A FESTIVAL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
Today, April 30th , 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 30th (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 21st , 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 24th , 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 23rd , 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 24th , 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 19th , 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 20th , 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 23rd and 24th , 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 23rd 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 13th –17th , 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 22nd , 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 6th , 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 3rd , 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 1st , 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 3rd, 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 2nd , 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.









THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IS A CO-ORGANIZER OF TWO CONFERENCES UNDER THE ACROSS PROJECT
The university of Ruse is a co-organizer of two international conferences within the ACROSS project, aimed at promoting scientific research and innovation among young scientists and students.
The BioTech Future Conference will take place on April 21st , 2026.
Its main goal is to present the latest trends in the biotechnology sector and to encourage the study of biotechnology among students at the Technical University of Białystok and high school students in the region.
The Third International Conference for Young Researchers: Ideas, Research, Education will take place from June 9–11, 2026, and is available on the website: www.pb.edu.pl/irt.
The conference is intended for young researchers, doctoral students, and undergraduates in the following fields:
* automation, electronics, electrical engineering, and space technologies;
* information and communication technologies;
* biomedical engineering;
* civil engineering, geodesy, and transportation;
* mechanical engineering;
* environmental engineering, mining, and energy;
* chemical engineering;
* materials engineering;
* management and quality management.
Participants will have the opportunity to present their research in the form of a short presentation (up to 20 minutes).
THE PROGRESS OF THE DREAM PROJECT WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
On April 2nd , 2026, at 10:30 a.m. an informational event will be held in Room 2G-204 (the "Siemens" Hall) at the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" to present the progress made in implementing the activities under the "Danube River Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (DREAM)" project. The project is funded under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria programme, with identification code ROBG00169-DREAM Project – Soft.
As a result of the implementation of the activities under the international project, an innovative Environmental Factors Monitoring System (EFMS) has been created.
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 energy 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 and volatile organic compounds, high-resolution cameras, and 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 event will feature an official ceremony to christen and name the vessel, as well as a series of demonstrations showcasing the system's key functional capabilities.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE AGAIN TAKES THE LEADING PLACE IN THE WORLD RANKING
The university of Ruse ranks eighth among Bulgarian universities in the latest data released in March 2026 by the independent institution EduRank, which evaluates universities worldwide based on scientometric indicators. A total of 47 Bulgarian universities are included in the global ranking.
Its performance is particularly strong in the field of engineering sciences. The university ranks second place in Bulgaria in the ranking of research achievements in the fields of Transportation and Agricultural engineering.
In the rankings for Software engineering and Computer technology, the university of Ruse ranks third in the country. In research in the field of human-computer interaction, as well as in the field of art and design, it holds the prestigious fourth position.
EduRank.org is an independent ranking based on metrics for 14,131 universities from 183 countries around the world.
The university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" continues to solidify its position among Bulgaria's leading universities and to develop its scientific and educational potential in an international context.
It is important to be reminded that the university of Ruse also ranks highly in other global rankings related to innovation, research, and the introduction of new, modern degree programmes.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE TOOK PART IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EUROPEAN GROUPING OF TERRITORIAL COOPERATION "EAST GATE"
The university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" participated in the founding meeting of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) "East Gate," which took place on March 19th , 2026, at the parliament building in Bucharest, Romania. The event brought together over 300 participants—representatives of diplomatic missions, members of parliament, county and district councils, municipalities, universities, public institutions, and the business community.
Associate Professor Natalia Venelinova, PhD, a coordinator of Research Projects was a representative of the university of Ruse.
Among the official guests were His Excellency Radko Vlaykov, ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Romania, as well as the ambassadors of Moldova and Ukraine—Mihai Matsu and Igor Prokopchuk—along with members of parliament and local government representatives from the four countries. On the Bulgarian side, institutional partners from Ruse, Silistra, Dobrich, and Varna participated in the founding meeting.
Following the conclusion of the founding meeting, representatives of the Bulgarian delegation visited the Bulgarian Embassy in Bucharest at the invitation of H.E. Radko Vlaykov, where they discussed the strategic importance of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation "East Gate." Ambassador Vlaykov emphasized the importance of the participation of the university of Ruse in the initiative, particularly in the context of supporting the Bulgarian community in Moldova through its branch in Taraclia.
The newly established structure is the first of its kind in this format on the eastern border of the European Union and aims to overcome the administrative and legal barriers to effective territorial cooperation between the two EU member states and the two candidate countries by creating a sustainable mechanism for the preparation, management, and implementation of significant joint projects.
The participation of the University of Ruse as a founding member underscores its active role in the development of international cooperation, scientific research, and innovation in the cross-border region. The main focus of "East Gate" will be on strategic areas such as regional connectivity, sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and innovation in the cross-border territories along the Danube–Black Sea axis.
By participating in the founding meeting, the university of Ruse reaffirms its position as a key academic partner in international initiatives and a driving force for regional development.



THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL FRANCOPHONY DAY – MARCH 20TH
For the tenth consecutive year, the University of Ruse marked the international Francophonie Day—March 20th —with a festive event. As a regular member of the university Agency of La Francophonie, the university of Ruse joins the mission and cause of more than 1,000 higher education institutions worldwide to promote the French language and culture, which have left a lasting mark on the world's cultural heritage through the works of renowned French writers, poets, composers, artists, and other creators of timeless aesthetic values.
Francophonie day at the university of Ruse is organized in collaboration with the secondary school of foreign languages "Konstanitn Kiril Filosof", where students traditionally study French as a first language, as well as in partnership with the Ecole Centrale d'Electronique (ECE) - Paris, France, from which our university welcomes more than 20 French Erasmus students annually.
The "Educational Space of the Future" hall at the university of Ruse served as an impromptu stage for artistic performances dedicated to Francophonie Day 2026, and was filled to capacity with admirers of the French language and culture. The event was hosted by one of the university's Francophone faculty members—Assoc. Prof. Ana Popova, PhD, from the department of Management and Social Activities.
The rector of the University of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD welcomed the participants, noting that our university's active membership in this prestigious global organization dates back to 2017, when our membership application was approved due to the University of Ruse's contribution to the study of the French language and culture and the traditions of the city of Ruse as one of the oldest Francophone centers in Bulgaria.
"It is with great pleasure that I welcome the students from SSFL, who are guests at our celebration, as well as the French students who have chosen the University of Ruse for their Erasmus mobility. I wish you inspiring and unforgettable moments," Assoc. Prof. Atanasova, PhD added.
Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD — Vice Rector for International Cooperation, who highlighted the University of Ruse's contribution to the initiatives of the Francophone University Agency and encouraged the participants to continue preserving the spirit of the enduring cultural values that shape the unique cultural identity of European societies.
The programme of the event was filled with exciting performances showcasing examples of classical and contemporary French culture. Students from SSFL, led by Silvia Mircheva and Merial Dimitrova, took part in the celebration. Eren Mahmud, an 11th-grade student at SSFL, presented his original poem in French, "An Unexpected Miracle," with which he participated in the "Provence for Young Bulgarian Poets" competition and advanced to the final round of the contest.
Magdalena Todorova, an 8th-grade student at the same school, performed a French song by Zaz. Monika Miteva, an 8th-grade student at SSFL, recited the poem "The Ant" in French.
Dominique Joffre, a student majoring in Economics at the University of Ruse, gave three artistic performances. She recited La Fontaine's famous fables "The Grasshopper and the Ant" and "The Crow and the Fox" and sang the song "Champs-Élysées," beloved by all generations.
The robot Sana caused particular excitement and joy in the hall; she had been specially trained for the occasion to sing and dance to a song by the unforgettable Édith Piaf.
The French students from ECE-Paris contributed to the festive atmosphere with their performance of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise," demonstrating their pride in being heirs to a centuries-old cultural and democratic tradition.
Once again this year, the celebration of Francophonie Day at the University of Ruse turned into an exciting cultural festival, highlighting the fact that the university is not only an institution of education and science, but also a space for transmitting and spreading timeless and life-affirming cultural messages.







THE BYS ROADSHOW—AN INITIATIVE FOR YOUTH STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP—WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
Today, March 18th, 2026, an event as part of the national BYS Roadshow initiative, dedicated to the development of youth entrepreneurship in Bulgaria, was held in the "Siemens" Hall (2G.204) at the University of Ruse. The meeting was opened by Associate Professor Daniela Yordanova, PhD, head of the Career Development Centre.
The event is part of the national competition "Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria" (BYS), organized for the fifth consecutive year by the Fund of Funds in partnership with the University of Sofia "St. Kliment Ohridski" and more than 70 partner organizations. The competition aims to encourage entrepreneurial thinking among young people through a training, mentoring, and competition program that supports the development of innovative business ideas.
The fifth edition of the competition launched on January 12th, 2026, and applications are open until April 24th, 2026. In 2025, over 260 teams from across the country participated in the initiative, and interest in the program continues to grow. The competition was also nominated among the top ten initiatives in Europe for promoting entrepreneurial skills as part of the European Commission's European Enterprise Promotion Awards.
During the event at the University of Ruse, participants received information both on opportunities to participate in the competition and on the financial instruments of the Fund of Funds under the "Education" Programme 2021–2027, which support start-ups by students and doctoral candidates. These include debt and equity investments aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills, self-employment, and a faster transition from higher education to employment. The Technology Transfer Fund, which supports the commercialization of scientific research, was also presented.
Speakers at the event included:
• Dochka Vasileva, representative of the Fund of Funds
• Ivaylo Ivanov, Director of the Founders Institute Central & Eastern Europe
The event is part of the BYS Roadshow—a series of presentations at universities across the country aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship and engaging more young people from different regions of Bulgaria.
The event is organized with the cooperation and support of the ACROSS project, which has a duration of 48 months (January 1st, 2025 – December 31st, 2028) and is funded by the "2024 Erasmus+ European Universities call" under the "European Universities initiative." The ACROSS consortium includes nine universities from cross-border regions in Europe: the University of Ruse, the University of Technology in Chemnitz (Germany) – coordinator, the Technical University of Białystok (Poland), University of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), University of Girona (Spain), University of Craiova (Romania), University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia), University of Perpignan (France), and University of Udine (Italy). The Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine, is an associated partner.





