cooperation among European University Alliances—and 4.4—Project Support Unit, in which the University of Ruse is the lead partner.

The participation of the university of Ruse in a European university with more than 100,000 students and over 10,000 faculty and administrative staff opens up new development prospects for the university of Ruse. This reinforces the university's position not only as a research-oriented institution of higher education in Bulgaria but also as an influential centre for education, science, and innovation within the European Research and Education Area.

The university of Ruse has been among the first universities in Bulgaria to organize an Erasmus Week for its partners since 2014. The event annually attracts representatives of higher education institutions from Europe and around the world, strengthening international cooperation, creating new professional contacts, and contributing to the development of long-term academic partnerships. The holding of the tenth edition of the International Erasmus+ Week confirms the active role of the University of Ruse in building an open, modern, and internationally connected academic environment.

THE TENTH INNOVATIVE YOUTH EXPO WILL BE HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

On May 14^th , 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the 10th Innovative Youth Expo will take place in front of the Kanev Centre. The forum is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Science and is organized by the Academic Administration and the Student Council of  the University of Ruse with the active support of the National Representation of Student Councils in Bulgaria. Participants include students, high school students, young people, teachers, and representatives of business and public institutions from Bulgaria and abroad.

The INNOVATIVE YOUTH EXPO originated as an idea in 2014 as a result of a joint initiative by the European Commission, the Directorate-General for Education and Culture, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) through its Economic and Employment Development Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science, which conducted the study "Promoting the Entrepreneurial University in Europe: HEInnovate Project – National Review: Bulgaria" . The findings in the report on the University of Ruse state that entrepreneurship is a significant part of the university's strategy and that the institution is a driving force for the development of entrepreneurship in a broader regional, social, and public context. It is therefore logical that a forum such as the Innovative Youth EXPO should originate and be held at the University of Ruse.

MR. JUAN IGNACIO CAMIO BAVASSO—COUNSELOR IN CHARGE OF THE COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECTION OF THE ARGENTINE EMBASSY—VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, May 4^th , 2026, Mr. Juan Ignacio Camio Bavasso—Counselor and Head of the Trade and Economic Department at the Embassy of Argentina in Bulgaria—visited the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev". This is his second visit to the university.

The guest was welcomed by Rector Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly—Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Kaloyan Stoyanov, PhD—Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Industry.

During the meeting, opportunities for developing cooperation between the university of Ruse and universities in Argentina were discussed. Emphasis was placed on academic exchanges, joint research, and partnerships in innovative educational fields.

Mr. Bavasso paid special attention to the upcoming events from June 1^st – 5^th  related to agricultural machinery and technologies for minimum and no-till soil cultivation. An Argentine delegation, including representatives of the No-Till Farming Association led by its president, is expected to visit, with a visit to the University of Ruse scheduled for June 4^th .

The rector Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD expressed gratitude for the interest shown in the university and emphasized the importance of international cooperation. Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng noted that the University of Ruse has established traditions and expertise in the field of agricultural technologies, including the development and application of minimum tillage systems.

For his part, Mr. Bavasso emphasized that approximately 92% of arable land in Argentina is cultivated using no-till technologies, which creates a solid foundation for the exchange of expertise between the two countries. He expressed the interest of importers of Argentine agricultural machinery in partnering with the university of Ruse and their willingness to organize demonstrations of modern machinery for students.

It was also noted that the Argentine Embassy stands ready to facilitate future contacts and partnerships.

A FESTIVAL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 Today, April 30^th , 2026, the International Student Festival was held in Room 2.101 at the University of Ruse. The festival is organized annually by the International Student Office at the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev". The topic of this year's festival is: "Let's Talk About Beautiful Things…".

Official guests at the event included the rector of the university , Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD,  Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly, Vice-Rectors Prof. Teodor Iliev , PhD and Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD  as well as deans, faculty members, and staff.

The rector Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD officially opened the festival.

"It is a true pleasure for me to be part of this celebration of cultures and friendship. It is wonderful to see so many international students studying in Bulgarian!" the rector said to the festival participants. She thanked the faculty for their dedication and wished the students good health, a successful exam period, and a successful graduation.

"The university is your second home," she emphasized, assuring the students that the entire academic leadership is working to ensure they feel at home in Ruse and in Bulgaria, acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, and achieve success.

Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng noted that this celebration is a cherished tradition that unites students: "Let us be friends and united, and may your memories of the university remain with you forever." He emphasized the importance of emotions, joy, and shared moments. In conclusion, Academician Beloev, DscEng wished the international students to take with them wonderful memories of their stay in the country and at the university.

