NATIONAL ROADMAP FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE (2020-2027)
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA 2020
REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Ministry of Education and Science Republic of Bulgaria 2A Knjaz Dondukov Blvd. BG-1000 Sofia www.mon.bg ISBN 978-954-8973-29-8 NATIONAL ROADMAP FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE (2020-2027)
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA 2020 Contents
List of abbreviations 10
Definitions 11
Summary 12
Introduction 13
1. Scope of the NRRI 14
2. Purpose of the document 14
3. Strategic framework in the European and national context 15
3.1. European context 15
3.2. National context 16
4. Implementation of NRRI 18
5. Monitoring & evaluation 19
6. Financing of NRRI projects 19
4 7. Description of the projects by categories 20
7.1. International research infrastructures 21
Еuropean Organization for Nuclear Research – CERN 23
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR, the City of DUBNA) 25
Research in the Sphere of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion (ITER) 26
7.2. Unique scientific facilities 28
Regional Astronomical Center for Research and Education (RАCIO) 30
Bulgarian Antarctic Base "St. Kliment Ohridski" 32
National Cyclotron Center 36
7.3. Bulgaria in pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI) 38
CLaDA-BG: National Interdisciplinary Research E-Infrastructure for Bulgarian Language 42 and Cultural Heritage - member of the pan-European research consortia CLARIN-ERIC & DARIAH-ERIC
European Social Survey in Bulgaria (ESS) 44
Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE ERIC Bulgaria) 45
National University Complex for Biomedical and Translational Research (NUCBTR) 47
5 Center of Contemporary Microscopy for Fundamental and Application Research in the 50 Sphere of Biology, Medicine and Biotechnologies (EUROBIOIMAGING)
Research Infrastructure for Cell Technologies in Biomedicine (INFRAACT) 52
National Geoinformation Center 55
Infrastructure for Sustainable Development in the Sphere of Marine Studies and 58 Participation in the European Infrastructure (EURO-ARGO) – MASRI
National Research Infrastructure for Surveillance of Atmospheric Aerosols, Clouds and 60 Trace Gases, integrated within the frames of the pan-European Infrastructure ACTRIS
CTA-MAGIC International Cooperation in the Sphere of Astro-Particle Physics 62
Electronic Infrastructure for Investigation of Bulgarian Medieval Written Heritage 64 (ELINIZB)
“Extreme Light” Consortium ELI-ERIC-BG 66
Bulgarian Observation Station of the pan-European Radiotelescope “Low-Frequency 68 Array” (LOFAR) - LOFAR-BG
Distributed System of Scientific Collections - Bulgaria (DISSCO-BG) 70
Bulgarian Network for Long-Term Ecosystems Research Distributed Scientific 72 Infrastructure (LTER-BG)
6 7.4. National scientific innovation complexes: projects of key importance for the 76 advancement of competitiveness and the technological base of Bulgarian economy
7.4.1. THEMATIC PRIORITY Information and communication technologies 78
QUASAR: Quantum Communications, Intelligent Security Systems and Risk 80 Management Centre
7.4.2. THEMATIC PRIORITY Mechatronics and clean technologies 82
Energy Conservation and Hydrogen Energy (ECHE) 84
Eco and Power-Saving Technologies: Digitisation of the Technological Processes 86
5D ALLIANCE Digital Technological Systems for Clean and Safe Environment 88
Laboratory of Aerospace Mechatronics (LAM) 90
National Centre for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies, Centre of Excellence 92
Centre of Competence for Intelligent Mechatronic, Ecological and Power-Saving 94 Systems and Technologies (IMEPSST)
Clean Technologies for Sustainable Environment: Waters, Waste, Power for 96 Circular Economy (CLEAN&CIRCLE) Centre of Competence
HITMOBIL Technologies and Systems for Generation, Storage and Use of Clean 98 Energy, Centre of Competence
MIRACLE Mechatronics and Clean Technologies Centre of Competence 100
7 7.4.3. THEMATIC PRIORITY Industry for healthy life and bio-technologies 102
Centre of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) 104
National Infrastructure for Research and Innovations in Agriculture and Food RINA 106
Food, Nourishment and Health Research Infrastructure and Bulgaria`s 108 Participation in the pan-European FNH-RI (FNH-RI BUL) Infrastructure
Sustainable Utilisation of Bio-Resources from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for 110 Innovative Bio-Active Products Centre of Competence
National Centre for Biomedical Photonics (NCBF) 112
Extreme Coherent Light in the Mid-infrared and the X-ray Range as A Laboratory 114 Infrastructure (HEPHAESTUS)
PLANTHEALTH Centre for Diagnostics and Technologies in Plant Health 116
Research Infrastructure for Innovative Study of Bio-Molecules, Bio-Membranes 120 and Bio-Signals (BioMMS)
Fundamental Translational Clinical Studies of Infections and Infection Immunology, 122 Centre of Competence
Personalised Innovative Medicine Centre of Competence (PERIMED) 124
Centre of Competence for Personalised Medicine, 3D and Telemedicine, Robotised 126 and Minimally Invasive Surgery
8 7.4.4. THEMATIC PRIORITY New technologies in creative and re-creative industries 128
Bulgarian Heritage Centre of Excellence 130
Distributed Infrastructure of Centres for the research of new materials and their 132 applications, as well as the conservation, access to and E-storage of artifacts (archaeological and ethnographic) – INFRAMAT
Laboratory Complex at Sofia Tech Park 134
7.5. E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research) 138
National Centre for High-Output and Distributed Computing 140
Big Data for Smart Society (GATE) 142
Universities for Science, Informatics and Technologies in the E-Society (USTE) Centre of 144 Excellence
Digitisation of the Economy in Big Data Environment Centre of Competence (DEBDE) 146
Informatics and Communication Technologies Centre of Excellence 147
9 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
List of abbreviations
BAS Bulgarian Academy of Sciences ERA European Research Area EU European Union ESIF European structural and investment funds ESFRI European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures SSS Smart Specialization Strategy MES Ministry of Education and Science RI Research infrastructure
RDA Research and development activity NRRI National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure NSRD National Strategy for Research Development OP SESG OP “Science and Education for Smart Growth”
SC Standing Committee
CE Center of Excellence
CC Center of Competence
10 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
Definitions
National Roadmap for European Strategy Forum Research infrastructure Research Infrastructure on Research Infrastructures (NRRI) (ESFRI)
long-term strategic document, de- lays a key role in policy-making on ncludes instruments (laboratories, fa- scribing the planned development Research Infrastructures in Europe. cilities, equipment, resources, collec- Aof the scientific infrastructure and PThe competitive and open access to Itions, archives, structured information), containing a list of new and established high-quality scientific infrastructure sup- conditions, expertise, methods, materials, infrastructural associations of national ports high quality research and attracts activities and related services, used for and European significance. The infra- the best researchers from all over the the generation, transfer, exchange and structures included in the Roadmap are world. ESFRI is involved in the develop- maintenance of new knowledge, gained physical objects and network structures, ment of the European and global science through scientific research works and as well as consortia facilitating the mem- policy. technological developments. The re- bership of the country in European Re- search infrastructure may be centralized search Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs). (i.e. telescopes, synchrotrons, etc.) or distributed (i.e. a network of bio-banks), providing shared or virtual services, which may be utilized by the end users – the sci- entific community, the industry, etc.
Infratructure categories
Unique research infrastructure Scientific facilities E-infrastructure Scientific centers and integrated com- A set of unique facilities carrying out spe- Oriented towards the needs of the Euro- plexes which avail to highly specialized cific research with regional and national pean researchers for digital services for equipment and apparatus, offer special- significance i.e.monitoring and survey of network operation, for computation sys- ized scientific services, have no analogue the environment. tems and data management. at a national level and/or is a member of ERIC, recognized by ESFRI and included in Infrastructures of pan-European sig- European cloud for open science An open virtual environment for storage, the European Roadmap for Research In- nificance sharing and re-utilization of scientific frastructure. A consortium of organizations from EU member states, cooperating and using data and results. Scientific Centers scientific equipment for specific research Centers with unique technological equip- works in diverse spheres of science. ment, financed by the European Region- al Development Fund, where scientific Scientific complexes research is carried out at a professional A network of scientific infrastructures of level. a similar thematic subject which may be concentrated in one campus or may be distributed regionally.
11 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
Summary
he research infrastructure is a major for Smart Growth” and subjected to inter- The strategy for the sustainable devel- pillar of the national scientific-re- national evaluation) in different domains, opment of the research infrastructure is Tsearch and innovation systems of the covering the energy sector, environment meant to provide the necessary conditions EU member states and the European Re- and ecology; biotechnology, biomedicine, for the active participation of Bulgarian re- search Area (ERA) for the development of health and food; physics and engineering searchers and innovative companies in the scientific research and innovations in key sciences; aerospace and defense industry; EU Framework Program for research and spheres for society and economy such as social and cultural innovations, information innovation and for the increased interest public health, environment, climate, etc. and communication technologies, as well of foreign scientists, resulting in better in- Together they facilitate progress and help as electronic infrastructure. ternationalization of Bulgarian science. solve societal and economic challenges. The present issue of the National Research Infrastructure facilitates excel- Roadmap for Research Infrastructure in lent fundamental and applied research 2020 provides comprehensive informa- and constitutes a platform for the develop- tion about each of the 50 objects, namely ment of advanced technologies Research the institutional partnerships within the Infrastructure provides access to specific Project, description of the capacity and research facilities and equipment, as well activities of the research infrastructure, as to large databases and specific themat- expected results, impact and benefits to ic services. The EU member states and the science, economy and society. There is countries associated to the Framework information regarding the relations with Program publish and update their re- relevant pan-European infrastructure con- search infrastructure roadmaps, following sortia and other large-scaled international the example of the European Strategy Fo- initiatives. rum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). The National Roadmap for Research ESFRI published the first Roadmap of the Infrastructure is instrumental to the im- common European research infrastruc- plementation of the policies and meas- tures in 2006. ures identified by the National strategy Thе last and current issue of the Na- for development of scientific research in tional Roadmap for Research Infrastruc- the republic of Bulgaria 2017 – 2030 (Bet- ture of the Republic of Bulgaria represents ter science for better Bulgaria) and the the third and updated version of the doc- Smart Specialization Strategy (SSS). NRRI ument, covering the period 2020 – 2027. represents a source for better and more In 2019, following a scientific evaluation comprehensive publicity of the work and of the projects, whereas methodology achievements of Bulgarian scientists and developed on the basis of the criteria in- research teams, encouraging young peo- corporated in ESFRI was applied, 12 new ple to consider a career in science. Research infrastructure projects were ap- The projects included in the present proved for inclusion in the updated NRRI. updated strategic document are of key The applicable criteria for approval include importance for encouraging breakthrough efficient management, vision for sustaina- scientific and technological achievements, ble development, rules for open access to foster transfer of knowledge and inter- the infrastructure and to research service nationalization of Bulgarian scientific re- specific for the infrastructure. The current search within the frame of open science updated version of the Roadmap includes and open innovation in Europe, thus con- 50 projects in total (including 15 CC and tributing to the development of a knowl- CE, financed by OP “Science and Education edge-based society.
12 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
Introduction
he National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure (NRRI) Scope of NRRI; 2020 – 2027 is elaborated by the Ministry of Education and Purpose of the document; TScience in coordination with the Bulgarian scientific organ- izations and universities representing the consortia managing Strategic framework in the European and national the NRRI-included projects. It is structured as follows: context; Implementation of NRRI; Monitoring and evaluation; Financing of the NRRI projects; Description of the NRRI projects.
Project CTA-MAGIC.
13 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
1. Scope of the NRRI
he National Roadmap for Research International research infrastruc- Infrastructure contains 50 projects (23 Infrastructure 2020 – 2027 includes tures; after the last update in 2017, 12 new pro- Tthe major scientific complexes in Unique scientific facilities; jects and 15 Centers for Excellence and the country and their relevant prioritiza- Bulgaria in pan-European research Competency Centers, which will be sup- tion at an European and national level, in infrastructure consortiums (ERICs); ported for their following sustainable accordance with the thematic domains National scientific and innovation development, once they become opera- defined by ESFRI (energy, environment, complexes – projects of key signif- tional), belonging to one or more of the health and food, natural and engineer- icance for the development of the specified groups. Based on the evaluation ing sciences, social and cultural innova- competitiveness of the Bulgarian of the membership, the national engage- tions, and electronic infrastructure) and economy and technological capacity; ment to 8 European consortia has been of SSS (information and communication E-infrastructures. Digital, computa- confirmed (CLARIN-ERIC, Euro-Argo-ERIC, technologies and informatics; industries tion and computer researches (e-re- ESS-ERIC, EurBioImaging-ERIC, BBMRI-ER- for healthy way of life and biotechnolo- searches). IC, SHARE-ERIC, EATRIS-ERIC, DRIAH-ERIC), gy; mechatronics and clean technologies, as well as the participation in 5 partner- new technologies in the creative and rec- Following the external evaluation and ships for establishment of new consortia reative industries); the infrastructures inclusion of approved new projects, the (ACTRIS, CTA, ELI, EPOS, DANUBIUS). are grouped as follows: updated National Roadmap for Research
2. Purpose of the document
To act as a reference national strategic document, providing directions and setting priorities for the development of the 2.1. future and existing infrastructures of strategic significance and their international inclusion;
To create framework conditions for the establishment of unified standards regarding the access and use of infrastruc- 2.2. tures;
To improve the efficiency of the scientific infrastructure system in the country and to reduce fragmentation in scientific 2.3. research;
To contribute to increasing the cooperation between the Bulgarian scientific community and the business and to develop 2.4. activities under the different pillars and thematic spheres of the EU Framework program for research and innovation;
To contribute to the training of young talents via easy access to diverse infrastructure, and to encourage them to start 2.5. career in science;
To establish favorable conditions for carrying out innovative activities and generating added value through excellent scien- 2.6. tific research, through easing the access of industry to scientific infrastructure.