PROFESSOR ZORAN TRIFUNOV FROM THE UNIVERSITY "MOTHER TERESA" IN SKOPJE VISITS THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
From March 16th to 20th , 2026, professor Zoran Trifunov, PhD from the Faculty of Technical Sciences at University of Skopje "Mother Teresa", Republic of North Macedonia, is on a visit the University of Ruse.
Today, March 17th , 2026, he held a meeting with the Rector of the University of Ruse, associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD, which was also attended by professor Plamen Zahariev, PhD, Head of the Department of Telecommunications. They discussed the establishment of long-term cooperation between the University of Ruse and the university in the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as the signing of a bilateral agreement for the exchange of students and faculty under the Erasmus+ programme. Opportunities for conducting joint research and working on joint educational and scientific projects were also commented.
After the meeting, professor Zoran Trifunov, PhD delivered a public lecture on the topic: "Visualization and Solving Problems in Advanced Mathematics Using Open-Source Software and Artificial Intelligence Tools." Professor Trifunov, PhD presented modern methods for using open-source software such as GeoGebra, as well as artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and NotebookLM, with the aim of improving the learning process and understanding of advanced mathematics concepts. The presentation placed special emphasis on the visualization of mathematical concepts, the interactive exploration of functions, and the use of digital tools in solving mathematical problems.
During his stay, professor Trifunov, PhD will visit the Research Complex, which was built under the "Ruse Research University" project and 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, as well as the UNITE Centие for Excellence – Ruse, which was built under project BG16RFPR002-1.014-0004, funded under the "Research, Innovation, and Digitalization for Smart Transformation" Programпе 2021-2027 and co-financed by the European Union.
Profеssor Trifunov, PhD will also participate in a scientific seminar at the UNITE Centre for Excellence in Science and Technology building. The visit of professor Trifunov, PhD is taking place within the framework of the CEEPUS programme, and his visit is being coordinated by Associate Professor Adriana Borodzhieva, PhD from the Department of Telecommunications.
Professor Zoran Trifunov, PhD was born on August 30th , 1971, in Veles, Macedonia. In 1995, he graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje with a degree in Mathematics. In 2009, he completed postgraduate studies at the Institute of Mathematics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Skopje and received a Master's degree in Mathematics Education. In 2012, he defended his doctoral dissertation at the Faculty of Technical Sciences of St. Clement of Ohrid University in Bitola, in the field of applied mathematics and education. From 1995 to 2016, he worked as a mathematics teacher at the "Kočo Racin" High School in Veles "Kočo Racin". From 2007 to 2013, he worked as an adjunct assistant professor of mathematics at the Faculty of Technical Sciences at St. Clement of the University of Ohrid in Bitola. Since 2013, he has been working as an adjunct lecturer at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Goce Delchev University in Štip. Since 2016, he has been working at the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Mother Teresa University in Skopje. He has participated in several Erasmus+ projects in the field of mathematics. One of the projects—"Mathematical Labyrinth"—was named the best European project in the field of mathematics in 2019. He has participated in numerous scientific conferences and has published works in the field of mathematics education. He is the author of 12 mathematics textbooks for elementary, secondary, and higher education.





