In recent years, Bulgaria has made significant strides in the field of clean technology research, thanks in part to the European cohesion funds. One of the key features of this development is the establishment of an innovative research centre dedicated to clean technologies. This centre aims to foster collaboration among Bulgaria’s scientific community and assist individuals and institutions in meeting new ecological standards.
Professor Radostina Stoyanova, the director of the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, emphasizes the importance of state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment in facilitating scientific research. The newly established National Centre for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies is a testament to Bulgaria’s commitment to providing researchers with the resources they need to achieve groundbreaking results.
The project, funded by the European Fund for Regional Development, has brought together 17 scientific partners, including universities and institutes affiliated with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The initiative focuses not only on equipping researchers with cutting-edge technology but also on fostering collaboration and strengthening scientific institutions across the country.
The research at the National Centre for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies is centred around the development of clean technologies, with a particular emphasis on catalyst technologies and new generation batteries. The centre boasts advanced equipment, such as a field emission electron microscope, which allows for in-depth analysis in various fields of study.
Professor Stoyanova and her team are particularly focused on advancing the technology of sodium ion batteries as an environmentally friendly alternative to lithium ion batteries. The goal is to create batteries that are not only more sustainable but also more cost-effective, thus reducing reliance on expensive and scarce resources.
One of the most significant impacts of this initiative has been the creation of employment opportunities for Bulgarian scientists. The centre has employed 175 scientists across various research fields, providing a platform for intellectual growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, the project aims to establish long-lasting collaborations with the industrial sector and foster innovation exchange for financial resources. While encountering challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic and public procurement mechanisms, the project remains committed to establishing the National Centre for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies as a financially sustainable entity.
However, the goal of establishing robust ties with the industrial and business sectors presents some challenges. While researchers at the Technical University have readily embraced practical research, those at the Academy of Sciences, focused on pure scientific research, face a different set of considerations. Efforts are underway to create partnerships and develop a marketing strategy to showcase the innovative activities of the research centre.
Although the journey towards cultivating strong partnerships with the business world is ongoing, the research centre has already made significant strides. Professor Stoyanova proudly highlights the publication of 600 scientific papers, with 125 of them featuring in the prestigious quartile ‘Q1’ journals, which are highly regarded in the academic community.
This significant development in clean technology research in Bulgaria is a testament to the country’s commitment to advancing scientific innovation and environmental sustainability. The accomplishments of the National Centre for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies underscore the potential for Bulgaria to become a key player in the field of green technology.
It is clear that Bulgaria’s investments in clean technology research will yield significant benefits, not only for the scientific community but also for the country’s economic and environmental sustainability in the years to come.