14 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
3. Strategic framework in the European and national context
3.1. European context
he update of the Roadmap in 2020 as hubs of knowledge and innovations, in- favorable conditions for the EU member is intended to continue the consoli- tegrated at a local and regional level. An- states to compete for investments in sci- Tdation and modernization of the re- other important policy element is the co- entific research infrastructures. search infrastructure in Bulgaria, as well herence between the European, national For EU member states to be able to as providing sustainability and continuity and regional priorities and policies for the cope with large public challenges, for ex- of investments in leading consortiums, development of research infrastructure. ample the clime change COVID-19 scale areas and units, in line with the national This will result in reducing the overlapping pandemics, the research infrastructures commitment to achieve the goals of the of efforts, achieve efficient joint use of must be able to partner and consolidate European Research Area (ERA) - in par- resources, as well as standardization of with the fellow infrastructures, strength- ticular the ones under Priority 2 “Optimal procedures. A key factor for achieving ening knowledge exchange and contrib- transnational cooperation and compe- these goals is the provision by the infra- uting to interdisciplinary research. Such tition”, including undertaking of joint ac- structures of open access to data, in con- an approach would contribute to a sus- tions towards large-scaled societal chal- formity with the principles of accessibility, tainable and efficient ecosystem of the lenges and research infrastructures, and operability and multiple use. research infrastructure and in general under Priority 5 for Knowledge circulation The research infrastructures are con- - to a more sustainable society. In this and Open access. sidered a priority in the EU frame pro- regard - the electronic research infra- In view of the participation of Bul- grams for scientific research and innova- structure is of primary importance. This garia in ESFRI, rules for the work and ac- tions. Their key importance, benefits and is why free access to research infrastruc- cess to scientific technological facilities positive impact on the development and tures, as well as facilitating the access to have been introduced. Operational and proper functioning of ERA are confirmed scientific data and outputs through the technological capacity to for work with by their inclusion in the first pillar of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)2 is foreign users has been defined, whereas EU Framework Program for research and essential. the fragmentation of the national scien- innovations. The research infrastructures tific research ecosystem is reduced and are included in the pillar “Open science” EOSC is an ecosystem of standards, the international visibility of Bulgarian of “Horizon Europe” - the 9th EU Frame- technology and services, which provides science and research is being increased. work Program for scientific research for improved access to reliable and The White Book of ESFRI, presented in and innovations (2021 – 2027). The budget re-usable data and other digital objects, 2020, defines the role of such infrastruc- resources of the “Horizon Europe” will be including the ones generated or collected tures and their continuous moderniza- used to upgrade European research in- from different research infrastructures, tion in the context of the renewed ERA. frastructures with regards to technolog- supporting the entire lifecycle of research The major messages thereof envisage ical development, new tools, means and data - finding, analysis, storage and man- strengthening the position of research methods1, as well as to activities related agement. The high-speed connectivity infrastructures as an important pillar of with the establishment of international (GÉANT) forms the base of EOSC develop- ERA, formation of a strong, sustainable consortiums, and in particular the Euro- ment and provides fast and reliable con- and integrated ecosystem of infrastruc- pean research infrastructure consorti- nectivity for researchers in Europe and tures, striving to excellent science, mean- ums (ERICs). This approach will provide on global scale. The common goal is for ingful positive impact while providing the European Union to avail to sustainable transnational services, supporting the ed- and top-quality scientific infrastructures, ucational process and contributing to the 1 Till now under the framework programs only which will be open and accessible to all development of skills. An emphasis is put the preparatory phases have been financed. researchers, for the complete utilization on the development and utilization of the 2 https://www.eoscsecretariat.eu/news- of their potential for scientific progress potential of the research infrastructures opinion/major-milestone-eosc-association- and innovations. born
15 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
3.2. National context
he National Roadmap for Research the Centers for Excellence and the Com- infrastructures for scientific investiga- Infrastructure implements the poli- petence Centers were launched, receiving tions and innovations during the next Tcies and measures identified in the financing under OP “Science and Educa- program period and in the context of National strategy for development of sci- tion for Smart Growth”. The Operational the National Development Plan “Bulgaria entific research in the republic of Bulgar- program co-financed the projects for 2030”. One of the major messages of the ia 2017 – 2030 (Better science for better research infrastructure under the Frame- conference was to work towards synergy Bulgaria) and the Smart Specialization work program where the main source of Strategy for the establishment of mod- funding was provided by European struc- ern infrastructure which will contribute tural funds. In 2018 investments were to retaining highly qualified specialists in made in research infrastructure projects the country, attracting young researchers members of European consortia and and stimulating international scientific unique scientific research facilities, such research cooperation. as the Observatory in Rozhen. The first National Roadmap for Re- According to the Better Science for search Infrastructure was elaborated in Better Bulgaria 2030 program, a major 2010 as part of the commitment of the goal of the research infrastructure of country to full-value participation in the Bulgaria is to stimulate and facilitate the European Research Area and to provi- process of development and implementa- sion attractive environment for Bulgar- tion of innovations in economic sectors. ian researchers from all over the world In this process a key role is played by the to return and work in Bulgaria. NRRI is educational institutions, scientific centers one of the leading strategic documents and the business, whereas the success for the development of economy based factor depends on their interaction and on knowledge and for building scientif- cooperation. The scientific infrastructure ic infrastructure and capacity to cope in the country will contribute to encour- with societal and economic challenges. aging applied studies and developments, The purpose is to increase the appeal of the measures for their commercialization Bulgaria as a destination for researchers and transformation into high-added-val- and innovators from all over the world, as ue products and services. well as to complete the construction of Following up to the success of the a contemporary technological base for flagship conference on the topic of Eu- high-quality research and innovations ropean research infrastructures beyond until 2030, through investments in the na- 2020 held during the Bulgarian Presiden- tional and regional scientific and innova- cy of the Council of the EU in 2018 and the tion infrastructure. International conference for scientific The Roadmap has been regularly research infrastructures, held later dur- updated (each 3-4 years), taking in con- ing the same year in Vienna, in 2019 the sideration the changing conditions and Ministry of Education and Science of the possibilities. The inclusion of objects in Republic of Bulgaria and the Executive the Roadmap does not constitute a com- Agency “OP “Science and Education for mitment for their financing, neither ranks Smart Growth” organized an international the projects per certain priorities. The conference on the subject of “Research Roadmap serves as a benchmark for fur- infrastructures of the future – energy, ther resolutions on financing. sustainability, smart growth and social Updates of the strategic document impact”. The conference became plat- have been made in 2014 and 2017. form for discussions, synchronization of 2018 marked a period of intensive de- the national efforts and the efforts of velopment of the research infrastructures the European Union in the context of the included in the Roadmap. The projects for long-term sustainability of the European
16 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
between the Framework Program for re- scientific research, education, innova- search and innovations “Horizon Europe” tions. and the European structural and invest- The objects included in the NRRI will ment funds. work on assignments by the local and At a national level research infra- regional authorities, to address and re- structure management, scientists and spond to public necessities. Such co- staff will benefit from policies and meas- operation with local and regional public ures for training and development of authorities will be carried out via agree- skills. This is a step towards an economy ments between the coordinator of the based on knowledge and smart growth, infrastructure and the relevant district The National Astronomic Observatory – as research infrastructures are in the governor or mayor. Rozhen center of the triangle of knowledge:
17 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
4. Implementation of NRRI
he implementation of the Nation- participation in competitive procedures ing independency. By 2024 a new update al Roadmap for Research Infra- on building of infrastructures under pro- of NRRI will be made with the purpose of Tstructure in the context of the new grams financed by the European Regional determining the next cycle of prioritiza- program period and the “Bulgaria 2030” Development Fund (ERDF), the European tion of the significant infrastructures for Strategy is planned in three stages, as Recovery Fund (ERRF) and other financing Bulgaria in the context of the new pri- follows: programs. orities of research development in the country and in the EU. First stage: Increased participation Second stage: Fostering innovation in “Horizon Europe”, internationalization (2024 – 2025). At this stage the emphasis Third stage (2026-2027): The major and development of national capacity will be placed on the development of the activities during this stage will be fo- (2020 – 2023). Within the frames of the existing infrastructures and the regular cused on the transfer of technologies, first stage emphasized will be the build- assessment of their efficiency and effi- clustering and establishing of techno- ing and maintenance of the existing ob- cacy considering services offered, avail- logical infrastructures, attracting foreign jects. During this period constructed will able operative and technical personnel, researchers and companies, as well as be also the Centers for Excellence and international and project visibility, the sustaining attractive environment for the the Competence Centers. At European potential for attracting of users from the users and for career development of sci- level, the ESFRI Roadmap will be updat- business, the industry and the public ad- entists, providing digital access to servic- ed in 2021. Until then, new projects will be ministration, if applicable, the potential es offered by the infrastructural objects. able to elaborate their business plans for for maintaining sustainability and achiev-
18 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
5. Monitoring and assessment
he implementation of the NRRI and Development, maintenance and us- the NRRI. The SC supports MES in plan- building of the individual research age of the scientific apparatus and ning, monitoring and assessment of the Tcomplexes will be an object of con- equipment; NRRI implementation and provides pro- stant national and international moni- Scientific quality of research and posals on objects’ prioritization based on toring and assessment (М&A). М&A will major beneficiaries of the outputs methodology confirmed by the Minister include general review on the implemen- (measured via publications, patents; of Education and Science. SC meetings tation of the NRRI policies at national lev- quotes; number of users); are held at least twice a year. SC mem- el, as well as corrective actions and pos- Institutional capacity (scientists per- bers are representatives of the scientific sible introduction of new instruments and forming concrete research works; community, employer organizations, min- support schemes. employment of habilitated personnel, istries and public bodies, as well as inde- The efficiency of the participation of number of PhD students, etc.); pendent experts. individual national research infrastruc- Efficiency in attracting funds from The evaluation of NRRI objects ap- tures in European consortia and large- different sources; plies a methodology for assessment of scaled international infrastructures, the Social-economic benefits and rele- the impacts from the building and devel- implementation of their scientific-re- vance of outputs (product, technolo- opment of the NRRI objects in stages: (1) search and technological programs and gy, methodology, etc.); self-evaluation, performed by the teams activities will be subjected to monitoring Established partnerships – national, of the NRRI objects based on the ESFRI and evaluation. regional and European; expert maps, (2) annual assessments by The evaluation criteria for the scien- Established certified open data stor- MES of the impact of the support provid- tific infrastructures cover the following ages. ed to the NRRI object. components: The Standing Committee, as a consul- Necessity for and benefits from the tative body with the Minister of Education research work carried out in the in- and Science will be in charge of the gen- frastructure; eral monitoring on the implementation of
6. Financing of NRRI projects
he NRRI financial provision requires During a preparatory stage a new project tional capacity, modernization, develop- efficient and integrated utilization may be supported financially to develop a ment, annual participation installments Tof the available national and Eu- business plan, determine the legal form to the relevant pan-European infrastruc- ropean funds – i.e. targeted financing of partnership, the statutes and rules for ture support to secure the needed hu- from the state budget, ESIF or other management and access, etc. man resources. financial sources. The new projects, in- The 50 NRRI 2020 projects represent It is important that NRRI falls among cluded in the updated NRRI are subject infrastructures at different stages of the priority activities of the Government to selection through prioritization by the their development – construction, oper- for the 2021 – 2027 program period and Standing Committee. Achieving maturity ational stage or financial independence. beyond. NRRI should become a key com- these infrastructures may apply in calls Depending on the stage of development, ponent in the development of spheres of for proposals for further development financial support will be allocated for intervention aimed at improving the com- of the national research infrastructure. construction, maintenance and opera- petitiveness of the national economy.