Prof.  Teodor Iliev, PhD  who is also the director of the "International Students" department, also greeted the participants, noting that despite the gloomy and rainy day, the presence of the international students brought a spring-like mood. He congratulated them on their choice to continue their education at the University of Ruse.

Inspired by the lyrics of Lyubo Kirov—a Bulgarian pop and rock singer—the international students showcased the beauty of their countries in a truly wonderful, colorful celebration! They took the stage together and sang, danced, and showcased their home countries, proving that youth, love, songs, dances, and shared celebrations transcend all borders and differences. They bring people together, and many friendships become genuine and unforgettable because they are based on tolerance, understanding of others, mutual respect, and acceptance of one another.

Foreign students from Algeria, Cyprus, India, Moldova, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine participated in the annual traditional festival, along with their Bulgarian colleagues from the "Harmony" Folk Ensemble at the University of Ruse.

At the end of the festive programme, the international students were greeted by their Bulgarian colleagues from the "Harmony" Folk Ensemble, and the celebration concluded with a horo dance in which students from various countries participated.

A FESTIVAL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

The annual festival for international students of the University of Ruse will take place on April 30^th (Thursday) at 1:00 p.m. in Lecture Hall 2.101 of Building 2.

Spring is a symbol of new beginnings, hope, and youth. Spring is associated with the preparation and hosting of the annual festival for the international students.

"Let's Talk About the Beautiful Things..." is the topic of this year's festival! Inspired by the lyrics of Lyubo Kirov—a bulgarian pop and rock artist—the international students will discuss the beautiful things in life and seek its meaning. They will show the beauty of their countries in a truly wonderful and colourful celebration through song and dance.

The international students from Algeria, Cyprus, India, Moldova, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and their Bulgarian colleagues from the "Harmony" Folk ensemble of the university of Ruse will take part in the festival.

STUDENTS FROM THE CIVIS EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

 On April 21^st , 2026, the  university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" hosted students from partner universities in the European University Alliance CIVIS. The visit was part of a joint intensive programme on the topic "Transnational Cooperation, European Values, and Policies in Higher Education: Perspectives and Challenges." The initiative is coordinated by the university of Bucharest and implemented in partnership with Eberhard Karls universität Tübingen, Sapienza università di Roma, universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and the National Kapodistrian university of Athens.

At the university of Ruse, the students were welcomed by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng, Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the university of Ruse.

Associate Professor Galina Ivanova, PhD, Vice Rector for International Cooperation, presented the international activities of the university and introduced the guests to the partnerships and initiatives through which the university of Ruse develops its international cooperation.

Senior Assistant Eva Parvanova, PhD gave a presentation to the participants on the history and development of the Bulgarian-Romanian Interuniversity Europe Centre (BRIE), which sparked interest as a significant example of cross-border academic cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania.

The visit to the Uuniversity of Ruse was part of the in-person activities under the programme, which includes one month of virtual lectures followed by a one-week in-person session in Bucharest. The initiative is coordinated by Prof. Bogdan Murgescu, PhD, and Prof. Romica Iucu, PhD.

Thirty-six students from CIVIS partner universities participated in the training, including the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Aix-Marseille Université, Stockholm university, the university of Lausanne, the university of Bucharest, Sapienza università di Roma, the universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and the National Kapodistrian university of Athens. During the visit, the participants were accompanied by Prof. Bogdan Murgescu, PhD,  Vice-Rector of the University of Bucharest, Prof. Carmen Chifiriuc, PhD, Vice-Rector of the University of Bucharest, and Dr. Gabriela Nisiopeanu.

The main objective of the programme is to promote understanding of how European values, transnational cooperation, and educational policies influence the future of higher education. The visit to the university of Ruse complemented the international programme by providing students with an opportunity to learn about the history and activities of BRIE as an example of European cooperation in higher education and shared academic experience in building a common educational space.

THE HEAD OF THE "COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE" DEPARTMENT AT THE EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY IN BULGARIA VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, April 24^th , 2026, Mr. Benjamin Köster, Head of the "Communication and Culture" Department at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria, visited the University of Ruse.

The guest was welcomed by Rector Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Academician Hristo Beloev—Honorary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly, DscEng of the University of Ruse—as well as Vice-Rectors Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

During the visit, Rector Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD and Academician Beloev, DscEng presented the modern facilities of the university, state-of-the-art resources for teaching and research, as well as the institution's long-standing educational traditions and established leadership position. Emphasis was placed on the extensive network of partnerships in the fields of education and science with prestigious universities from around the world, including Germany.