PROFESSOR ZORAN TRIFUNOV, PHD FROM THE UNIVERSITY "MOTHER TERESA" IN SKOPJE OF NORTH MACEDONIA WILL BE VISITING UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
From March 16th to 20th, 2026, Professor Zoran Trifunov, PhD from the Faculty of Technical Sciences of University of Skopje "Mother Teresa", Republic of North Macedonia, will be visiting the University of Ruse. The purpose of the visit of professor Trifunov, PhD is to establish long-term cooperation between the University of Ruse and the university in the capital of North Macedonia, the signing of a bilateral agreement for the exchange of students and faculty under the Erasmus+ programme, and the discussion of opportunities for conducting joint research, working on educational and scientific projects, and other initiatives.
On March 17th, 2026, professor Trifunov, PhD will deliver a public lecture on the topic: "Visualization and Solving Problems in Advanced Mathematics Using Open-Source Software and Artificial Intelligence Tools". The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2.101 of Building 2 at the University of Ruse. During the lecture, professor Trifunov, PhD will present modern methods for using open-source software such as GeoGebra, as well as artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and NotebookLM, with the aim of improving the learning process and understanding of concepts in advanced mathematics. The presentation will place special emphasis on the visualization of mathematical concepts, the interactive exploration of functions, and the use of diDuring his visit, professor Trifunov, PhD will meet with the university administration, representatives of the International office at the University of Ruse, faculty members, doctoral students, and undergraduates. As part of his visit, professor Trifunov, PhD will also visit the Research Complex, which was built under the "Ruse Research University" project and 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, as well as the UNITE Centre for Excellence – Ruse, which was built under project BG16RFPR002-1.014-0004, funded under the "Scientific Research, Innovation, and Digitalization for Smart Transformation" Programme 2021–2027 and co-financed by the European Union.
On March 17th , 2026, professor Trifunov, PhD will also participate in a scientific seminar at the UNITE Centre for Excellence building.
The visit of professor Trifunov, PhD is taking place within the framework of the CEEPUS programme, and his visit is being coordinated by Associate Professor Adriana Borodzhieva, PhD from the Department of Telecommunications.
Professor Zoran Trifunov, PhD was born on August 30th, 1971, in Veles, Macedonia. In 1995, he graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje with a degree in Mathematics. In 2009, he completed postgraduate studies at the Institute of Mathematics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Skopje and received a Master's degree in Mathematics Education. In 2012, he defended his doctoral dissertation at the Faculty of Technical Sciences of St. Clement of Ohrid University in Bitola, in the field of applied mathematics and education. From 1995 to 2016, he worked as a mathematics teacher at the "Kočo Racin" High School in Veles. From 2007 to 2013, he worked as an adjunct assistant professor of mathematics at the Faculty of Technical Sciences at St. Clement of Ohrid University in Bitola. Since 2013, he has been working as an adjunct lecturer at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Goce Delchev University in Štip. Since 2016, he has been working at the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Mother Teresa University in Skopje. He has participated in several Erasmus+ projects in the field of mathematics. One of the projects—"Mathematical Labyrinth"—was named the best European project in the field of mathematics in 2019. He has participated in numerous scientific conferences and has published works in the field of mathematics education. He is the author of 12 mathematics textbooks for elementary, secondary, and higher education.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELOCMED 74 FOREIGN STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME WITH FOLK MUSIC AND BREAD
Today, March 11th, 2026, in Room 2.101 at the University of Ruse, foreign students participating in the Erasmus+ programme were officially welcomed. They will be studying during the summer semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. A total of 74 students from 30 universities in 14 countries will be part of the university's academic community. They come from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Germany, Georgia, Egypt, Spain, Jordan, Morocco, Moldova, Romania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and France.
The foreign students were welcomed in accordance with Bulgarian tradition — with folk music and a loaf of bread sprinkled with colorful salt. Bulgarian students dressed in traditional costumes greeted their new colleagues, and each guest received a bouquet of geraniums as a symbol of health and prosperity.
The meeting was opened by the rector of the University of Ruse, Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD who welcomed everyone with a "Welcome!"
"On behalf of the academic leadership, I wish you unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria and in Ruse," she said in her greeting.
The event was also attended by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng, a Honourary Rector and Chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse. Among the guests were also Vice-Rector Professor Teodor Iliev, PhD and the Erasmus coordinators.
The Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Associate Professor Galina Ivanova, PHD presented the academic leadership, familiarized the students with the structure of the university and the organization of the educational process, and provided them with information about their studies.
The foreign students presented their countries in an attractive way and the people who attended the event enjoyed a real cultural journey during the event.






A PRESENTATION OF DRONAMICS, A BULGARIAN INNOVATIVE COMPANY IN THE FIELD OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING, WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
Today, March 10th, 2026, in the Siemens Hall (Hall 2G.204) at the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", a presentation was held by Dronamics, an innovative Bulgarian company in the field of aerospace engineering that is developing the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles for civil services, goods delivery, and surveillance.
The event was organized with the cooperation and support of the Ruse Research University project.
The lecture was opened by the university's rector, Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD who emphasized that it was a pleasure for her to open the event in front of the numerous students who filled the Siemens Hall. She noted that the topic was of interest both to the academic community and to her personally.
The event was also attended by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng in his capacity as head of the Ruse Research University project.
They also highlighted the internship and career opportunities that the company offers specifically to students at the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev". The presentation was followed by a discussion with the audience, during which the company's representatives answered questions about the company's activities and the opportunities it offers.
The history of the company was also presented during the lecture. In 2014, brothers Svilen Rangelov and Konstantin Rangelov founded Dronamics, which today employs around 170 people. On May 25th, 2023, the company successfully completed the maiden flight of its full-scale unmanned cargo platform.
The aircraft can carry up to 350 kg of cargo over a distance of up to 2,500 km and reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The success of the world's first airline for cargo unmanned platforms has attracted considerable interest in the international start-up ecosystem.
The Ruse Research University project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001.






THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE WELCOMES NEW FOREIGN STUDENTS UNDER THE ERASMUS + PROGRAMME
During the summer semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, the University of Ruse will welcome 74 Erasmus+ students from 30 universities in 14 countries – Algeria, Azerbaijan, Germany, Georgia, Egypt, Spain, Jordan, Morocco, Moldova, Romania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and France.
On March 11th, 2026 (Wednesday) at 2:00 p.m. in Room 2.101, the University of Ruse will hold an official meeting for new foreign students participating in the Erasmus+ programme. They will be formally welcomed by the Rector's Office and Bulgarian students with the traditional Bulgarian welcome of bread and salt, as well as a Bulgarian folk dance.
During the event, the foreign students will present their countries in an attractive way and attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a real cultural journey.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE SIGNED A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF REGENSBURG
On March 3rd, 2026, a ceremony was held at the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Munich, Germany, to sign a cooperation agreement between the University of Ruse and the Technical University of Regensburg and to announce new academic partnerships between Bulgarian and Bavarian universities.
The agreement was signed by the Vice-Rector of the university of Ruse, Associate Professor Galina Ivanova, PhD and the Rector of OTH Regensburg, Professor Ralph Schneider, PhD. The two institutions also exchanged a pre-signed electronic agreement to expand their existing cooperation under the Erasmus programme. Presentations about the two universities were also given during the event. The event was part of a series of initiatives in the fields of science, culture, politics, and economics with which the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Munich will mark Bulgaria's national holiday, March 3rd .
At the beginning of the event, Bulgarian Consul General in Munich Stefan Yonkov welcomed the attendees and emphasized that the signed agreements are based on real partnerships and long-term relationships. According to him, Bulgaria and Bavaria maintain a special closeness – Bavarian companies invest in Bulgaria, create jobs and transfer technologies, while thousands of Bulgarian students study and work in the region, contributing to the development of German society. In his speech, the Consul General also highlighted the links between the Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg (TH Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm) and the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) as part of the broader network of academic cooperation between Bulgaria and Bavaria.
On behalf of the rector's office of the University of Ruse, Associate Professor Ivanova, PhD presented the Consul General with a letter of appreciation and a plaque as a token of gratitude for his active support for the development of the university's international partnerships.
Among the guests at the ceremony were: Associate Professor Alexander Ivanov, PhD Director of the Research Sector at the University of Ruse, Zlatomira Stefanova, Deputy Mayor for "International Programmes and Projects, Investments and Property" at the Municipality of Ruse, Vasilena Dimova, Senior Expert on "Economics, Investments, International Cooperation and Projects" at the Municipality of Ruse, Associate Professor Svetla Bogdanova Boneva, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics and Politics at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Uwe Mummert, PhD - Professor of Economics and Vice-Rector for International Relations and Diversification at the Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg, Germany (TH Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm), and Nikolas Djukic, Head of the Bavarian Academic Centre for Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (BAYHOST).
The event was also attended by Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, Stavrophore Iconographer Nedyalko Kalinov, parish priest of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Community (BOC) "St. Clement of Ohrid" in Munich, Father Julian Angelov from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Community (BOC) "St. Tsar Boris the Baptist" in Berlin.





A MEETING ON ACROSS PROJECT FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CRUISE TOURISM WAS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE
Today, February 25th, 2026, an information meeting on the ACROSS project (https://www.across-alliance.eu/) was held in room Siemens 2G.204 at the University of Ruse with the tour operator Balkan Tours Ltd., dedicated to opportunities for seasonal work in cruise tourism in the spring and summer of 2026. For students, this is a chance to start a dynamic job with attractive pay.
The event was held in partnership between the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", the Career Development Centre, the Municipality of Ruse, and Balkan Tours Ltd. The ACROSS project will run for 48 months (January 1st , 2025 – December 31st, 2028) and is financially supported by the 2024 Erasmus+ European Universities call under the European Universities initiative.
The meeting was opened by Assoc. Prof. Daniela Yordanova, PhD, a Head of the Career Development Centre. Greetings to the students were given by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, PhD and the Deputy Mayor for Economy and International Cooperation, Ms. Zlatomira Stefanova.
"Be brave and accept this challenge, because the work is very interesting," Assoc. Prof. Ivanova, PhD encouraged the students.
Ms. Stefanova, who is also a licensed tour guide with many years of experience and fluency in English and French, emphasized that the university provides excellent training to its students when they are willing to develop. She noted that with the onset of the new season for passenger ships on the Danube, Ruse needs its new "ambassadors" - energetic, knowledgeable, and motivated young people.
As a local authority, the municipality of Ruse supports businesses in their quest to find qualified staff and, at the same time, wants to show students in Ruse that their skills are valuable here in our city. This meeting is a direct bridge between students' language skills and real professional opportunities.
Representatives of Balkan Tours Ltd. talked about job opportunities for students with language skills: Level B2 in English, German, French, or Spanish, personal qualities—communication skills, patriotism, desire to acquire new knowledge, and motivation for seasonal work representing the spirit and culture of Ruse and Bulgaria.




THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATES IN TRANSNATIONAL SEMINAR AND TWO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES IN THAILAND
On February 4th , 2026, representatives of the University of Ruse participated in an international scientific seminar on Future CONNECT - 6G, XR, AI, and Tactile Internet Technologies for Next-Generation Applications, held at the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the Faculty of Arts, Multimedia, and Technology at Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
The event was jointly organized by the research complexes of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov", Technical University - Sofia in cooperation with the Institute of Mechanics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the University of Nantes in France, Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and the hosts from Chiang Mai University. The conference was attended by 150 participants from 13 countries, including 100 students and 50 lecturers.
During the seminar, eight presentations were given on the main research developments and results of the scientific centers at the universities in Ruse, Burgas, and Sofia, as well as the latest research and activities of their partner institutions in Bulgaria, France, and Thailand.
Within the framework of the "Ruse Research University" project, which is funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001, the activities and developments of scientific group 3.1.3. "Intelligent cyber-physical systems and technologies for generating and visualizing spatial objects and processes" led by Prof. Georgi Hristov, PhD from the Department of Telecommunications and scientific group 3.1.2. "Sustainable Transport Mobility," led by Prof. Ivan Beloev, PhD, from the Department of Transport.
The programme focused on building a sustainable international research network between scientific institutions in Europe and Asia. The goal is to create long-term partnerships for joint research, publications, and participation in scientific and educational projects.
The seminar marked the beginning of the international scientific conferences ECTI DAMT & NCON 2026 (The 11th International Conference on Digital Arts, Media and Technology (DAMT) and 9th ECTI Northern Section Conference on Electrical, Electronics, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering (NCON)), which took place in Chiang Mai from February 4th to 7th , 2026.
During the two conferences, over 200 scientific publications from around the world were presented, including 17 publications produced by the scientific teams of the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", Technical University - Sofia, Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" and the Institute of Mechanics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
The seminar and conferences also focused on the joint activities of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" as partners in the BLUE CRYSTAL project – "Blue Innovative and Sustainable Management of Coastal Marine and River Environment and Resources," which is implemented under contract BG16RFPR002-1.014-0016 and is funded by the "Scientific Research, Innovation, and Digitization for Smart Transformation" programme (PRIDST) and co-financed by the European Union.
The participation in the transnational seminar and subsequent conferences expanded the international network of contacts of the project participants, created opportunities for future joint research with partners from Europe and Asia, and contributed to establishing BLUE CRYSTAL as a platform for the exchange of innovative solutions in the field of sustainable coastal and river environment management.







AN ACROSS CONFERENCE ON APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND SIMULATIONS
UPVD and UCV are jointly organizing a conference on Applied Mathematics and Simulations. The deadline for abstract submission is May 1st.
You can find more information here:
[ https://www.across-alliance.eu/events/perpignan-craiova-conference-on-physics-applied-mathematics-and-simulations-pc2-pams/ | https://www.across-alliance.eu/events/perpignan-craiova-conference-on-physics-applied-mathematics-and-simulations-pc2-pams/ ]
ACROSS AWARD 2026 FOR STUDENT THESIS ON ISSUES OF EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
In accordance with the implementation plan for the Across-European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing project, in which the university of Ruse participates as a full member of a consortium of eight universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia, the Across'2026 Award for student theses on issues of equality, diversity, and social inclusion is hereby announced.
This year, the award is being presented as part of a special section of the Silvia Gobatto Memorial Prize at the University of Udine, Italy. The aim of the award is to recognize and promote bachelor's and master's theses on one of the following topics: gender equality, gender-based violence, non-discrimination in education or the workplace, diversity and inclusion, protection of vulnerable individuals and groups, equal opportunities policy, and others.
Candidates from universities in the Across alliance who have defended their bachelor's or master's theses on one of the above topics during the 2024/2025 academic year are eligible to participate in the competition.
Applicants must submit:
- A digital copy of your bachelor's or master's thesis.
- A summary in English (max. 2000 characters) describing the main objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions of the work.
- Certificate issued by the university confirming the date of defense of the thesis and the degree awarded.
- Short CV (max. 2 pages).
- Copy of a valid identity document.
All documents must be submitted in PDF format.
Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee consisting of representatives from all universities in the Across alliance.
The criteria for evaluating the works are as follows:
- Relevance to the thematic scope of the award;
- Quality and originality of the research;
- Clarity of argumentation and methodological soundness;
- Potential impact and contribution to the academic debate on gender equality and inclusion.
The maximum number of points for each criterion is 10, and the minimum threshold for admission to the selection process is 28 points out of a total of 40. The award will be given to the work that receives the most points.
The financial value of the award is €1,000 gross, including taxes and fees, in accordance with current Italian legislation.
The deadline for applications is April 30th , 2026, and the documents must be sent in a sealed envelope to the General Protocol Office of the University of Udine, Palazzo Florio, Via Palladio 8, 33100 Udine. The envelope must be marked: "Università degli Studi di Udine – Area Servizi agli Studenti ufficio diritto allo studio e servizi integrati - Concorso premio di laurea in memoria di Silvia Gobbato, sezione Across Award".