19 National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2020-2027
7. Description of projects per categories
7.1. International research infrastructures 21
7.2. Unique scientific facilities 28
7.3. Bulgaria in the pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI) 38
7.4. National scientific innovation complexes: projects of key importance for the advance- ment of competitiveness and the technological base of Bulgarian economy
7.4.1. Information and communication technologies 78 7.4.2. Mechatronics and clean technologies 82 7.4.3. Industry for healthy life and bio-technologies 102 7.4.4. New technologies in creative and re-creative industries 128
7.5. E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research) 138
20 7.1. International research infrastructures
Еuropean Organization for Nuclear Research – CERN 23
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR, the City of DUBNA) 25
Research in the Sphere of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion (ITER) 26
21 articipation in international organizations and experimental mega- projects provides opportunity for access to global scientific knowledge, Pinternational science networks, unique research infrastructures, data bases and other research sources. The international infrastructures are administered on the basis of agreements, conventions, an international treaty or another legal act, raising an obligation for participation and contribution on the part of Bulgaria in the construction or modernization of the technical equipment/facility of the national research infrastructure, representing the country in the particular ERIC or international organization. On the basis of such contracts Bulgaria is represented in:
22 International research infrastructures
Еuropean Organization for Nuclear Research – CERN
he European Organization for Nu- cations in the domain of life sciences National scientific infrastructure clear Research (CERN), established and medicine, for technology transfer, supporting Bulgarian participation in Tin 1954, is the largest and most re- for training of young scientists, experts, CERN nowned inter-governmental organization teachers and students. More than 15 000 In cooperation with Sofia University for fundamental scientific research. It scientists from 97 countries all over the the Institute for Nuclear Research and was founded by 23 member countries. world have carried out research work at Nuclear Energy (Bulgarian Academy of Bulgaria is a full member since 1999. CERN. Sciences), developed a laboratory for В CERN performs research studies, More than 100 Bulgarian scientists, production and testing of ionizing ra- upon which stable or long-living charged engineers and technicians have partici- diation detectors, and a laboratory for particles (protons, electrons and heavy pated in projects at CERN, representing nuclear electronics. The research and ions) are accelerated. Тhereafter they Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” development facility of the Institute was collide with nuclei from a specially se- (SU), the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences the main contractor for a project on the lected target. Using detectors, located (the Institute of Nuclear Research and extension of the CMS experiment (2016 – around the target or the collision point, Nuclear Energy - INRNE, the Institute of 2020), while the laboratory at the Sofia the results from the interaction are reg- Information and Communication Tech- University carries out research related to istered. nologies and the Institute of Robotics), ionization radiation detectors, in particu- A unique acceleration complex is con- Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” and lar for the development of new detectors structed in CERN, representing a chain of the Technical University -Sofia. At pres- for different experiments in CERN and de- accelerators. The Large Hardon Collider ent Bulgarian researchers participate in tectors with medical applications. There (LHC) is the last in the chain and is able several projects - CMS, NA61, NA62, ISOLDE is a CMS center hosted by the University to accelerate protons to energies of 7 and SHiP. CERN programs attract young which facilitates the control of the CMS TeV and heavy nuclei to 2.76 TeV/nuclon. people, facilitating their professional de- detector in real time. Sofia University On this accelerator there are 4 detector velopment and studies in physics, engi- hosts a computer center, part of the the- complexes installed on the LHC (ATLAS, neering and information technology. The matic global Grid. CMS, ALICE, LHCb), registering the results research works are usually carried out by The Project features construction from the interaction of the accelerated large international teams. Such interna- and operation of scientific infrastructure beams. tional cooperationis a solid basis for joint used for the development and testing of At CERN the infrastructure maintains participation in the Framework program detectors and complex detector systems the operation of the accelerators and of of the European Union for research and to register ionizing radiation, computer the powerful computation center which innovations and contributes to the in- modeling of detector systems response, avails to 17 000 processors (85 000 nuclei) crease in the number of scientific papers processing and analysis of data gath- and storage capacity of 185 PB. The LHC published. The international cooperation ered during CERN experiments. The in- Grid encompasses 170 computer centers at CERN benefits the development of Bul- frastructure has three major complexes: in 42 countries all over the world. garian science in the domains of physics, Center for grid and cloud technologies, At CERN, scientific research is carried nuclear physics, informatics, electronics Laboratory for ionizing radiation detec- out in the spheres of elementary parti- and medicine, among others. tors with solid and liquid active medium cles physics and nuclear physics, applied The NRRI includes the national in- and Laboratory for gas ionizing radiation research and technological development, frastructure developed to support the detectors. complex detection systems for ionizing full-value scientific and technological The Project envisages the develop- radiation, technological and engineering participation of Bulgaria in CERN. The ment of Grid and cloud technologies development of acceleration equipment, Ministry of Education and Science is the center at SU that will accommodate in- electronics, new materials, information financial coordinator of the participation stalled computer systems, as part of the technologies for storage and analysis of Bulgaria in CERN. The scientific coor- world Grid network (1 800 computation of big data. There are several special dinator of the national infrastructure is units and 800 TB data storage capaci- programs on the development of appli- Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. ty, cluster for parallel computations, 196
23 International research infrastructures
computation units equipped with power- obtained during CERN experiments, as The Laboratory for gas ionizing ra- ful video-cards, and interface to a large- well as for computer simulations on com- diation detectors is a distributed infra- scale international cloud infrastructure). plex physical and detector systems. structure, constituting an upgrade of the Development plans feature the construc- The Laboratory for ionizing radiation existing laboratories for ionizing radiation tion of another similar center at INRNE. detectors with solid and liquid active detectors hosted at INRNE and SU Faculty Both centers will develop new methods medium has two departments - a Labo- of Physics. The major task of the labo- and technologies for data storage and ratory for development and investigation ratory is to provide for the participation analysis, development of grid and cloud of scintillation detectors, and a Laborato- of the Bulgarian scientists in the experi- technologies, application of artificial in- ry for development and characterization ments performed on the LHC. R&D on the telligence for controlling the operation of detectors used in experiments with topic of the characteristics of new detec- of equipment and data analysis. These accelerated radioactive ion beams. of the tors and detector systems will be carried activities boost integration of the Bulgar- facility will be hosted at SU and will rep- out and will be applied in the process of ian scientific community in the European resent a further upgrade of the available upgrading of the detector complexes op- Research Area (ERA) and international equipment at the SU Faculty of Physics. erating on this accelerator. The labora- scientific cooperation. In addition, the The major task of the laboratory is to pro- tory at INRNE will focus on development Centers will support training of students vide for the full-value participation of the and on the measuring of the character- and PhD students, young researchers Bulgarian teams in the experiments NA61, istics of multi-detector systems by using working in the spheres of nuclear physics NA62, SHiP on the SPS accelerator and in muons. The laboratory at SU Faculty of and elementary particles physics, infor- the experiments using radioactive nuclei Physics will work on the development of mation technologies and life sciences. beams, performed at the ISOLDE experi- new detector systems for high-precision The existing infrastructure is built with mental complex. New types of detectors measurements. substantial support from CERN and will with medical and industrial applications be used for storage and analysis of data will be developed.
24 International research infrastructures
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR, the City of DUBNA)
he Joint Institute for Nuclear Re- scientific centers and universities from ture of apparatus and facilities for the re- search (JINR) is an international 64 countries. Currently, there are sever- search works carried out at the Institute. Tintergovernmental organization, al large-scaled infrastructural projects Such participation also impacts positively established on 26 March 1956 by elev- under implementation at JINR involving Bulgarian economy. en founding states, amongst which the the participation of Bulgarian scientific The benefits for Bulgaria from its JINR Republic of Bulgaria (http://www.jinr. teams. These projects include the The Nu- membership in are vast and – affects ru). JINR is situated in the city of Dubna clotron-based Ion Collider fAcility (NICA), positively education, science and econo- (Russian Federation) and is established the Superheavy Element Factory (SHEF), my. for the purpose of uniting the efforts, sci- the Baikal-GVD Deep Underwater Neutrino The financial coordinator for the entific and resource potential of its mem- Telescope and the multi-functional com- participation of Bulgaria in Dubna is the ber states for studying the fundamental putation complex that hosts the modern- Ministry of Education and Science, and properties of the matter. ized supercomputer “Govorun”. the scientific coordinator is the Nuclear JINR has seven laboratories – the Lab- For the past 60 years more than 500 Regulatory Agency (NRA). The Chairman oratory of high energy physics, the Labo- Bulgarian physicists, mathematicians, of NRA is an authorized representative of ratory of neutron physics, the Laboratory chemists, engineers and biologists have the Government of the Republic of Bul- of theoretical physics, the Laboratory of worked at JINR. On an annual basis, about garia in JINR. radiation biology, the Laboratory of infor- 100 researchers from Bulgaria visit the mation technologies, the Laboratory for laboratories of JINR, representing the Bul- nuclear reactions and the Laboratory for garian Academy of Sciences, Sofia Univer- nuclear problems. sity “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Plovdiv Universi- JINR avails to unique scientific infra- ty “Paisii Hilendarski”, the South-Western structure which includes accelerators, University “Neofit Rilski”, the National Cen- nuclear reactors and infrastructure al- ter for Radiobiology and Radiation Protec- lowing for research at the highest global tion, etc. JINR commissions to Bulgarian level. JINR partners with more than 800 institutes and companies the manufac- BAikal-GDV (Gigaton Volume Detector)
25 International research infrastructures
Research in the Sphere of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion (ITER)
he International Thermonuclear Ex- Nuclear fusion does not release car- fee installments of the member states perimental Reactor ITER (https:// bon dioxide or any other gases in the are proportionate to their financial par- Twww.iter.org/) operates in the atmosphere. Its basic product is he- ticipation in the European Atomic Ener- domain of nuclear synthesis as a new lium which is an inert and non-toxic unlimited energy source. In particular, gas; ITER could demonstrate the scientific The activity of components upon this and technical capabilities of the ther- reaction is very low and the materials mo-nuclear energy sector, and that the can be recycled and re-used. transition from the present Tokamak ex- periments to the first demonstration of a ITER is located in Southern France, in thermonuclear power plant can be made. the Center of the Commissariat à l’Ener- The European partnership in the activities gie Atomique (CEA) Kadarash. Europe, as is based on an agreement signed in 2006 the host of this largest fusion experiment, between seven global partners - Euratom finances almost half of the project. At the (representing the European Union), China, core of ITER is the Tokamak complex – a India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the 400 000-ton building including the prem- USA. The program implements scientific ises of Tokamak, the Diagnostics and the research from Euratom in the develop- Tritium buildings. In December, 2017 the ment of technologies, dissemination of 50% completion of the common con- technical information and operational struction works milestone was reached. activities. The main purpose of the ITER It is fundamental to the first stage of experiments is to achieve controlled operation – the so-called “First plasma”. thermonuclear fusion, which is one of the The generation of the first plasma from most perspective options for a future en- ITER is planned for the year of 2026. All ergy source. major components of the experimental The research works in the sphere of thermonuclear reactor will be tested to nuclear fusion should result in the devel- prove that all magnetic systems are fully opment of an experimental reactor which functional. The subsequent development will demonstrate the potential capabili- stage will initiate the installation of com- ties of controlled thermonuclear fusion, ponents, so that the experiments with substantiating a project for the first ther- high-temperature plasma generated in monuclear power plant. The major ad- ITER can begin. vantages of the reactors operated on the The scientific program "WP 2014-2020 basis of the nuclear fusion if successfully EUROFUSION“ on controlled thermonucle- commissioned, are: ar fusion has been implemented by the EUROFUSION Consortium. The consortium Times more energy generated com- encompasses the EUROFUSION ASSOCI- pared to common sources, such as ATION of the 28 EU member states and gas, coal or oil; Switzerland“ since 2014. The basic fuel for nuclear fusion is Bulgaria is a full member of Euratom widely spread and inexhaustible – and participates in the European joint un- deuterium (may be distilled from dertaking on thermonuclear fusion (Fu- water); sion for Energy). The annual membership
26 International research infrastructures
gy Community (Euratom), in accordance reactor – DEMO. and timely completion of the ITER Project. with the Statute of the joint undertaking. The “Conclusions of the Council of EU The Project implementation would al- The partnership relies on the support regarding the reviewed project on inter- low for increased capacity for scientific of the best experts in the sphere of con- national thermonuclear experimental achievements, contributing to increased trolled thermonuclear fusion. The activi- reactor” were approved in 2018, during competitiveness, new jobs and EU com- ties of the Bulgarian Association build up Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of petitiveness. Thermonuclear fusion will on the scientific research and the tech- EU. The document addresses the bal- play an important future role in the Eu- nological activities on the Project for the anced participation of all member states ropean energy sector, constituting an construction of the international thermo- in the public procurement orders for the inexhaustible and climate-friendly energy nuclear reactor ITER, as well as on the Project implementation. The Conclusions source. preparation of the "Demonstration fusion confirm the commitment to the, feasible
27 7.2. Unique scientific facilities
Regional Astronomical Center for Research and Education (RАCIO) 30
Bulgarian Antarctic Base “St. Kliment Ohridski” 32
National Cyclotron Center 36
28 he research facilities, presented in this section, include unique scientific apparatus for Bulgaria. These unique facilities allow scientists to expand Tthe boundaries of knowledge in a variety of domains such as cancer research, genetics, physics and chemistry.
29 Unique scientific facilities
Regional Astronomical Description of infrastructure and activities: Center for Research RACIO is an association of research and educational institutions in the sphere of optic astronomy in Bulgaria. The major activity of RACIO is and Education (RАCIO) acquiring new scientific knowledge and training of students and PhD students in the sphere of astronomy. The National Astronomic Observatory – Rozhen specialized resources for astronomic observations are feature four telescopes:
200 cm, Ritchey–Chrétien-Coudé telescope; 60 cm, Cassegrain telescope; 50/70 cm, Schmidt telescope; 15 см, Lio-coronograph.
The telescope arrays are used for obtaining data from observations in a survey of the trends in contemporary astrophysics. The main meth- ods of investigation are photometry (measuring the parameters of radiation from cosmic objects) and spectroscopy (spectral analysis of irradiated light). By applying these methods scientists receive in- formation about the mass, volume, chemical composition, direction and speed of movement, distances to the cosmic objects, etc. As part of an international partnership, optical data from NAO-Rozhen is com- bined with the data received from observations with radio telescope Webpage: arrays and data from cosmic apparatus performing observations in http://195.96.236.171/ratio/?page_id=251 the infrared and ultraviolet part of the spectrum, as well as in the roentgen and gamma-range. As a result, joint scientific papers are Coordinator, contact address: published, utilizing the data from NAO-Rozhen. Such data is utilized Institute of Astronomy with National Astronomic by projects such as XMM-Newton, Fermi-LAT, Swift, NuSTAR, AGILE and Observatory (IANAO) others. http://nao-rozhen.org/ 2020 marked for NAO-Rozhen the delivery and assembly of the first Bulgarian Chromospheric Telescope with lens diameter the of 31 cm Bulgarian consortium: that will be used for observation of the Sun. Financial coordinator: As a next step in the technological modernization NAO-Rozhen will Ministry of Education and Science commission the development of a new robotized telescope array with diameter of the lens of 1.5 m. It is expected that the new telescope Scientific coordinator: will be installed at NAO-Rozhen in the summer of 2022. There are new Institute of Astronomy with National Astronomic CCD cameras for the Schmidt telescope at NAO-Rozhen and a 60 cm Observatory - BAS telescope array at AO Belogradchik. Three new ANDOR CCD cameras will be installed. This upgrade and and the Coudé spectrograph on Consortium member-organizations: a 2-m telescope will allow for increased quality of research, along »» The Department of Astronomy of Sofia Universi- with significantly improved with the. The Astronomical Observatory of ty “St. Kliment Ohridski”; Shumen University operates an automatic meteorological station. The »» Astronomical Center of Shumen University “Kon- infrastructure partners in the ASTRONET and OPTICON international stantin Preslavski”. organizations.