Opportunities for academic exchanges of faculty and students were discussed, as well as the potential for joint initiatives with the Bulgarian community and local institutions in Germany.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Köster expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and his satisfaction with the active role of the University of Ruse in the development of educational and cultural cooperation between Bulgaria and Germany.

THE FOURTH NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE  "DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATION – PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS" WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, April 23^rd , 2026, the fourth national scientific-practical conference with international participation, "Digital Transformation of Education – Problems and Solutions," was opened in the "Siemens" Hall at the University of Ruse.

With nearly 150 presentations, the event featured faculty members from almost all universities in the country, as well as from Poland, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Central Asia.

The aim of the event, attended by the co-chair of the programme committee, Acad. Hristo Beloev, DscEng — Honourary Rector of the University of Ruse and Chair of the General Assembly — was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among universities in the country in the field of the digital transformation of education, with an emphasis on the use of ICT-based innovative educational technologies to adapt the educational system to the digital generation.

Before the opening, participants had the opportunity to view an exhibition of paintings—the result of a collaboration between natural and artificial intelligence.

The Rector of the university of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD delivered a welcoming address.

"When we first started talking about the digitization of education years ago, it sounded like something from the future. Today, it is not only a reality but also a matter of public policy. Artificial intelligence, as well as virtual, mixed, and augmented reality, enable us to approach science and academic disciplines in a new way by integrating modern technologies into education," said Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD, wishing the conference participants good health, successful participation, and fruitful scientific contacts.

Greetings to the participants were also extended by the Mayor of Ruse Municipality, Pencho Milkov, and Prof.  Meglena Temelkova, PhD—Chair of the Council of Rectors and Rector of the Higher School of Telecommunications and Post. Among the guests at the conference was Dr. Rositsa Georgieva, head of the Regional Education Administration.

The plenary session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD, Vice Rector for International Cooperation at the university of Ruse.

Before the start of the plenary session, the conference organizing committee surprised prof. Angel Smrikarov, PhD, the long-time director of the Centre for Innovative Educational Technologies, by presenting him with a plaque of appreciation, a congratulatory address, a poem, and paintings in recognition of his significant contributions over the past 25 years and his overall work.

The topic "The Contemporary Educational Environment: A Portrait of Generations – Conflicts" was presented by Prof.  Neshka Manchorova, PhD, Vice Rector of the Medical University of Plovdiv.

 Prof. Andrey Zahariev, PhD  spoke on "Artificial Intelligence in the Educational and Scientific Degree of 'Doctor': Digitalization, Regulation, and Credit Acceleration."

A presentation on the topic: "The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education – A Student and Instructor's Perspective" was delivered by Prof.  Tsvetomir Vasilev, PhD.

The programme of the session also included a presentation on "Digital Security and Artificial Intelligence in Education," which was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

At the end of the session, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD—Rector of the university of Ruse—and Academician Hristo Beloev—Honourary Rector and Chair of the University's General Assembly, DscEng—presented the Crystal Award for "Best Scientific Paper" to the authors of the plenary presentations.

On April 24^th , the 13 conference sub-sections will begin at 8:30 a.m. in rooms equipped with interactive displays.

The conference is organized and held with the support of the project "RUSE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY," funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001 "Establishment of a Network of Research Universities in Bulgaria - 2."

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE  HOSTS THE BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAMME "CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN ELECTRONICS"

On April 19^th , 2026, the on-campus week of the Blended Intensive Programme "Challenges and Solutions in Electronics" began at the University of Ruse, Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) No. 2025-1-BG01-KA131-HED-000321310-1, coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Seher Kadirova, PhD  lecturer at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation.

The event was opened today, April 20^th , 2026, in Room 2.101 by Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova,PhD ,  Vice Rector for International Cooperation at the University of Ruse.

Participants were welcomed with a traditional bread sprinkled with colored salt, and following the official opening, traditional dishes from the participants' countries were served, creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange and camaraderie.

Greetings were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Viara Ruseva, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation; Assoc. Prof. Tsvetelina Georgieva, PhD,  Head of the Department of Automation and Electronics and Adrian Gidali, a trainer from Garage Training SRL, Romania.

The blended intensive programme is implemented under the Erasmus+ programme and combines in-person and online activities to achieve maximum effectiveness and accessibility. The online training took place the previous week. As part of the programme, students and faculty from leading European universities will exchange knowledge, experience, and innovative ideas in the field of electronics.

The programme includes 23 international students from 8 universities in Romania and Turkey, who will work alongside their peers from the university of Ruse. The goal is to acquire additional professional knowledge, develop practical skills, and foster communication among students in an international setting.