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF VALACHIA – TARGOVIȘTE, ROMANIA
Today, February 12th , 2026, at the university of Valachia in Targoviste, Romania, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the University of Ruse and the Romanian higher education institution. The document was signed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD, and the Rector of Valachia University, Professor Ioan Corneliu Salisteanu, PhD.
The ceremony was attended by Professor Teodor Iliev, PhD Vice-Rector of the University of Ruse, Lily Gancheva, Executive Director of Euro-Region Danubius, Professor Claudia Gilia, PhD, Chair of the Senate of Valachia University, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Dragos Panagorez, PhD and Associate Professor Ioana Panagorez, PhD ,lecturer at the same faculty.
The memorandum provides for the expansion of cooperation through: mobility of students in bachelor's and master's degree programmes; mobility of academic and administrative staff; joint scientific research and publications; preparation and implementation of international projects; participation in seminars, conferences, and academic forums; short-term training programmes in the field of technical education and e-learning; development of joint and dual educational programmes.
The specific activities will be implemented through additional agreements between the faculties and academic units of the two institutions, with resources and funding secured.
The agreement is for a period of five years and creates a sustainable framework for the development of academic exchange and scientific cooperation. It builds on the partnership between the two universities, which began in March 2015 when the first agreement was signed, leading to a series of joint conferences, exchanges of lecturers and students, and joint research initiatives.
By signing the document, the university of Ruse confirms its strategic policy for developing international partnerships and expanding opportunities for its students and lecturers in the European educational space.
Associate Professor Atanasova, PhD emphasized that Romanian universities are among the most important and sustainable international partners of the University of Ruse, with which a number of joint projects, student and faculty exchanges, as well as participation in international forums and research initiatives have been implemented over the years.
The university of Valachia was founded in 1992 and has about 7,100 students in 10 departments. Nine of them are in Targoviste, and the engineering department in Alexandria is the newest. The university also has a modern research centre built with €15 million in EU funding. The university also has a modern research centre, built with EU funds worth €15 million.





THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION WIH "TIKSABER INTERNATIONAL"
Today, February 4th, 2026, an agreement was signed between the University of Ruse and ThinkCyber International Ltd. (ThinkCyber International), one of the world's leading cyber academies, originating from Israel's defense sector and a long-standing partner of more than 15 countries, including the US, UK, Spain, and others.
The agreement was signed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD and Chief Assistant Professor Ivan Blagoev, representing ThinkCyber Bulgaria.
The signing was attended by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng, honourary rector and chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, Vice-Rector Professor Teodor Iliev, and Senior Assistant Professor Yuri Tsenkov.
The agreement is valid for three years and aims to develop a sustainable partnership in the field of cybersecurity, education, and practical training for students and professionals.
The memorandum provides for: informing and involving students in internships, training, and public initiatives; developing and implementing joint projects; involving ThinkCyber experts in lectures, seminars, and academic events at the university; the inclusion of lecturers from the University of Ruse in training, expertise and consultations organised by ThinkCyber; assistance with training in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes; the launch of a master's programme focused on cybersecurity.
Further cooperation is planned in organizing academies, conferences, and other initiatives of mutual interest.
TinkCyber International is one of the world's leading cyber academies and actively works with government, private, and academic organizations. The company also operates in Bulgaria through partnerships with universities and participation in the development of cybersecurity education programmes.



AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IS INCLUDED IN THE SECOND BROCHURE OF THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY ACROSS
In January, the second communication brochure containing news about events organized or supported by the nine universities in the alliance was published on the website of the European University ACROSS. The brochure includes one event involving the University of Ruse: the International Scientific Conference Language, Culture and the Future of Communication in the Digital Age, held on November 10th in a hybrid format as part of the European University ACROSS.
The conference was co-organized by the University of Ruse and the University of Craiova, Romania. Twenty-two researchers from partner universities in the Across alliance participated in the conference with their reports – Technical University of Chemnitz, Germany; University of Perpignan Via Domitia, France; University of Udine, Italy; University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bialystok University of Technology, Poland; Ivan Franko University, Lviv, Ukraine, as well as a wide range of participants from the organizing universities in Craiova and Ruse.
The programme included four panels: "Language in the Digital Age"; "Culture and Identity in the Digital World"; "Communication and Media in the Digital Age"; and "Technology and Language Learning." The discussions addressed issues related to language development, identities, and media discourse in the digital age, with a special focus on artificial intelligence applications.
At the opening of the conference, greetings were delivered by the Rector of the university of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Sorin Cazacu, PhD on behalf of the Rector of the University of Craiova, Prof. Cezar Ionut Spin, PhD, and Ariane Korn from the Across management team, who gave a lecture on the topic: Across – Identities in Dialogue: Communication Without Borders.
The international conference was part of the festive programme celebrating the 80th anniversary of the University of Ruse.
Through its participation in the ACROSS alliance, the university of Ruse reaffirms its commitment to the values of equality, cooperation, and innovation by encouraging the active involvement of young people in processes of positive change. The theme of the conference is one of the unifying guidelines for the development of multilateral scientific cooperation within the ACROSS alliance, and the idea of turning the scientific forum into an annual event will add value to the mission of ACROSS as a European university for cross-border knowledge sharing.
The new communication brochure of the European University ACROSS is available at the following link:
https://www.across-alliance.eu/newsletter/across-newsletter-2/

THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE GIVES AN INVITATION FOR A PARTICIPATION IN AN INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE LABOUR MARKET
The university of Ruse gives an invitation for a participation in an international workshop on Generative Artificial Intelligence and its application in the labour market. The event will take place on February 11th at 2:00 p.m.
The link for a registration is the following:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jNyZmpLERE6220gQuy0zKA
The university of Ruse is an associate partner of the GenAISA European Workshop: Designing Training for Rapidly Changing Labour Markets.
In the generative artificial intelligence sector, traditional linear models often prove too slow to remain relevant. At GenAISA, we are shifting to a "skills-first" approach to ensure that curricula retain their practical value even as technologies evolve at lightning speed.
Leading experts will present applicable and proven frameworks:
- Loredana B. (European DIGITAL SME Alliance / ARISA) will examine the key factors driving the AI market, as well as emerging professional profiles.
- Spiros Soulias (RMIT Europe) will lead the "Training Design Lab," focusing on the Assessment-First approach and the principles of constructive alignment.
More about the event on the following link: https://genaisa.eu/designing-training-for-fast-changing-labour-markets-join-the-genaisa-european-workshop/

Designing Training for Fast-Changing Labour Markets: Join the GenAISA European Workshop

How can training keep pace when skills evolve faster than curricula?
In fast-moving sectors such as artificial intelligence, technological change is rapid, skill requirements shift continuously, and innovation cycles are short. Yet many training programs are still designed using linear, content-heavy models that are slow to adapt and increasingly misaligned with labor market needs.
This interactive workshop invites training designers, educators, and decision-makers to explore how training can be redesigned to remain relevant, responsive, and impactful in fast-changing labor markets. Drawing on the experience of the Generative AI Skills Academy (GenAISA), the session showcases practical approaches to building training programs that deliver the right skills—at the right time.
Why participate?
Participants will gain first-hand insights into how modular curricula, assessment-first design, and strong industry alignment can be combined to create high-impact learning programs that adapt to change. Generative AI serves as a real-world case study, with lessons that are transferable across sectors facing rapid transformation.
What will you learn?
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand the key trends shaping fast-changing labor markets and what they mean for training design
- Learn how to apply skills- and assessment-first design frameworks in practice
- Explore ways to integrate labor market and industry intelligence into curriculum design
- Identify effective assessment and credentialing approaches for evolving skill sets
Who should attend?
This workshop is designed for professionals involved in training, education, and skills development, including:
- Training and instructional designers
- VET practitioners
- Higher education faculty and curriculum developers
- Workforce development and reskilling program managers
- Corporate learning and development professionals
Policymakers and program officers working on digital skills and innovation - Managers of innovation hubs, accelerators, and skills academies
Agenda:
14:00 (CET) Introduction: Fast-changing labour markets and the implications for training design
Key drivers of labor market change, with a focus on AI and digital technologies, and the resulting implications for skills demand and training relevance. This section can include a short presentation of the competences map and emerging job profiles we identified for genAI sector.
Loredana Bucseneanu, Project Manager European DIGITAL SME Alliance and engagement Coordinator of the ARISA Alliance
14:15 (CET) GenAISA Training Design Lab: Assessment-First Learning Design
This session will explore how to develop effective training materials using an assessment-first design approach, grounded in the learning sciences and strengthened through constructive alignment (Biggs & Tang, 2011). When we start by defining what we want learners to demonstrate, we can then design the right content, learning activities, and supports — ensuring learning is purposeful, measurable, and achievable.
Spiros Soulis, Senior Advisor, Education, RMIT Europe
15:00 (CET) Implications for institutions and programs
Key takeaways and guiding questions to help participants reflect on how these approaches can be applied within their own organizations.
Join us for this focused and practical workshop to explore how training design can evolve to meet the demands of fast-changing labor markets. By engaging with peers and learning from concrete experience drawn from the Generative AI Skills Academy, participants will gain actionable insights they can apply directly within their own organizations. This event is delivered in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Skills Alliance and the Digital Large-Scale Partnership, bringing together complementary expertise to support high-quality, future-ready training design.
Registration at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jNyZmpLERE6220gQuy0zKA