Impact/ Benefits: The infrastructure is the largest astronomic observatory in South-Eastern Europe; Applying new methods for observation and research of powerful gravitational and magnetic fields, enormous densities and tem- peratures; near-absolute vacuum and temperatures close to the absolute zero, relativistic velocities, etc;
30 Unique scientific facilities
Area of impact: Natural and engineering sciences Studying of physical processes related to sky objects whereas such study could benefit the spheres of nuclear physics, plasma Type of infrastructure: physics, neutron physics and magnetic-hydrodynamics; Concentrated, virtual Discovering and tracking through astronomic observations of as- teroids and comets passing dangerously close to Earth; Improving the quality of education and strengthening the links be- tween the education and research sectors, through of the applica- tion of the STEM approach.
31 Unique scientific facilities
Bulgarian Description of infrastructure and activities: Antarctic Base The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and ratified by Bulgaria in 1978, de- fines the Antarctic Continent as territory which shall be used only for “St. Kliment Ohridski” peaceful purposes, free for research and exchange of scientific infor- mation and data. According to Article 2 of the Protocol on Environmen- tal Protection, “… the parties commit to the all-round protection of the Antarctic environment and its ecosystem. The Antarctic is a natural preservation area, dedicated to peace and science." Established in 1988, the Bulgarian Antarctic Base “St. Kliment Ohridski” is situated on Livingston Island - part of the South Shetlands Archipelago. The consortium “Bulgarian Antarctic Base“ St. Kliment Ohridski”, es- tablished in 2018 between Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, joined by the Higher Military Marine School “Nikola Vaptsarov” Naval Academy in 2020, works towards es- tablishing high-tech, contemporary working conditions. The Bulgarian Antarctic Baseprovides opportunity for research and a relevant ma- terial base to all interested researchers from Bulgariaand abroad for multi-disciplinary research of the Polar regions and the World Ocean.
Webpage: https://bab-bg.weebly.com/
Coordinator, contact address: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – National Center for Polar Studies – Sofia, 15 “Tzar Osvoboditel” blvd.
Bulgarian consortium: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – National Center for Polar Studies – Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, “Nikola Vaptsarov” Naval Academy
Financial coordinator: Ministry of Education and Science
Scientific coordinator: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – National Center for Polar Studies
32 Unique scientific facilities
Consortium member-organizations: Module 1 Module 1. The Bulgarian Antarctic Base “St. Kliment Ohridski” »» Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – National The Bulgarian Antarctic Base “St. Kliment Ohridski” facilitates a wide Center for Polar Studies range of fundamental and applied research, as well as monitoring »» Bulgarian Antarctic Institute of the basic physical and chemical parameters of the unique natural Module 2 environment of the Antarctic Continent. The Bulgarian polar base is »» Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – National a modern research infrastructure of significant national importance. Center for Polar Studies Research has been carried out there for over 30 years in the spheres »» Bulgarian Antarctic Institute of geology, seismology, biology and hydrobiology, glaciology, geodesy, climatology, medicine and many others, and since the 28th expedition »» “Nikola Vaptsarov” Naval Academy – also in the humanitarian studies. The location of the base at Living- ston Island provides perfect conditions to the Bulgarian scientists and Area of impact: their colleagues from over 35 different countries. Environment and ecology The planned construction of a new laboratory unit will help improve the quality of scientific research and will allow for processing of sam- Type of infrastructure: ples locally. Wide range of integrated, multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary fundamental and applied re- searche, as well as monitoring on the parameters of the environment in the unique nature of the Antarctic and its related ocean areas, as well as studies and control of the strata condition in the national marine areas.
Participation in European infrastructures: EUROPEAN POLAR BOARD
ЕU-POLAR NET
EUROFLEETS
EUROPEAN MARINE BOARD
33 Unique scientific facilities
Module 2. Field research A multi-purpose research ship will be allocated to the Bulgarian Ant- arctic base, representing an additional module of the infrastructure. This research vessel will be essential to achieving the goals of the National Polar Research Program and the National Research Program in the Black Sea. Equipped with stationary laboratories and mobile re- search centers, the ship will ensure appropriate conditions for ocean- ographic research, as well as vital logistic support for implementation of the scientific projects in the Southern Ocean, the maintenance of the Bulgarian Antarctic base and the construction of the new labora- tory on Livingston Island. The equipped research ship will facilitate research of marine strata in the Southern Ocean and in the Black Sea, as well as research along the transit routes to the Antarctic base. The ship, in its capacity of shared scientific infrastructure, will benefit the whole scientific community of Bulgaria and will foster inter-disciplinary studies of the seas and oceans. Bulgaria will join the strategic European research structures European Marine Board and Eurofleet.
34 Unique scientific facilities
Impact/ Benefits: The polar research of the Bulgarian scientists and their foreign col- leagues is of global significance. In addition to the research carried out on annual basis in the domain of the Earth sciences of, biology and ecology, medicine and Human sciences the Bulgarian Antarctic base facilitates continuous monitoring of the physical and chemical parameters of the local environment, complementing the available data on the global climate change. on the base is part of the logistic and organizational structure encompassing members of all Antarctic programs. to the international cooperation in Antarctica improves the quality of work of the researchers across the continent, limits the car- bon footprint and promotes scientific diplomacy.
35 Unique scientific facilities
National Description of infrastructure and activities: Cyclotron Center The National Cyclotron Center (NCC) is a large-scal scientific infra- structure which includes an accelerator (cyclotron), laboratories for research in radiochemistry and radiopharmacyand a laboratory for applied research. The core facility of the Center is the cyclotronand its equipment (vacuum pumps, supplies, lines for the transfer of acceler- ated particle beam, etc.). It is planned for the synthesis premises of the NCC building to fea- ture chambers with modules for synthesis of radiopharmaceutical products and also gas systems, systems for liquid and thin-layer chro- matography as part of a quality control laboratory. Features will also include equipment for measuring the purity of ready radiopharma- ceutical products and equipment for microbiological control of waste products. The NCC partners in research with the Cyclotron Center of the multi-disciplinary Institute Hubert Curien in Strasbourg, France (Le cyclotron Cyrcé l’IPHC), the Cyclotron Center IHCP Ispra, the National laboratory for nuclear research in Legnaro, Italy, the he PET Center Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany and the Jülich Research Centre (FZJ), Germany. On 12 January 2016 the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences received the TR- 24 type cyclotron made in Canada. The purchase of the cyclotron was financed by NPP Kozloduy EAD and the United States Department of Webpage: Energy. Funding in amount of BGN 4 000 000 was provided by the Min- http://www.inrne.bas.bg/ istry of Education and Science and the Ministerial Council of the Re- public of Bulgaria for the construction of a dedicated building and for Coordinator, contact address: activities related with the NCC’s commissioning and safe installation. Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy - BAS Impact/ Benefits: 72 “Tsarigradsko Shosse”, 1784 Sofia Provision/ production of specific isotopes for diagnostics and Bulgarian consortium: treatment of a number of diseases (mainly oncologic and neuro- Financial coordinator: logical ones); Ministry of Science and Education Availability and utilization of infrastructure for research for suc- cessful treatment of cancer; Scientific coordinator: Conditions for high-quality research in radiochemistry, radiobiolo- Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy gy, radiation safety and radiation protection, nuclear physics and - BAS nuclear energy; The scientific and applied research output of the Center will be Consortium member-organizations: a significant factor for the improvement of Bulgarian healthcare; »» Medical University, Sofia; NCC will facilitate the training and practical skill development of »» Medical University, Varna. researchers and specialists for the nuclear industry and in the sphere of nuclear medicine; Area of impact: The new isotope-marked molecules developed under the NCC Applied and engineering sciences research program will be used for fundamental research in the sphere of biological sciences and pharmacy. NCC will be able to Type of infrastructure: carry out pre-clinical studies of new molecules marked with ra- Distributed dioisotopes; Access to the Center for researchers from the Bulgaria and abroad.
36 37 7.3. Bulgaria in the pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI)
CLaDA-BG: National Interdisciplinary Research E-Infrastructure for Bulgarian Language 42 and Cultural Heritage - member of the pan-European research consortia CLARIN-ERIC & DARIAH-ERIC
European Social Survey in Bulgaria (ESS) 44
Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE ERIC Bulgaria) 45
National University Complex for Biomedical and Translational Research (NUCBTR) 47
Center of Contemporary Microscopy for Fundamental and Application Research in the 50 Sphere of Biology, Medicine and Biotechnologies (EUROBIOIMAGING)
Research Infrastructure for Cell Technologies in Biomedicine (INFRAACT) 52
National Geoinformation Center 55
Infrastructure for Sustainable Development in the Sphere of Marine Studies and 58 Participation in the European Infrastructure (EURO-ARGO) – MASRI
National Research Infrastructure for Surveillance of Atmospheric Aerosols, Clouds and 60 Trace Gases, integrated within the Frames of the pan-European Infrastructure ACTRIS
CTA-MAGIC International Cooperation in the Sphere of Astro-Particle Physics 62
Electronic Infrastructure for Investigation of Bulgarian Medieval Written Heritage 64 (ELINIZB)
“Extreme Light” Consortium ELI-ERIC-BG 66
Bulgarian Observation Station of the pan-European Radiotelescope “Low-Frequency 68 Array” (LOFAR) - LOFAR-BG
Distributed System of Scientific Collections - Bulgaria (DISSCO-BG) 70
Bulgarian Network for Long-Term Ecosystems Research Distributed Scientific 72 Infrastructure (LTER-BG)
38 39 he European Research Area (ERA) is the ambition to create a single, bor- derless market for research, innovation and technology across the EU. TERA has been developed to achieve six priority goals. One on them is the efficient trans-boundary cooperation and scientific infrastructure. The commitment of the member states, is to establish and develop modern re- search ecosystem, excellent infrastructure and facilitate access to relevant equipment, fostering excellent science, international partnership in science and technology via the EU Framework Program for research and invitations. Since Bulgaria joined EU, the country continuously supports the development of the national scientific infrastructure that is part of pan-European research infrastructure consortia. Continuous development of the scientific and technological capacity guaran- tees a that high-quality research is carried out in Bulgaria in conformity with the European standards. Such policy provides for the adequate training and skill development of a new generation of scientists and researchers Bulgaria has committed to financially support the membership and participation of Bulgarian organizations in a number of pan-European research infrastruc- tures, as presented below.
40 41 Bulgaria in the pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI)
CLaDA-BG: Description of infrastructure and activities: National Inter- CLaDA-BG is an inter-disciplinary research infrastructure providing resources and technologies for the preservation and development disciplinary Research of the Bulgarian language, cultural and historical heritage. It ensures public access to structured digital data and automatic processing E-Infrastructure for programs, specially developed for the Bulgarian language. Examples of such data are syntactically analyzed Bulgarian text along with the Bulgarian Language meaning of the words in the concrete context; the Bulgarian lexi- cal base BTB-Wordnet, accounting for the relations between words (sub-notion, synonyms, antonyms, parts of a whole, etc.) and linked and Cultural Heritage with the Bulgarian Wikipedia; the Bulgarian child speech corpus, ex- hibiting the early stages of familiarization with the Bulgarian language, - member of the pan- etc.), digital text representations before 1945; catalogued information about 3D museum exhibits and virtual access to collections. Examples European research of processing programs include text analyzers of contemporary texts; 3D software; mathematical models with featured virtual access for consortia CLARIN-ERIC acquiring of new knowledge. CLaDA-BG intends to establish a Network of related open knowledge on the topic of the language specifics, the & DARIAH-ERIC culture and history of Bulgaria (Bulgaria-centric Knowledge Graph). This Network of knowledge and the incorporated infrastructure of services will form the base for the development of digital human sci- Webpage: ences in Bulgaria, applying modern technologies such as artificial in- https://clada-bg.eu/ telligence, big data and the virtual reality. The Network will feature an environment for generating high-quali- Coordinator, contact address: ty and adequately curated and managed data bases of information Institute of Information and Communication Tech- about Bulgarian cultural heritage, from antiquity until the modern age. nologies – BAS Relevant collections of exhibit, manuscripts, stone monuments, ar- 1113 Sofia, 25A “Acad. Georgi Bonchev” str., bl. 25A chive documents and artifacts, will feature detailed information about the sources (metadata). Collections developed by the partners of CLa- Bulgarian consortium: DA-BG demonstrate the services and capability of the infrastructure. Financial coordinator: CLaDA-BG provides a combination of linguistic (coded in texts and Ministry of Education and Science vocabularies) and encyclopedic knowledge (coded in networks such as Wikidata, DBpedia, as well as in the scientific research works of Scientific coordinator: the partnering institutions, including in their collections of epigraphs Institute of Information and Communication Tech- (stone inscriptions) in antique languages, clerical documents; with nologies – BAS future focus on personal archives of prominent layers and public fig- ures, ethnographic documents etc.) and renders services for auto- Consortium member-organizations: matic processing of various big-data bases in Bulgarian. The linguistic »» Institute of Mathematics and Informatics – BAS technologies developed by CLaDA-BG process contemporary texts, as »» Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” well as historical and specialized texts in specific areas such as law and scientific publications. The purpose of these technologies is to ex- »» New Bulgarian University tract and provide knowledge from texts. Such knowledge will be used »» Shumen University for research in the sphere of social and human sciences (main goal of »» “Bulgariana” Association CLaDA-BG), in the process of establishment of the Network of knowl- »» South-Western University “Neofit Rilski” edge for Bulgaria, for indexing of documents in libraries, archives, etc. The output and achievements of CLaDA-BG will benefit education, so- »» Cyrillo-Methodian Research Center - BAS cial and governmental policies, e-government, tourism, etc., support- ing lecturers and students by providing access to new, meaningful content.