The training will be conducted by Prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD,  Assoc. Prof. Seher Kadirova, PhD,  Dr. Deyan Levski, "Fotolitiks" Ltd., Adrian Gidali, "Garage Training" SRL – Romania, Assoc. Prof. Tsvetelina Georgieva, PhD, Kremena Stancheva, as well as faculty members from the Department of Automation and Electronics. The one-week in-person training will conclude with the preparation of a research paper on a topic closely related to the participants' training.

"Electronics is at the heart of modern technologies, shaping the way we live, work, and communicate. Yet, as we continue to advance, we face significant challenges—from miniaturization and energy efficiency to sustainability and emerging technologies. Therefore, in addition to discussing technological challenges, this program will also provide you with essential skills in academic writing and presentation," said Assoc. Prof. Kadirova, PhD .

The programme also includes cultural initiatives through which students and faculty from partner universities will become acquainted with the cultural and historical heritage  of Ruse.

THE FOURTH NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE"DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATION – PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS" WILL BE HELD AT THE UNMIVERSITY OF RUSE

On April 23^rd  and 24^th , the university of Ruse will host the fourth national scientific and practical conference with international participation, "Digital Transformation of Education – Problems and Solutions."

With nearly 150 presentations, the event will feature faculty members from almost all universities in the country, as well as from Poland, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Central Asia.

The aim of the event, which will officially open on April 23^rd  at 2:30 p.m. in the "Siemens" Hall, is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among universities in the country in the field of the digital transformation of education, and more specifically—in the use of ICT-based innovative educational technologies to adapt the educational system to the digital generation. Before the opening, participants will have the opportunity to view an exhibition of paintings resulting from the collaboration between natural and artificial intelligence.

The plenary session will begin at 3:00 p.m., and the moderator will be Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD , Vice Rector for International Cooperation at the University of Ruse.

The topic "The Contemporary Educational Environment: A Portrait of Generations—Conflicts" will be presented by Prof. Neshka Manchorova, PhD.

Prof.  Andrey Zahariev , PhD will speak on the topic "Artificial Intelligence in Doctoral Education: Digitalization, Regulation, and Credit Acceleration."

Prof.  Tsvetomir Vasilev , PhD will present a report on the topic: "The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education – A Student and Instructor Perspective."

The session's programme also includes a presentation on "Digital Security and Artificial Intelligence in Education," which will be delivered by Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD.

At the end of the session, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD—Rector of the University of Ruse—and Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the University's General Assembly—will present the Crystal Award for "Best Scientific Paper" to the authors of the plenary presentations.

The 13 conference sub-sections will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the 24th in rooms equipped with interactive displays.

More information can be found on the conference website:

https://www.conf-dte.bg/

The conference is organized and held with the support of the project "RUSE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY," funded by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001 "Establishment of a Network of Research Universities in Bulgaria - 2".

ACADEMICIAN HRISTO BELOEV, DSCENG HELD WORKING MEETINGS WITH RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS IN VIETNAM

Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse—was on a working visit to Nong Lam University in Ho Chi Minh City, the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (VIAEP) in Hanoi, and the institute's branch in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from April 13^th –17^th , 2026.

He held a working meeting with the President of Nong Lam University, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Tat Toan, PhD; the Dean of Research and International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Do Tien Dau, PhD; the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Duc Quyen, PhD; Prof. Nguyen Bich, PhD—a leading scholar and long-time Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology—as well as with members of the university's administration.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the more than 10-year cooperation between the two universities, the signed agreements, and the bilateral mobility programs carried out under the "Erasmus+" programme, the training of doctoral students from Nong Lam university at the university of Ruse, as well as opportunities to expand cooperation in the field of scientific research, the development of joint educational and scientific projects, and scientific publications.

Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng is the academic advisor to doctoral students Nguyen Nam Kuyen and Phan Duy Lam, who are faculty members at the university and were admitted in March 2025. To date, they each have one publication in Web of Science, which is highly regarded.

At a working meeting at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology attended by the dean, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Duc Quyen, PhD, Prof. Nguyen Bich, PhD, Vice Dean Dr. Nguyen Van Lan, Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering Dr. Nguyen Thanh Nghi, and faculty members, the work of the two doctoral students to date was discussed. They presented their results and their plan for the coming year. The deadline for submitting the dissertation is the end of 2027.

Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng highly commended the work done so far, and the upcoming tasks and the preparation of scientific publications were discussed in detail.