42 Bulgaria in the pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI)
»» Institute of Balkan Studies with Center for Thracology - BAS Impact/ Benefits: »» Institute of Ethnology and Folklore with Ethno- Digital storage of Bulgarian linguistic, cultural and historical heri- graphic Museum – BAS tage. Popularization of the role of the Cyrillic alphabet for the for- »» Burgas Free University mation of the national identity through the years. »» National Library “Ivan Vazov” - Plovdiv Digitalization, exhibition and access to Bulgarian language studies, »» Regional History Museum – SofiaOntotext AD to the cultural and historic heritage as part of the global historical (Sirma AI, part of Sirma Group) and cultural heritage, utilizing modern technologies (big data, arti- »» Sirma Media (SM) ficial intelligence, knowledge networks). Supporting training research in Bulgarian language and literature, applying semantic technologies and introducing personalized and Type of infrastructure: adaptive profiling. Virtual, distributed Supporting e-government tools by analyzing and indexing admin- istrative documents, facilitating improved data search, interrela- Area of impact: tions, etc. Social and cultural innovations Supporting the activity of different cultural institutions through the establishment of environment for management of collection, Participation in European infrastructures: catalogue development, digital storage and representation of data CLARIN ERIC and documents. (since 2012 – founder state) https://www.clarin.eu/ The participation of CLaDA-Bg in the European infrastructures CLARIN ERIC and DARIAH ERIC facilitates the use of already existing databas- es and the adaptation of the technology in use for open access to information applying good practices in education, training and public services. With regards to CLARIN EU, CLaDA-BG is a part of the Knowl- edge Centre for South Slavic languages (CLASSLA), located in Ljubljana, Slovenia (http://www.clarin.si/info/k-centre/). Through the member- ship of Bulgaria in the Center, the Bulgarian language became the first Cyrillic-alphabet language to join this dedicated European multilingual DARIAH ERIC community. (member since 2019) https://www.dariah.eu/
43 Bulgaria in the pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI)
Bulgaria European Social Survey Description of infrastructure and activities: in Bulgaria (ESS) The distributed research infrastructure “European Social Survey in Bulgaria” (ESS-BG) facilitates the participation of Bulgaria in the consortium of the pan-European research infrastructure “European Social Survey – European Research Infrastructure Consortium” (ESS ERIC). Since 2002, each participating country carries out a biannual thematic survey in conformity with the highest international scien- tific standards on social surveys. Such an approach provides high reliability, completeness, accuracy and international comparability of obtained results. Up to data six ESS surveys have been carried out in Bulgaria (in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2018 and 2020).
The ESS survey has provides information and assesses the attitudes of Bulgarian citizens in key areas of public and political life in Europe:
satisfaction with the working place, career, education, quality of labor; attitudes towards the quality of life, poverty, social inequalities, so- cial policies, social integration (inclusion/exclusion); health status, healthcare, access to healthcare services; Webpage: national identity, attitudes towards foreigners and immigrants http://www.ess-bulgaria.org (multiculturalism), attitudes towards the European future of Bul- garia; Coordinator, contact address: rights and liberties (political, religious, etc.) – equal opportunity, University of National and World Economy, discrimination; Students’ Campus, 1700 Sofia security – crime, confidence in the institutions, individual expecta- tions and attitudes towards public authorities; Bulgarian consortium: prosperity, life and labor values, socio-demographic profiles, etc. Financial coordinator: Ministry of Education and Science Impact/ Benefits: Scientific coordinator: ESS is focused on significant social topics, such as prosperity, trust in University of National and World Economy the institutions; political, social, religious liberties; education; health- care; migration; and security, etc. The survey provides reliable infor- Consortium member-organizations: mation to social researchers, governmental institutions, mass media »» University of National and World Economy and the civil society in the countries participating in ESS ERIC on social »» Institute of Philosophy and Sociology - BAS climate dynamics at a national, regional and European level, revealing »» Bulgarian Sociology Association attitudes, values, expectations and concerns of the European citizens. The activity of the Bulgarian research infrastructure ESS-BG as part of »» Bulgaria Union of Economists ESS ERIC ensures thematic, accurate and internationally comparable information of use for researchers, public authorities, the business Type of infrastructure: and non-governmental organizations. The results from the activity of Distributed ESS-BG raise the level of awareness and support policies and deci- sions in a number of areas – security, education, healthcare, migra- Area of impact: tion, social inclusion and other socially important spheres of life in the Social and cultural innovations European countries.
Participation in European infrastructures: European Social Survey – European Research In- frastructure Consortium (ESS ERIC), Coordinator: City University of London (UK)
44 Description of infrastructure and activities: Survey of Health, The national research infrastructure “Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe – SHARE) is established to facilitate the partic- ipation of Bulgaria in the Survey of Health, Ageing and retirement in Ageing and Retirement Europe (SHARE) and the European infrastructure SHARE ERIC. SHARE is the largest pan-European qualitative panel survey based on social in Europe sciences. The survey supports research in the sphere of social, health- care and economic development of the EU member states and Israel. (SHARE ERIC Bulgaria) In 2016 Bulgaria joined SHARE and by means of 2025 individual inter- views collected information about the life of people who are 50+ of age. The survey was representative for Bulgarian 50+ years old citi- Webpage: zens in the and collected data comparable with data from other coun- https://share-eric-bulgaria.bg/ tries participating in the Consortium. SHARE-ERIC provides publicly accessible information on the childhood, labor history, health status, Coordinator, contact address: retirement and social life, cognitive capacity and the strength of hand Institute of Philosophy and Sociology - BAS grasp. In 2018-2022 Bulgaria participates in SHARE data collection for 13A “Moskovska” str. its 8th and 9th wave. A unique, continuously updated and multidiscipline 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria data base of information aboutageing, health status, labor status, un- employment and retirement for Bulgarians at the age of 50+ will be Bulgarian consortium: developed. Financial coordinator: Ministry of Education and Science In June 2020 SHARE re-started data collection (8th wave) by means of interviews using a special “SHARE COVID-19” questionnaire. Data col- Scientific coordinator: lected will allow for profound investigation of the way certain risky Institute of Philosophy and Sociology – BAS groups of aged individuals are coping with the socio-economic and health challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemics. Consortium member-organizations: The national infrastructure SHARE ERIC Bulgaria guarantees sustain- »» Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, able scientific and applied representation and full participation in the Faculty of Economics European infrastructure SHARE ERIC, through adaptation and collec- tion of data, popularization, analysis and utilization of SHARE results. Area of impact: This benefits PhD studentsand supports policies in the sphere of so- Social and cultural innovations cial, healthcare, economic and demographic development. SHARE pro- vides opportunities for training of students, PhD students, scientists Type of infrastructure: and experts to work with the thematic data and analysis available. It Distributed supports the activities of public institutions, providing analytical mate- rials and assessments based on SHARE data. Participation in European infrastructures: SHARE ERIC Impact/ Benefits: SHARE is a continuous international comparative survey carried out in all EU member states and Israel. It gathers information about their health, family relations, social-economic, retirement and demographic indices. SHARE is carried out biannually. The information gathered from the survey is unique and will support the development of knowledge-based policies in the spheres of re- tirement, employment, education and life-long- learning, healthcare and social insurance. The data collected and analysis made can be used in the fundamental and applied research and for national and comparative analyses on ageing, healthcare and retirement, which are important for the social, economic and political development of Bulgaria and the European Union.
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The survey utilizes the highest scientific standards and innovations to support scientific and political decisions. With regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe con- tributes to the accumulation of new knowledge on the social, health and economic effects from the COVID 19 crisis. Researchers and rep- resentatives of the public institutions will be able to assess the effect of the pandemic on people at the age of 50+ at a national, but also at a comparative international context. SHARE provides data on the life history of people at the age of 50+ in Bulgaria, on their health status, labor and educational background, retirement plans and family rela- tions.
The dynamic situation arising from the COVID 19 pandemics presup- poses the growing need for specialized analytical activities in support to the public administration, the educational and the scientific insti- tutions. Specialized surveys are carried out to give information and assess the healthcare system (access to healthcare, culture of health) for workers and employees at the end of their professional career, especially in critical situations; allow for analysis of the legislation and policies on healthy and safe labor conditions in all organizations. SHARE supports the implementation of educational and pre-qualifi- cation measures for people at the end of their professional career (such as digital competences) while cultivating a culture of health and promoting a healthy lifestyle. An important impact of the national infrastructure SHARE ERIC Bul- garia is the work with students, PhD students and experts, to gather experience and knowledge on the topic of analysis of continuous data collected under the SHARE project.
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National University Description of infrastructure and activities: The National University Complex for Biomedical and Translational Re- Complex for Biomedical search (NUCBTR) is distributed infrastructure, organized as resources network (biobanks, scientific equipment and research units) of two and Translational of the largest medical universities in Bulgaria – Medical University of Sofia (Sofia MU) and Medical University of Plovdiv (Plovdiv MU). Research (NUCBTR) The strategic network covers infrastructures for fundamental and translational biomedical research of Sofia MU and Plovdiv MU, as well as a number of associated partners – health care institutions and centers. In parallel, it includes some of the largest bio-banks for genetic and tissue material in the country, such as the bio-bank of the Molecule Medicine Center (MMC) and the National Genetic Labo- ratory (NGL). The infrastructural units are distributed on the territory of several departments of MF of Sofia MU, MF and PhF of Plovdiv MU. Core facilities are established, offering services and expert support in the field of of biobanking, omics technologies, bioinformatics, cell and tissue cultures, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, molec- ular genetics, clinical laboratory, immunology, clinical pharmacology, physiology. The Consortium’s role is to support and stimulate the development of research in the area of molecular medicine, omics technologies and translational medicine in Bulgaria in the post-genome era, providing access to the most contemporary technologies and expert support to scientists and research organizations. The scientific infrastructure has been built in several stages. The Molecular Medicine Center is established through the support of the European Commission in 2006; its further upgrade is provided by proj- Webpage: ects, funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund, the Ministry of http://mmcbg.org/ Education and Science and the Science Fund of Sofia. MU. In 2009 the establishment of NUCBTR was launched through infrastructure proj- Coordinator, contact address: ect financed by the National Science Fund, Ministry of Education and The Medical University – Sofia, through the Molecu- Science. The provision of maintenance, modernization and sustainable lar Medicine Center (MMC) development of NUCBTR is carried out also through its participation 1431 Sofia, 2 “Zdrave” str. in the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure 2017 - 2023. In 2018 Bulgaria joined BBMRI-ERIC. MU-Sofia through the MMC bio-bank Bulgarian consortium: is national coordinator of BBMRI.bg and initiates the setting of the Financial coordinator: national hub and a network of bio-banks. Ministry of Education and Science During the years NUCBTR gained recognition as a leading national sci- entific infrastructure, providing access of scientists and organizations Scientific coordinator: to the equipment and creating possibilities for multi-disciplinary re- The Medical University – Sofia, through the Molecu- search. lar Medicine Center (MMC) NUCBTR participates in the development of a modern educational pro- gram in medicine and biomedical sciences and establishes attractive Consortium member-organizations: environment for scientific development of young scientists and PhD Plovdiv Medical University: students. »» Medical Faculty The scientific teams, using the infrastructure of NUCBTR, generate significant share of the scientific production of the two medical uni- »» Immunology Center versities. »» Molecular Medicine and Pharmacogenetics NUCBTR establishes strategic partnerships with international scientif- Center ic infrastructures, academic centers and innovative biopharmaceuti- cal enterprises.
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NUCBTR offers and renders services to external organizations and Associated partners: people in the sphere of public health. It provides to the National Genet- »» The National Genetics Laboratory, SBALAG “Mai- ic Laboratory, SBALAG “Maichin Dom” access to the MMC’s equipment chin Dom” for genetic analysis. Since 2016 Laboratory of Genome Diagnostics is »» UMBAL “Alexandrovska” registered at MMC, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemis- try, MF, Sofia MU, offering diagnostic genome tests, as well as compan- »» UMBALSM “Pirogov” ion diagnostics for targeted therapies and bio-marker studies. »» USBALE “Acad. I. Penchev” NUCBTR in cooperation with NGOs participates actively in populariza- »» UMBAL “St. Ekaterina” tion the concept of personalized medicine. »» UMBAL “St. Ivan Rilski” NUCBTR provides platform for open access and dissemination of re- search achievements amongst scholars, the public, administrative »» UMBAL “Tsaritsa Yoanna – ISUL” bodies and patients’ organizations. »» SBALDB “Prof. Ivan Mitev” »» UMBAL “St. Georgi”, Plovdiv Impact/ Benefits: The long-term vision for the development of NUCBTR is to establish it Potential partners: as National Center of Excellence in biomedical research and transla- »» MU - Varna; tional medicine, which will accelerate the transition between funda- »» MU - Pleven; mental research and clinical practice, aiming at improved prophylaxis, »» SU; diagnostics and treatment of the most socially significant diseases. The expected benefits from the activity of the infrastructure are: »» The Thracian University and more than 10 sci- Through establishment of the national hub BBMRI.bg and development entific organizations working in the sphere of of a network of bio-banks, capacity will be created for storage of bio- bio-medicine. logical materials and clinical data for scientific research, possibilities will be provided for standardization, certification and quality control in Area of impact: accordance with the European and the national legislation on person- Healthcare and foods al data protection and the ethical norms. Raising the level of biomedical sciences through upgrade and main- Type of infrastructure: tenance of modern infrastructure providing access to bio-banking, Distributed omics technologies, cell and tissue culture facilities, molecular and microbiology techniques, functional research in model systems, pro- Participation in European infrastructures: cessing and storage of large databases. This will stimulate participa- Member of BBMRI-ERIC since 2018; tion in innovative national and international projects and will guaran- EATRIS – invitation 2019 and undertaken prelimi- tee high scientific achievements. nary steps for joining of the infrastructure. Improving the quality of training of future medical specialists at Sofia MU and Plovdiv MU through the establishment of new educational pro- grams, provision of possibilities for additional qualification and career development for young scientists. Establishment of collaboration partnerships for knowledge exchange and transfer of scientific achievements to practice. NUCBTR possess- es a vast potential for inter-institutional and inter-disciplinary collab- orations, stimulating the translational research with other research centers, institutes and associated partners in the field of public health. Solving of significant health care problems - stimulating translational biomedical research to improve diagnostics, prevention and treat- ment of socially significant diseases, such as oncological, cardiovas- cular, neuro-psychiatric, metabolic, infectious, as well as rare genetic diseases. Development of smart technologies in the field of Health and Life Science Industries and Biotechnologies, focused on precision and personalized medicine, biomarkers and new drugs development, tele- medicine and artifical inteligence.