The following day, doctoral students Nguyen Nam Kuyen and Phan Duy Lam presented the prepared laboratory setups and machine prototypes and conducted demonstration experiments as part of their research.

An examination was administered to the doctoral students, which is part of the work plan adopted by the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Agricultural and Industrial Sciences at the University of Ruse.

In the following days, Acad. Hristo Beloev, DscEng held meetings with the director, deputy directors, and researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Technologies (VIAEP) in Hanoi and the institute's branch in Ho Chi Minh City. The meetings were attended by VIAEP Deputy Directors Nguyen Duc Long, Dinh Thi Tam, and Nguyen Duc Tien, as well as the heads of the following departments: Nguyen Tien Nhuong – crop processing technologies; Nguyen Manh Huu – preservation and storage of agricultural products; Pham Cao Thanh – product quality, as well as the doctors who defended their dissertations at the university of Ruse – Dr. Dau The Nhu and Dr. Chan Hong Tau.

The discussions focused on the more than 15-year partnership and collaboration between the two institutions. At the University of Ruse, under the guidance of Academician Beloev,DscEng  five doctoral students have been trained who are now working at VIAEP.

New forms of cooperation were agreed upon: joint training of two doctoral students; participation in scientific conferences; joint publications in the Scopus and Web of Science databases; work on specific scientific topics and joint projects within the framework of the "Ruse Research University" project, and others.

The visit by Acad. Hristo Beloev, DscEng and the agreed-upon cooperation activities contribute to strengthening the international contacts of the University of Ruse and expanding its presence in the global academic and scientific community.

THE RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE VISITED NONG LAM UNIVERSITY IN HO CHI MINH , VIETNAM, UNDER THE "ERASMUS+" PROGRAMME

The Rector of the university of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, made a working visit to Nong Lam university in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from April 6th  to 10th , 2026, under  the "Erasmus+" programme.

During the visit, meetings were held with the university president, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Tat Toan, PhD, Prof. Nguyen Bich, PhD —a long-time dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and coordinator of the Erasmus+ agreement—as well as with the deans of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and the Faculty of Information Technology, along with other faculty members and academic representatives.

During the discussions, opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of scientific research, the development of joint educational and scientific projects, and scientific publications were discussed.

The visit contributes to strengthening the international contacts of the university of Ruse and expanding its presence in the global academic community through the "Erasmus+" programme.

PROFESSORS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE VISITED THE ALMATY UNIVERSITY OF ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND THE BAIKONUR COSMODROME IN KAZAKHSTAN

At the end of March, Prof.  Teodor Iliev, PhD —Vice Rector of the University of Ruse—and Prof. Ivaylo Stoyanov, PhD —Director of the Academic Affairs Department at the University of Ruse—visited the Almaty University of Energy and Telecommunications (Energo University) in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The visit took place in connection with the implementation of activities under the "Ruse Research University" project, funded by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001.

During the visit, Prof. Iliev, PhD  presented the activities and research of Research Group 3.1.3 "Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems and Technologies for Generating and Visualizing Spatial Objects and Processes," while Prof. Stoyanov, PhD presented those of Research Group 3.1.5 "Digital Energy Systems 4.0.

Working meetings were held with representatives of the administration of Almaty University—Prof. Kuanysh Alipbaev, PhD , Vice Rector for Research; Aibek Zhupanhan, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; and Nazgul Kalievna, Director of the Research Department. During the meetings, opportunities were discussed for establishing joint research teams, conducting applied research, and preparing scientific publications for conferences and journals indexed in the global databases Scopus and Web of Science.

The guests visited the research laboratories of the Institute of Telecommunications and Automation and the Institute of Energy and Green Technologies.

Prof. Iliev, PhD and Prof. Stoyanov, PhD along with part of the leadership of Almaty University, researchers, and doctoral students, visited the Baikonur Cosmodrome and the launch pads for spacecraft. On March 22^nd , they attended the launch of the unmanned cargo spacecraft "Progress MS-33" to the International Space Station.

They also discussed opportunities for conducting joint research in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and their precise positioning using global satellite navigation systems.

As a result of the visit, the university of Ruse expanded its international contacts and opened up new prospects for joint research and educational activities.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IS HOSTING AN ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME ON BIG DATA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

 The University of Ruse is implementing a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) with project number 2025-1-BG01-KA131-HED-000321310-2 on the topic of "Big Data and AI for Renewable Energy Sources (RES)."

The initiative is organized within the framework of the "Erasmus+" programme with the active participation of the Department of Computer Systems and Technologies, the IEEE Student Branch at the University of Ruse, and faculty members from the Department of Automation and Electronics.