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Promoting innovations and knowledge transfer to practice by estab- lishment of public-private partnerships with business, providing ser- vices in the sphere of biomedical research and omics technologies; development of innovation based spin-off companies of undisputable social and economic impact; attracting partners and clients from re- gional and European research and health care organizations. Raising the competitiveness of Bulgarian science by promoting and facilitating the access to national biological materials resources, data and research infrastructure, improving the quality of scientific pro- duction and the integration of Bulgarian research teams in the Euro- pean Research Area (ERA).
Integration of NUCBTR in the European biomedical research infra- structures. Bulgaria is a member of European bio-banking research infra- structure BBMRI-ERIC (Biobanking and BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Con- sortium) since 2018. Sofia MU is national coordinator of BBMRI.bg. Under the conditions of COVID-19 pandemic, BBMRI.bg joins the global research efforts with Bulgarian samples and data. An invitation was received and steps undertaken by the RI for joining EATRIS (European Advanced Translational Research Infra- Structure). The infrastructure possesses potential for joining in the future certain activities of Euro-BioImaging - European Re- search Infrastructure for Imaging Technologies in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, as well as in ECRIN - European Clinical Re- search Infrastructure.
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Center of Contempo- Description of infrastructure and activities: rary Microscopy for The Center of contemporary microbiology for fundamental and appli- cation research in the sphere of biology, medicine and biotechnolo- Fundamental and gies (EuroBioImaging) is a part of the Euro-BioImaging Consortium - a large-scaled common European infrastructure, one of whose found- Application Research in ers is Bulgaria. The Euro-BioImaging Consortium is a part of the Road- map of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ES- the Sphere of Biology, FRI) with statute of functioning European infrastructure "Landmark“. Euro-BioImaging builds and coordinates infrastructure for biological microscopy and biomedical image examinations, divided in the EU Medicine and Biotech- member states. The infrastructure is composed of 21 centers - core units, for the implementation of fundamental and application research nologies works in the area of biology, medicine and biotechnologies, located in 8 EU countries, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EUROBIOIMAGING) (EMBL). The Center of contemporary microbiology is the only unit of the Еuro-BioImaging Consortium in South-Eastern Europe. As part of the Euro-BioImaging Consortium, it provides free access of research- ers needing most contemporary microscopic and image examination Webpage: technologies for biomedical studies, its leading principles being that http://www.bio21.bas.bg/imb/?id=164 of the highest quality of performed research and functioning of infra- http://dnarepair.bas.bg/eurobioimaging.bg/site/ structure. index_BG.html The Center of contemporary microbiology towards the EuroBioImag- ing Consortium aims the construction of contemporary microscopy Coordinator, contact address: infrastructure, which is to ensure to Bulgarian and foreign research- The Institute in Molecular Biology “Acad. Rumen ers from the academic and business circles free access to innovative Tsanev” - BAS technologies for image examination/investigation. The Center pro- Bulgaria, 1113 Sofia, bl. 21 vides access to the following vanguard microscopic techniques:
Bulgarian consortium: 1. Spinning disc con-focal microscopy for surveillance of live cells Financial coordinator: at real time with high time resolution, equipped with apparatus Ministry of Education and Science for FRAP; 2. System for laser micro-exposure of life cells; Scientific coordinator: 3. System for micromanipulation, microinjection and micro perfu- The Institute in Molecular Biology “Acad. Rumen sion; Tsanev” - BAS 4. Multi-point con-focal microscopy with high space resolution; 5. Processing and analysis of images generated through spinning Consortium member-organizations: disc con-focal microscopy and scanning con-focal microscopy. The infrastructure is of open access and is cen- trally located in the Institute in Molecular Biology In the period 2020-2023, the Center of contemporary microbiolo- “Acad. Rumen Tsanev” – BAS gy towards the EuroBioImaging Consortium will put into operation: 1) system for microscopy with super-division capacity; 2) highly pro- ductive fluorescent microscopy, proving possibility for simultaneous study of the effects on normal and cancer cells of thousands of bio- logically active chemical compounds of potential application in medi- cine, and 3) multi-photon microscopy, allowing high-resolution surveil- lance deep in the tissues of organisms.
50 Bulgaria in the pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI)
Area of impact: Healthcare, foods, biotechnologies Impact/ Benefits: Type of infrastructure: The construction of the infrastructure will provide possibility to re- Distributed searchers to dispose of vanguard techniques: microscopy for surveil- lance of fixed and live cells, performance of research in the area of Participation in European infrastructures: biology, medicine and biotechnologies. The provision of free access Euro-BioImaging to contemporary microscopic technologies through the establish- http://www.eurobioimaging.eu/ ment of a Center for contemporary biomedical microscopy as part of the international infrastructure Euro-BioImaging will increase the capacities of Bulgarian researchers to perform fundamental scientific research, as well as development activity. Sharing of technologies and facilities for biological microscopy and biomedical image examina- tions between science and the business will facilitate the conceptual and technological integration of biomedical studies of Bulgaria in the European Union. In the long run, the creation of biomedical products will be encouraged, upon protection of intellectual property rights, such as medicinal products, other biological active substances, tests applicable in diagnostics and criminology, etc. Expanded will be the possibilities for transfer of knowledge from the sphere of science to the sphere of production, for transformation of the technological con- cept into a real production technology, resulting in the manufacture of high value added products. Such research infrastructure will raise the competitiveness of Bulgarian economy in healthcare and biotechnolo- gies and will support the development of a modern economy based on knowledge and scientific achievements.
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Research Description of infrastructure and activities: Infrastructure for The NI KTB (INFRAACT) is an association of public non-profit subject of activity, established by scientific and professional organizations Cell Technologies in for the performance of joint scientific-research, scientific-applica- tion and educational works in the sphere of cell biotechnologies ap- Biomedicine (INFRAACT) plicable in the humane reproductive and regenerative medicine. The research infrastructure covers the four major factors, necessary for the establishment of a dynamic economic model, aimed at sustain- able development of science and its applicability in the industry, for the purpose of health prevention and improving the quality of life. In the sphere of education, NI KTB performs dissemination of knowledge through fundamental training and life-long learning, courses and conferences, performing all activities related with the survey, teach- ing and formation of knowledge in the area of cell biomedical tech- nologies. Its major task is the development of innovations based on high-quality research, applicable products and services, transfer of knowledge and skills, exchange and access to facilities between the individual units and other institutions. The infrastructure disposes of expertise, capable to ensure access to the scientific and technological achievements for a wide circle of users, who may thereafter develop and apply technologies in new products, processes, materials or ser- vices in the area of reproductive and regenerative medicine. INFRAACT Webpage: is socially engaged with demographic and health problems, amongst http://www.alliancecelltechnologies.eu/ which the encouragement of voluntary and donor activity, supporting of social groups with low income and people of unequal standing, to Coordinator, contact address: provide their access to innovative healthcare, and cooperation aimed Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, at achieving social sophistication, protection and prosperity. Biological Faculty, By its translational approach INFRAACT aims providing to its users, 1164 Sofia, 8 “Dragan Tsankov” blvd. through consolidation and maximum utilization of available and at- https://www.uni-sofia.bg/index.php/bul/universi- tracted resources, sustainable development of all elements of an ex- tet_t/fakulteti/biologicheski_fakultet2 perimental-development flow from the latest generation for carrying out research, diagnostic and therapeutic oriented activity: Bulgarian consortium: Obtaining, in-vitro analysis and crio-banking of gender cells (gam- Financial coordinator: etes), re-programmed and stem cells, tissues and other biological The Ministry of Education and Science objects; Analysis of single and rare specific cell populations, organelles Scientific coordinator: and nanostructures, behavior of cells, cell functions and signaling Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” mechanisms; Analysis of the entire genome for evaluation on a genetic base, Consortium member-organizations: analysis of an entire or target transcriptomе for assessment of »» Institute of Biology and Immunology of Repro- expression of all or a large group of genеs, to obtain nucleotide duction – BAS; consequential lines with big density of reading, of high precision »» Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Studies class and possibility for tracking of small cell populations contain- – BAS; ing single mutations or new fusion genetic phenomena; Analysis of the metabolite profile (metabolomе) aimed at non-in- »» Joint Genome Center OOD, Sofia; vasive tracking and studying the development of embryos for »» Medical Center “ReproBioMed” OOD, Sofia; experimental and clinical purposes, co-relation of changes in the »» In-vitro Medical AG Center “Dimitrov” EOOD; metabolomе with changes in the genome and proteome; »» Bulgarian Association in Reproductive Humane Analysis of the proteome of embryos, gametes and tissues, to de- Embryology (BARCHE); termine the complete profile of functional proteins, related with certain phases of the embryonic development (diagnostics appli- cation), re-programmed and stem cells;
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»» Bulgarian Association in Regenerative Medicine (BARM); Analysis of lipid profile (lipidome) of biological membranes of »» AKT Association – Allianz for Cell Technologies; re-programmed, embryonic stem cells and gametes, studying the behavior of specific ligands and receptor molecules; »» Institute in Regenerative Medicine OOD Generating of synthetic gene products and their incorporation in the genome of stem cells, aimed at correction of pathogenic mu- Area of impact: tation and/or therapeutic application of stem cells; Biomedicine, healthcare and foods Genome edition of cells, aimed at obtaining populations with the correct indel mutation (insertion of new “corrected” gene or dele- Type of infrastructure: tion of mutated gene); Unique, distributed Selection of stable genome edited cells, specifically differentiated stem cells, anti-body producing cells, etc. Participation in European infrastructures: Besides generated new scientific knowledge, the above mentioned ac- EATRIS-ERIC – 2018 tivities will provide possibility for the establishment at a national level of an overall platform for identification, validation and translation of the surveys in the sphere of biological markers and new cell products for personified medicine as a key step at the pre-clinical stage of the translation process, considerably shortening the path to generating new medicines. At the present stage, the Bulgarian party has performed planned con- struction, complete setting and synchronization of the technological base between the partners, for initial operation of the platforms for cell technologies, omics technologies, bioinformatics, crio-conserva- tion, providing partial functioning of research activities in the sphere of reproductive and regenerative medicine. NI KTB develops its stra- tegic partnership with EATRIS-ERIC through the establishment of De- partment “Experimental models for cell therapy” for participation in the product platforms “Cell products for humane application”, “Bio- markers”, “Small-sized molecules”.
Impact/ Benefits: The possibilities for development of NI KTB are connected with: Synchronization of research areas with the national and Euro- pean policies and strategic priorities in the sphere of healthcare and quality of life; Definition of priorities in the sphere of healthcare and foods in the updated National Strategy for Science and Smart Growth; Development of new international networks of the partnering or- ganizations, providing access to apparatus for image and omics surveys, resulting in higher scientific-measurement indices; Presence of patents, high concentration of researchers with in- ternational academic and professional experience. The expected benefits from the construction and operation of the NI shall be: Innovations in the bio-pharmaceutical industry and healthcare; Participation in the global network of translational and person- ified medicine, upon gained benefits for the Bulgarian society; Stimulating the economic development through increasing the intensity of financing and supporting the innovative research strata by the business; Increasing the share of the bio-technological companies as a re- sult of the higher quality and quantity of the scientific product.
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National Description of infrastructure and activities: Geoinformation Center The National Geoinformation Center (NGIC) is a national scientific in- frastructure, whose major purpose is the integration of primary data on the geo strata and its inter-relation in an unified, dynamic ICT based grid. NGIC unifies monitoring networks, observatories, observa- tion stations, laboratories, computation centers and other specialized equipment of the participating partners, divided in three modules:
Module 1. Monitoring and investigation of the Earth and the around- the-Earth space. The instrumental units of this module include unique facilities, such as seismic, accellerometric, geodetic, meteorological and oceanographic stations, scientific equipment in several laboratories (geotechnical, paleo magnetic, chemical, biological) and computer systems for inno- vative calculations and data processing. Though them, the Consortium partners provide observation of phenomena affecting the solid Earth (earthquakes, landslides, soils), the air (pollution, UV radiation, mag- netic storms) and water (river, underground and marine).
Webpage: www.ngic.bg
Coordinator, contact address: National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - BAS Bulgaira, Sofia, “Acad. G. Bonchev” str., bl. 3
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: The Ministry of Education and Science
Научни координатори: Constant monitoring on the territory of the whole country is car- ried out, ensuring on a monthly basis more than 1 TB seismologic, Module 1 geo-physical, geodetic, geological and oceanographic data, which is National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and a valuable material for the performance of research surveys related Geography - BAS with the internal structure of the Earth and the ongoing processes Module 2 in its depths, events happening in the around-the-Earth space, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology climatic changes and the ecology. Module 3 Module 2. Hydro-meteorological monitoring. University of Architecture, Construction and Ge- The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), in its ca- odesy pacity of a national hydro-meteorological service of the Republic of Bulgaria, maintains the national hydro-meteorological surveillance system, consisting of a big number of meteorological, hydrological and other stations on the territory of the whole country. The available re- sources perform meteorological, climatic, hydrological and agro-me- teorological analyses and forecasts for different periods, provide meteorological and hydrological expertise, make assessment for the
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Consortium member-organizations: Module 1 allocation of resources for renewable energy sources, development »» National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and and maintenance in operative mode of specialized alert systems for Geography natural calamities of hydro-meteorological origin. Satellite informa- tion is used for the elaboration of short-term forecasts, discovering of »» Institute of Oceanology dangerous meteorological phenomena, thermal anomalies, etc. »» Geological Institute »» Institute of Mathematics and Informatics »» Institute in Information and Communication Technologies Module 2 »» National Institute in Meteorology and Hydrology »» National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography »» Institute of Mathematics and Informatics Module 3 »» University of Architecture, Construction and Ge- odesy »» National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography »» Institute of Mechanics »» Sofia Tech Park »» Institute in Information and Communication Technologies
Area of impact: Surrounding environment
Type of infrastructure: Newly built, divided, web based scientific infra- structure of national coverage
Participation in European infrastructures: EPOS-ERIC (European Plate Observing System)
Module 3. National Seismic Engineering Center (NSEC). The Module plans for the complete equipping of the constructed NSEC EURO-ARGO (European infrastructure for Argo in- base, located at the campus of the University of Architecture, Con- ternational program) struction and Geodesy, and designing, construction and equipping of Experimental laboratory complex on the territory of Sofia Tech Park: Improvement of the seismic provision of existing buildings, facili- ties, infrastructure and cultural monuments; Development of innovative systems and solutions for earthquake sustainable designing of buildings and facilities; Development of the normative base for sustainable designing and construction in seismic regions – BSS EN 1998.
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The Module’s realization will contribute to: The development of building structures and/or their elements through experimental models; The perfecting of the computation procedures and normative base on designing; Modeling of seismic impacts and control on the behavior of struc- tures upon dynamic impact..
Impact/ Benefits: The establishment of the National Geoinformation Center (NGIC) will ensure the development of multi-disciplinary, wide-spectrum geo-in- formation products for forecasting and prevention of natural and anthropogenic risks and calamities, such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, industrial failures and ecocatastrophes. The performed re- search and developed applications will contribute to the better man- agement of territories, will exhibit the vulnerable areas in the relevant regions, will support the organization of contemporary research base for carrying out of inter-related theoretical, digital and experimental studies. The work of the NGIC Consortium will be of use for a large circle of us- ers – the governmental structures, the local authorities, the business, and the general public: For the provision of information per protocol in case of calam- ities, emergencies and catastrophes, development of national programs and annual plans on the protection of population; Upon the introduction of the new European standards in con- struction, for expertise, analyses, participation in the elaboration of ordinances and instructions; For the maintenance, analysis and processing of data from the state GPS network and the creation and maintenance of magnet model of the Republic of Bulgaria; For providing information on the condition of the ionosphere, aimed at optimal radio distribution; With data from the national hydro-meteorological surveillance
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system, forecasting the levels of ground ozone and inventory of the releases of pollutants in the air above the territory of the country, etc.; For the development of normative documents, seismic provision of unique buildings, engineering facilities and infrastructure; For joint scientific studies with the leading universities in the country, developing similar scientific areas (Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, UACG, Mining and Geology University, Chemical Technological University, etc.), as well as with a number of foreign universities and institutes. Bulgaria’s joining of the European research infrastructure EPOS-ERIC (European Plate Observing System) will ensure the integration of NGIC in one of the most large-scaled organizations for surveillance of the Earth, uniting hundreds of scientific and research organizations in the field. NGIC Consortium will contribute to the full-value inclusion of the country in seven of the EPOS thematic areas through data exchange, joint training and scientific cooperation..
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Infrastructure for Description of infrastructure and activities: Sustainable Develop- MASRI is a large-scaled, interdisciplinary multifunctional marine re- search infrastructure (in physics, chemistry, biology, geology, aqua ment in the Sphere of cultures, medicine, energy, hydro- and aero- dynamics, submerged and oceanic technologies). It provides unique facilities, widely accessi- Marine Studies and ble at a national, regional and international level, for multi-disciplinary marine studies. Participation in the The infrastructure is composed of four scientific modules of an unified subject: European Infrastruc- 1. Scientific-research fleet; 2. National operative sea observation system; ture (EURO-ARGO) – 3. Highly productive computation complex; 4. Research laboratory complex. MASRI Each module is a functionally individual part of the research infra- structure, consisting of separate elements, physically distributed in individual scientific organizations in the area of the city of Varna. Webpage: http://masri.io-bas.bg/ Impact/ Benefits: The construction of the infrastructure for sustainable development in Coordinator, contact address: Institute of Oceanology, Varna the sphere of marine studies, interconnected with the participation of http://www.io-bas.bg/ Bulgaria in the European infrastructure (Euro-Argo), permits perfor- mance of research and application surveys, to support the sustainable development of major sectors of marine economy related with the Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Blue Growth initiative, such as: coastal tourism, sea transport, fishery Ministry of Education and Science and aquacultures, ship building and ship repair, seaport activity, oil and gas extraction of, generation of electricity from renewable energy Scientific coordinator: sources. Institute of Oceanology – BAS It supports gaining of knowledge on marine strata, requested for de- cision making for sustainable development of the coastal area and Consortium member-organizations: exploitation of marine live and non-live resources, as well as for the »» Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”; fulfillment of the country’s obligations based on the European direc- tives. Improved will be the facilities and technologies for preserva- »» National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrolo- tion of marine surrounding environment, safety and health of people gy; working in the sea. The methods of scientific training and qualification »» Center of Hydro- and Aero- Dynamics, Varna of young people will be further perfected in the sphere of marine sci- with the Institute of Metal Knowledge – BAS ences and technologies, and competitive presence of the country in »» Institute of Fishery Resources the European networks and programs in the area of marine studies »» "Nikola Vaptsarov" Naval Academy, Varna will be ensured. »» Technical University, Varna »» Medical University, Varna
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Area of impact: Surrounding environment Participation in European infrastructures: Euro-Argo is an infrastructure joining the efforts of the European Type of infrastructure: states on monitoring of the Global Ocean and the European seas, Distributed which is of use upon climatic surveys and in the operative oceanog- raphy. Participation in European infrastructures: MASRI is the only infrastructure in the Black Sea region which main- Euro-Argo tains the regular provision of adequate information on the submerged and deep part of the Black Sea. As part of Euro-Argo ERIC, MASRI en- sures efficient completing of the fleet of autonomous profiling drilling equipment in the Black Sea area and maintaining of data base for collection, archiving and dissemination of data. An important purpose of MASRI is increasing the awareness on the surveillance data and its use in contemporary oceanographic studies of the Black Sea. Moreover, MASRI is in conformity with major European initiatives and infrastructures, such as: Copernicus; WATERBORNE; ECMAR; EUROF- LEETS; SEADATANET; EMODnet; JERICO.
Offered services: MASRI offers scientific services for: marine research by the scientif- ic-research ship “Akademik” and the mine submarine PC8B; collection, processing and analysis of chemical and biological samples; аero- and hydro- dynamic tests of model ships and marine facilities; develop- ment of electrodes for submerged cutting of metals; training of divers for performance of submerged welding operations; vibro- diagnostics of ship machines and mechanism, etc.
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National Research Description of infrastructure and activities: Infrastructure for The pan-European research infrastructure ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) unites the endeavors of the Surveillance of European partners for high-quality surveillance of the atmospheric aerosols, clouds and trace gases and survey of the relevant atmo- Atmospheric Aerosols, spheric processes. The strategic goal of ACTRIS is further integration of modernized ground stations for regular investigations of aerosols, Clouds and Trace clouds and gases, the provision of long-term coordinated observa- tions of atmospheric objects and assessment of air quality, the con- struction of user-centered unique European research infrastructure, Gases, integrated as well as guaranteeing of sustainable resources and reliable man- agement of ACTRIS. within the Frames ACTRIS’ members are more than 100 scientific institutes and organiza- tions from 22 European states. From its very founding, this European of the pan-European research infrastructure accommodates the Institute of Nuclear Re- search and Nuclear Energy - BAS and the Institute of Electronics - Infrastructure ACTRIS BAS. The purpose of the Bulgarian participation in ACTRIS is the devel- opment of scientific-research infrastructure for regular remote and ground aerosol studies, as well as the performance of measurements on the presence of gas pollutants in the atmosphere, the provision Webpage: of data from monitoring of atmospheric air quality above Bulgaria to www.inrne.bas.bg the European data centers. Remote measurements are carried out www.ie-bas.org via laser drill apparatus (lidars) in the IE - BAS, Sofia, and ground mea- https://www.actris.eu surements - by BEO Musala Observatory with the Institute of Nuclear https://www.actris-bg.eu Research and Nuclear Energy - BAS at the peak of Musala.
Coordinator, contact address: Institute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy Impact/ Benefits: – BAS and Institute of Electronics – BAS ACTRIS aims contributing to the solution of faced challenges, by pro- viding platform to researchers to combine efforts more efficiently and Bulgarian consortium: providing data from the surveillance of aerosols, clouds and trace gas- Financial coordinator: es to everyone willing to use it. It submits precise data, services and Ministry of Education and Science procedures, to improve the possibilities for analysis, understanding and forecasting of the past, present and future development of the Scientific coordinator: atmospheric strata. »» ИInstitute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy – BAS »» Institute of Electronics – BAS
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ACTRIS serves a vast users’ community, working on surveillance, ex- periments, models, satellite data and analysis, and forecasting sys- tems. It offers access to modern technological platforms - e.i. for studying of the relevant atmospheric processes in the sphere of cli- matic changes, quality of air. etc. Through the provision of data and access, ACTRIS raises the level of research, but also generates and disseminates knowledge, stimulates technological development and builds human capital, opens job positions, all in favor of the society. The participation of Bulgarian teams as partners in the international research infrastructure ACTRIS is of substantial importance for the national monitoring of the surrounding environment and maintaining of the national scientific capacity in the field. The pan-European research infrastructure ACTRIS has gained positive response from the European Commission, reporting that the research infrastructure will provide possibility to researchers to generate con- siderable new knowledge, to result in the development of sustainable solutions, as needed by the society. The European Commission has Area of impact: confirmed that ACTRIS has had a substantial contribution for solving Surrounding environment significant ecological problems. The expected start of ACTRIS ERIC will be in the beginning of 2021. Type of infrastructure: In 2020 the next ESFRI’s assessment of ACRTIS will be rendered; then Distributed also starts the preparation on the updating of the European Roadmap for Research Infrastructure - ESFRI 2021. During the assessment pro- Participation in European infrastructures: cess, ACTRIS will apply for the next level - ESFRI Landmark (construct- ACTRIS ed, functioning infrastructures). ESFRI Landmark status will addition- ally strengthen the role and position of ACTRIS on the Roadmap of the European research infrastructures.
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Bulgaria CTA-MAGIC Description of infrastructure and activities: International The astroparticle physics is a globally integrated scientific area, where the experiments are carried out under and on the Earth surface, in Cooperation in the the oceans, on the ground surface, in the atmosphere and in the outer space. This presupposes mutual influence and interaction of sciences, Sphere of Astro- such as geophysics, oceanology, atmospheric sciences, cosmic explo- rations, etc. The Project CTA-MAGIC aims the participation of Bulgarian Particle Physics scientists in the most advanced world scientific research teams work- ing in the inter-disciplinary area of the high-energy astrophysics of the gamma-rays, unified around the unique installation MAGIC (Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov) and the construction and operation of the future mega-complex CTA (Cherenkov Telescope Ar- ray). CTA gained the highest status of Landmark in the European Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), 2018. The MAGIC installation and the Northern part of CTA complex are sit- uated on La Palma Island from the Canarias Archipelago (Spain). The scientific goal of the MAGIC experiment is to expand the boundaries of humane knowledge of the Universe through investigating the “mystery of the Universe” – the gamma-ray bursts in the space, and the discov- ery of new cosmic gamma-ray sources of super-high energies. With the active participation of Bulgarian scientists, exceptional research discoveries have been made, published in the most prestigious scien- tific journals in the world - "Science“ and "Nature“. At the time being the activities of the research team from the Institute Webpage: for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy (INRNE) are focused on the www.astroparticle-bg.org remote maintenance of the installation’s software of the first from the four large CTA telescope arrays - LST1, the development of new Coordinator, contact address: artificial intelligence methods to be applied to the physical analysis of Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear registered data and finding of new possibilities to use CTA and MAGIC Energy - BAS research infrastructures, as well as on the generating of Monte Carlo 1784 Sofia, 72 “Tsarigradsko Shosse” blvd. simulated events. https://www.cta-observatory.org/
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Ministry of Education and Science
Scientific coordinator: Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy - BAS
Area of impact: Energy
Participation in European infrastructures: MAGIC, LST1/CTA
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Impact/ Benefits: Obtaining fundamental scientific results and preparation of Master’s and PhD’s students in the area of nuclear astrophysics. Maintaining scientific contacts and possibilities for participation in pan-European and world-level physics experiments. Until now, a significant benefit from maintaining the CTA-MAGIC proj- ect is the discovery of the highest energy gamma-quanta from gam- ma rays eruption in the Universe. The discovery breaks the boundaries of the human concepts on the essence of the cosmic processes. The future benefits from the participation in CTA Consortium are the vast field of research and the development of new technologies, and yet unknown methods for research of the outer space, the at- mosphere and the environment. An example are the developed new methods for controlling the aerosol composition of air and its impact on the cosmic radiation falling on Earth. https://www.cta-observatory.org/project/industry/ Bulgaria has been accepted as a partner state in the LST Consortium (Large Size Telescope) in 2020. The Consortium LST/CTA designs, con- structs and operates the prototype of the largest and fastest gam- ma-telescopes in the world, specially designed as a basic part of the CTA complex. https://www.cta-observatory.org/project/technology/lst/ The LST-1 installation is the first from CTA having passed successfully in June, 2020 the complicated procedure of international expert criti- cal review "Critical Design Review". Only after the successful verifica- tion through the above procedure, the new scientific facility has been allowed to operate as part of the CTA complex CTA= https://www.cta-observatory.org/lst1-passes-cdr/ The INRNE scientists have been participating in the MAGIC experiment since 2005, in the CTA Consortium (Project) since 2009, and in the con- struction and operation of LST/CTA – since 2020.