Today, April 6^th , 2026, in the Siemens Hall at the University of Ruse, Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD welcomed the participants and wished them successful collaboration and new friendships.

The programme combines online and in-person activities, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and applications of big data and artificial intelligence in the field of renewable energy sources. The first phase consisted of online lectures, meetings, and preparatory activities, and during the in-person week at the University of Ruse, participants have the opportunity to work together on practical tasks, projects, and case studies related to data analysis, forecasting, and the optimization of energy systems.

The initiative involves 35 students from 9 universities in 5 countries—Germany, Poland, Romania, France, and Croatia—who are collaborating with their peers from the University of Ruse.

The programme is coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Irena Vulova, PhD a lecturer in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation, Department of Computer Systems and Technologies. The participants are being trained by Prof. Boris Evstatiev, PhD, Prof. Nikolay Mihaylov, PhD, Senior Assistant Prof. Tsvetelina Kaneva, PhD, Lyudmil Radulov—a doctoral student in the Department of Computer Systems and Technologies—and Ivan Valchev of Photomeat Bulgaria.

The event was also attended by experts from the International Office of the university —Milena Bogdanova and Tsvetomir Veselinov.

 In addition to the academic portion, the programme includes cultural initiatives through which participants learn about the rich historical and cultural heritage of Ruse.

A SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC DEFENSE OF A DOCTORAL DISSERTATION WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, April 3^rd , 2026, the public defense of the dissertation by Mr. Bao Gang (Bao Gang), who was enrolled as a full-time doctoral student in the Department of Business Development and Innovation in the accredited doctoral programme "Organization and Management of Production (Industry)" in professional field 3.7 "Administration and Management" took place.

The doctoral student was admitted on February 1^st , 2024, with Assoc. Prof. Pavel Vitliemov, PhD as his academic advisor.

The dissertation is titled: "An Optimization Model for Enhancing Production Efficiency and Improving Profitability in the Manufacturing Industry."

The doctoral candidate presented the objectives of the research, the contributions achieved, and the developed optimization model.

The five-member jury, consisting of: Prof. Julian Vassilev, PhD ; Assoc. Prof. Desislava Serafimova, PhD ; Assoc. Prof. Yana Stoencheva, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Anton Nedyalkov, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Emil Kotsov, PhD voted unanimously to award the academic and scientific degree of "Doctor" to Mr. Bao Gang.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELCOMED GUESTS FROM CHINA IN THE FIELDS OF FASHION AND ART

 Today, April 3^rd, 2026, the management  of the university of Ruse welcomed a delegation from China, composed of prominent representatives of academic and creative circles in the fields of fashion, art, and cultural industries. The guests were welcomed in the conference hall by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD,  Academician Hristo Beloev—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, DscEng, Vice Rector Prof. Teodor Iliev, PhD  and Head of the Department of Design,  Assoc. Prof. Yordan Doichinov, PhD.

Among the guests were: Assoc. Prof. Jiang Xiaosi, PhD – Head of the Department of Performance and Communication and Research Supervisor at the Faculty of Fashion and Art at Hubei University of Fine Arts; Mr. Feng Jinglei—fashion director, curator, and visiting professor at the China Women's University; Mr. Xu Zhuomiao—creative producer and art director; and Ms. Zhou Jing—renowned fashion designer and researcher of Chinese cultural heritage, chair of the Shandong Province Fashion Design Association, and visiting professor at a number of prestigious universities in China. 

During the meeting, opportunities for expanding cooperation between the University of Ruse and leading Chinese educational and cultural institutions were discussed. Emphasis was placed on the development of joint projects in the field of fashion art and education, as well as on the application of new technologies in the fashion industry.

 The Rector of the University of Ruse, assoc. prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, presented the university's modern facilities, state-of-the-art resources for teaching and research, long-standing educational traditions, and its leading role in international cooperation. She highlighted the extensive network of partnerships in education and research with prestigious universities around the world and the work on joint projects. Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD expressed gratitude for the proposal to establish new partnerships with Chinese universities, noting that the University of Ruse already maintains active ties with a number of higher education institutions in China, accepts students under the "Erasmus+" programme, and conducts faculty exchanges.

"We are always open to expanding cooperation and implementing new joint initiatives," stated the rector of the University of Ruse.

For her part, Ms. Zhou Jing proposed developing an exchange programme in the field of education on traditional Chinese clothing; Assoc. Prof. Jiang Xiaosi, PhD expressed interest in deepening academic contacts; and Mr. Feng Jinglei emphasized opportunities for exchanging marketing practices in organizing cultural events.

During the visit, the guests toured the university campus. They also attended the opening of the "AI Gaida" competition, where they were deeply impressed by the live performances of the traditional Bulgarian instrument, the gaida.the application of new technologies in fashion.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE HELD A CEREMONY FOR CHRISTENING THE NEW VESSEL "INNOVATOR"

Today, April 2^nd , 2026, at Pontoon No. 8, the University of Ruse held a ceremony to consecrate and christen a new specialized catamaran-type vessel. Its name is  "INNOVATOR" and was developed as part of the Danube River Environmental Assessment and Monitoring – DREAM project, funded under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme.

The event began with a welcome address by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD, who greeted the guests and partners, emphasizing the importance of the new vessel for the ecological monitoring of the Danube River, as well as the university's role as a leading partner in international initiatives.

"The vessel is carbon-neutral and equipped with modern sensors for rapid assessment of water quality, as well as drones for monitoring air quality. This will allow us to contribute to raising public awareness about environmental protection," stated Associate Professor Atanasova, PhD.

The ceremony continued with a welcome address by Academician Hristo Beloev—chairman of the Ruse Municipal Council and honourary rector of the university of Ruse, DscEng—who also emphasized the importance of the project and the university's contribution to the field of environmental research and sustainable development. He noted that the catamaran will serve as a foundation for building upon future scientific and applied projects.

The Deputy Mayor of the municipality of Ruse, Ms. Zlatomira Stefanova, also greeted the people who attended the ceremony.

The highlight of the event was the blessing of the vessel by father Marin of the Holy Metropolis of Ruse, followed by its ceremonial christening with the name "Innovator."

The godmother of the ship  was Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD. In accordance with maritime tradition, the ceremony concluded with the breaking of a bottle of champagne against the hull of the catamaran—a symbol of good luck and safe voyages.

"May this ship bear its name with honour and dignity, withstand the storms, and be a symbol of innovation, courage, and progress," added Associate Professor Atanasova, PhD.

The DREAM project aims to monitor and assess environmental issues along the Danube River in the Ruse/Giurgiu–Silistra/Călărași region, using state-of-the-art monitoring technologies such as UAVs and zero-emission vessels. The project seeks to provide accurate, real-time information on air and water quality, noise pollution, and other critical aspects to facilitate timely environmental interventions, promote cross-border cooperation, and set an example for sustainable river management practices.

THE PROGRESS ON THE DREAM PROJECT WAS PRESENTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE

Today, April 2nd , 2026, an informational event was held in room 2G-204 (the "Siemens" Room) at the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" to present the progress made in implementing the activities of the "Danube River Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (DREAM)" project. The project is funded under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria program, with identification code ROBG00169-DREAM Project – Soft.

Greetings to the participants and guests of the event were delivered by the Rector of the university of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, and Academician Hristo Beloev—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the university, DscEng.

In her speech, Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved:

"It is my pleasure to congratulate everyone on the successful progress of the project for the assessment and monitoring of the Danube River. This is the first project of the new programming period, and we are honoured to be the lead partner. Even more importantly, it has high practical value, and I hope that in the coming years we will see sustainable results from our joint work."

Academician Beloev, DscEng congratulated the team on organizing the event, which marks an important milestone in the DREAM project. The University of Ruse is a well-established and sought-after partner in cross-border cooperation programs and has implemented dozens of projects. This project covers an extremely important area—ecology, water quality, and environmental protection. We are convinced that the results achieved will serve as a foundation for future initiatives and further development—which is what the university of Ruse strives for.

The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Plamen Manev, PhD. Mladen Kulev, a project implementation manager from the university of Ruse, and representatives of the Romanian partners—COMOTI (National Research Institute for Gas Turbines) and ICPEEA - National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering—presented the project results.

An innovative Environmental Factors Monitoring System (EFMS) has been developed as a result of the activities carried out under the international project.

The system includes the following components:

• A specialized vessel (catamaran type) powered by solar energy via solar photovoltaic panels located on the roof and sides. A foldable platform for the takeoff and landing of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is integrated into it;
• An electrical system for power storage (lithium-ion batteries), propulsion (electric motors) of the vessel, and charging of the unmanned aerial vehicles on board;
• Two unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) equipped with sensors for monitoring certain air parameters, such as temperature, volatile organic compounds, high-resolution cameras, LiDAR for aerial mapping of territories, etc.;
• High-tech sensors (submersible probes) for monitoring 9 water parameters and a control unit for transmitting data in real time to a cloud platform with open access for all users.

The Dream project aims to monitor and assess environmental issues along the Danube River in the Ruse/Giurgiu–Silistra/Călărași region, using state-of-the-art monitoring technologies such as UAVs and zero-emission vessels. The project seeks to provide accurate, real-time information on air and water quality, noise pollution, and other critical aspects to facilitate timely environmental interventions, promote cross-border cooperation, and set an example for sustainable river management practices.

 CALL FOR PROPOSALS  FOR ACROSS SUMMER SCHOOLS

 The Across European University Alliance has launched a call for proposals for international summer schools (Across Summer Schools) to be implemented in the years 2026–2028.

Across Summer Schools are intensive educational programmes addressed to students from Across partner universities, combining academic learning with international mobility experience. The initiative aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation, develop joint educational offers, and enhance the European dimension of higher education.

Each summer school may host up to 15 students. The funding covers organisational support as well as mobility grants for participants. Proposals may be submitted by all Across partner universities, provided that at least three alliance institutions are involved, including academic staff from a minimum of two partner universities other than the host institution.

The application deadline is 15th May, 2026.

A TEAM FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE VISITED THE OF SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY IN CHINA

 At the end of March, representatives from the university of Ruse visited the Politechnik university of Shanghai  and participated in events as part of Global Partnership Week 2026.

The delegation from the university of Ruse included Acad. Hristo Beloev—Honourary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse and Head of the "Ruse Research University" (RRU) project—and representatives of the RRU team: Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD. – Vice Rector for International Cooperation; Prof. Vladimir Hvarchilkov, PhD from the Department of Agricultural Engineering; Assoc. Prof. Vara Ruseva, PhD – Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation; Assoc. Prof. Alexander Ivanov, PhD – Director of the Research Sector at Ruse University, Assoc. Prof. Adriana Borodzhieva, PhD from the Department of Telecommunications, Senior Assistant Prof. Elitsa Ibryamova, PhD from the Department of Computer Systems and Technologies, and Msc. Eng. Tsvetelina Stefanova.

Prof. Tsvetozar Georgiev, PhD – head of the department of Computer Systems and Technologies, and Assoc. Prof. Yordan Kalmukov, PhD –  dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation, participated in a teaching mobility programme under the Erasmus+ programme at the Politechnik university of Shanghai. The mobility was carried out under the Erasmus+ programme, activity "Teacher Mobility for Training," pursuant to a bilateral agreement of the Department of Computer Systems and Technologies.

As part of the "Ruse Research University" project, which is funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001, the research groups and project areas were presented by the project leader, Acad. Hristo Beloev, DscEng along with the activities and developments of Research group 3.1.4. "Digital, Layer-by-Layer, Energy-Assisted Innovative Technologies and Models" by researchers led by Assoc. Prof.  Alexander Ivanov, PhD and Research group 3.1.5. "Digital Energy Systems 4.0," presented by MSc. Eng. Tsvetelina Stefanova.

A visit was made to the research laboratory of prof. Jinghui Yang, PhD  Director of the Wuyi Intelligent Manufacturing Institute of Industrial Technology and Doctor Honorius Causa of the university of Ruse.

A cooperation agreement was signed with the institute within the framework of the "Ruse Research University" project for the purpose of joint research activities on the topics of Research group 3.1.4. "Digital, Layered, Energy

The University of Ruse also co-organized a seminar titled "Path and Exploration of AI Empowerment for Industry-University-Research Integration," which took place at the school of Computer and Information Engineering at  the university of Shanghai "Jiao Tong".  A presentation was given on the "Ruse Research University" project, the research groups and areas, and the scientific results of Research Group 3.1.5. "Digital Energy Systems 4.0."

The delegation from the university of Ruse had the opportunity to visit the university's research and teaching laboratories in the fields of computer engineering, robotics, manufacturing automation, industrial and product design, and intelligent mechanical engineering. Working meetings were held with students, doctoral candidates, the administration, and part of the academic staff of the Faculty of Computer and Information Engineering and the Faculty of Intelligent Manufacturing and Control to discuss future cooperation in research and educational activities. The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange best practices and ideas for joint educational and research projects.

The renewal of the dual-degree agreement between the university of Ruse (major in "Computer Systems and Technologies") and the university of Shanghai of Technology (major in Computer Science and Technology).

Representatives from the university of Ruse also participated in the study abroad fair at Shanghai University of Technology, at which at which the university of Ruse and the "Ruse Research University" project were presented.

Representatives from universities in Asia, North America, and Europe participated in the Global Partnership Week 2026 forum.

As a result of this participation, the university of Ruse expanded its international contacts, which helped open up new opportunities for joint research and educational activities.