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Electronic Description of infrastructure and activities: Infrastructure for Electronic resources and tools for processing of medieval texts of proven Bulgarian origin have been created for 10 years. The freely ac- Investigation of cessible Histdict system is a complex of unique resources and instru- ments for elaboration and researching of medieval Slavonic texts, in Bulgarian Medieval the European and world context being an analogue of Thesaurus Lin- guae Graecae и Perseus, representing the classical written heritage. Written Heritage At the time being the Histdict system is a part of the Cyrillometho- diana portal, consisting of the following resources and instruments:
(ELINIZB) Diachronic corpse of the Bulgarian language of the IX-XVIII c. (150 texts from different genres and in their original orthography); Digitalized old Bulgarian dictionary (10 500 speech articles); Greek-old Bulgarian dictionary; Webpage: Historical dictionary of Bulgarian language (resource under devel- http://histdict.uni-sofia.bg opment from diachronic type); Historical dictionaries from synchronic type: dictionary of the Coordinator, contact address: speech of Patriarch Evtimii; terminological dictionary of Yoan Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Ekzarch; 1504 Sofia Specialized software for writing and editing of dictionary articles; 15 “Tsar Osvoboditel” blvd. Grammar dictionary and semi-automatic morphology analyzer; Search and virtual keypad; Bulgarian consortium: Old Bulgarian Unicode prints and converter. Financial coordinator: Ministry of Education and Science The major purpose of the Project is to maintain, develop and perfect the electronic instruments and resources through establishing new Scientific coordinator: functionalities and research options. The following activities are en- Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” visaged:
Consortium member-organizations: Constant adding of new texts to the corpse, aimed at collecting »» Cyril & Methodius scientific center - BAS the entire written Bulgarian heritage in digital format; »» BAS central library Establishing of a parallel corpse of translations into contemporary Bulgarian, aimed at gaining accessibility of the old Bulgarian writ- Area of impact: ers’ works for the general public; Social and cultural innovation Constant supplementing of historical vocabulary; Electronic infrastructure Elaboration of electronic dictionaries from synchronic type based on medieval resources; Maintenance and upgrading of used software; Scientific research; Training of PhD, post-PhD students and young researchers; Publishing activity: studies and publications of monuments and dictionaries.
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Impact/ Benefits: Type of infrastructure: Virtual infrastructure In the short run, NI saves time of research, raises the qualification and motivation of researchers and their scientific and publishing activity. Participation in European infrastructures: In the long perspective, NI contributes to the introduction of the Bul- ReIReS garia science problematic in the international scientific research ex- www.reires.eu change. In this respect, of special importance is the elaboration of a parallel body of translations of the old Bulgarian writers’ works into contemporary Bulgarian language, from where the translation in the other European languages will be facilitated. The forthcoming inclu- sion of the infrastructure in pan-European infrastructures, such as Resilience, is an additional guarantee that the Bulgarian written heri- tage will be exchanged in science. In the long run, imposing of our electronic NI in the sphere of Bulgari- an sciences, Slavonic and medieval research, will raise the prestige of humanitarian knowledge. The development of modern humanitarian Resilience science in Bulgaria will make Bulgarian researchers equal-standing www.resilience-ri.eu partners of the researchers from the advanced European coun- tries and will contribute to the transfer of knowledge. This will form grounds for future high scientific achievements and acquiring of new knowledge, which may be utilized for the development of new educa- tional and social policies.
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“Extreme Light” Description of infrastructure and activities: Consortium ELI “Extreme Light” is research infrastructure possessing capabilities for studying processes in the area of powerful femtosecond laser ELI-ERIC-BG pulses. The construction of the powerful laser systems will provide for the performance of experiments of fundamental and application significance. For the successful building and managing of such large- scale facilities, requested is preliminary theoretical and experimental modeling of processes by smaller laser systems, within the frames of “small-scale projects”. Such is one of the major goals of the Bul- garian consortium: construction, modernization and maintenance of powerful femtosecond laser systems and elaboration of a package of mathematical models for solving of tasks on small-scale projects. To guarantee transfer of technologies and knowledge, as well as the ac- cess of Bulgaria researchers to contemporary powerful laser systems for scientific-research work, requested is providing the construction of modern scientific infrastructure, including complete setting and maintenance of contemporary femtosecond laser systems. The avail- able infrastructure of ELI-ERIC-BG Consortium includes Laboratory in femosecond photonics with Sofia University - an unique facility for Bulgaria and the Balkans. Some of the performed experiments are unique in a world-wide scale, in particular that on femtosecond whirls. The planned laser systems are of three substantially different types, Webpage: for the three participants in the ELI-ERIC-BG Consortium. The system http://www.eli-eric-bg.ie-bas.org/indexBG.htm of Sofia University includes sources with short laser impulses for the purposes of tasks imposed in the sphere of femtosecond photonics. Coordinator, contact address: The system of the Institute of Energy, BAS, foresees studies on small- Institute of Electronics - BAS scale projects within the frames of the pan-European infrastructure ELI-ERIC, such as filamentation and terra-herz generation; the system Bulgarian consortium: of EFTT-BAS will be used in technological aspect for investigation and Financial coordinator: creating of new and perspective materials for optoelectronics. The Ministry of Education and Science services to be provided to the users of the infrastructure in short- term perspective will be investigation of new methods of diagnostics Scientific coordinator: and control of short impulses. Possibilities will be provided for mea- Institute of Electronics - BAS surement of linear and non-linear receptivity of the second, third and 1784 Sofia, 72 “Tsarigradsko Shosse” higher class and their competing processes, including non-perturba- tive ones. Conditions and possibilities will be created for studying the Consortium member-organizations: times of linear and non-linear response of new materials and new »» Sofia University “ St. Kliment Ohridski” structures for photonics (i.e. meta-materials) upon delta-impulse ra- »» Institute of Solid State Physics – BAS diation from the wide-spectrum. A channel of adjustable femtosecond radiation will be provided for the purposes of the spectroscopy of new materials.
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Area of impact: Physics and engineering sciences Impact/ Benefits: Type of infrastructure: Since May, 2018 Bulgaria is an associated member of the ELI-ERIC in- Distributed ternational consortium. In short-term perspective, new methods for diagnostics and quality control of limit-short femtosecond impulses will be investigated. By such precisely controlled impulses linear and non-linear processes will be studied upon the interaction of laser ra- diation and the substance. The purpose is structuring of such beams in space according to the needs of concrete experiments (including their coherent combining or generating of Gaus-Besel beams). On the other part, investigated will be the expansion of the spectral range in which such beams may be generated (including through processes of non-linear transformation of radiation frequencies towards the high frequencies, as well as the THz range). Mastering of new techniques, besides their scientific value, will provide to researchers’ teams from other laboratories unique research tools. The regional significance of the infrastructure would be especially prominent where allowing for the performance of tests, later transferred to the large-scale infra- structures of ELI-ERIC Consortium. The successful implementation of the working program of ELI-ERIC-BG Consortium will provide to re- searchers’ teams from other laboratories (the consortium partners and other research units) unique means of research. The precise con- trol on the parameters of laser beams will ensure the development of new techniques of “optic pincets” and the optics of movable particles, of potential applicability in the laser technics, biology and bio-tech- nologies.
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Bulgarian Description of infrastructure and activities: Observation Station LOFAR is multifunctional, highly innovative pan-European distributed low-frequency radio telescope (10-250 MHz), developed by the Neth- of the pan-European erland Radio Astronomy Institute (ASTRON) for investigating the early and remote Universe, the activity of the Sun and the Earth atmosphere. Radiotelescope “Low- LOFAR consists of a large number of innovative observation stations with aerials of phased grid type, distributed all over the Netherlands Frequency Array” and a part of Europe. They are linked by high-speed connections. In Southern and Eastern Europe there is no station. The establishment of Bulgarian LOFAR station and the participation in (LOFAR) - LOFAR-BG the LOFAR network will provide an excellent opportunity for Bulgarian and foreign researchers and students for career development and supplementing of their excellent optic studies upon vanguard radio Webpage: observations. The unique infrastructure will support international co- www.lofar.bg operation, the development of our scientific competences in the area, and the transfer of high-tech knowledge to the industry. This will be Coordinator, contact address: the first LOFAR station which will improve the division capacity and Institute of Astronomy with National Astronomy covering of the international LOFAR telescope array. Observatory – BAS The major purposes of the construction of the first Bulgarian radio 1784 Sofia, 72 “Tsarigradsko Shose” blvd. astronomic observatory are:
Bulgarian consortium: construction and development of unique widely applicable scien- Financial coordinator: tific infrastructure – Bulgarian LOFAR station (LOFAR-BG), as part Ministry of Education and Science of the LOFAR telescope array’s network - distributed pan-Europe- an research infrastructure; Scientific coordinator: development of big human scientific potential for carrying out Institute of Astronomy with National Astronomy specialized astrophysical and geophysical surveys at the station Observatory – BAS
Consortium member-organizations: Existing, under construction and the proposed »» Institute of Astronomy with National Astronomy LOFAR stations. Observatory - BAS »» Faculty of Telecommunications, Technical Uni- versity – Sofia »» Astronomy Desk with the Faculty of Physics of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” »» Astronomy Observatory of Shumen University “Konstantin Preslavski” »» Institute of Information and Communication Technologies - BAS »» National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography – BAS
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and by the entire LOFAR telescope array; development of scientific and engineering potential for the pro- vision of the hardware and software of the telescope, processing and maintenance of peta-byte surveillance data volumes, and au- tomated analysis by artificial intelligence; active cooperation and exchange of know-how with the business; popularization of radio astronomic surveys.
Impact/ Benefits: The construction and operation of LOFAR station in Bulgaria will pro- vide for the participation of Bulgarian researchers in research on the era of re-ionization of the early Universe, investigation of short-term and remote out-of-Galaxy radio sources, physics of the Sun, cosmic time and cosmic magnetism. In geophysics, it will allow studying of cosmic rays, ionosphere dynamics, seismic activity and the physics of lightning. This will create possibility for development and participation Area of impact: in international research and publications in these spheres of science, Physics and engineering sciences for the defense of PhD theses and overall raising the level of our as- trophysics and geophysics. Moreover, the development of radio astro- Type of infrastructure: nomic observation capacities will contribute to the development of National cluster of pan-European distributed re- radio engineering research activity and transfer of high technologies. search infrastructure And the last but not least, this will contribute to increasing the popu- larity and improving the image of Bulgaria in the scientific community. Participation in European infrastructures: Pan-European distributed telescope array (www.lofar.nl)
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Distributed System of Description of infrastructure and activities: Scientific Collections - Biological diversity is an international priority, both for science and for a number of practical activities of strategic significance such Bulgaria (DISSCO-BG) as adapting to the climate change, development of green economy, healthcare, management of biological resources, providing of clean and healthy living environment, etc. One of the major approaches in studying biodiversity is connected Webpage: with the performance of research based on natural science collec- https://www.dissco.eu/bg/ tions. The research infrastructure DiSSCo-BG is the Bulgarian node of the Coordinator, contact address: pan-European Distributed Research Infrastructure DiSSCo, recognized Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research in 2018 as research infrastructure of European importance and in- (IBER) – BAS cluded in the Roadmap of the European Strategy Forum on Research 1113 Sofia, 2 “Gagarin” str. Infrastructures (ESFRI). The members of DiSSCo-BG Consortium are the Institute of Biodiver- Bulgarian consortium: sity and Ecosystem Research – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBER- Financial coordinator: BAS) and the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia – Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science Academy of Sciences (NMNH-BAS). These two units of BAS maintain research collections that have been gathered in the last 130 years. Scientific coordinator: They are the major Bulgarian research centres carrying out collec- IBER - BAS tion-based studies and servicing the state and society with scientific products and expert opinions related to biological diversity at national, Consortium member-organizations: regional and international level. National Museum of Natural History - BAS (NMNH The size of DiSSCo-BG collections is about 2 million specimens – the - BAS) biggest and most representative ones in the South-Eastern Europe. The collections include collection units of the following numbers: Area of impact: Surrounding environment NMNH-BAS: Mineralogy 14,000; Paleontology 98,000; Botany 6,000; Electronic infrastructure Zoology 1,230,000; Health and foods IBER-BAS: Botany (Herbarium SOM) 195,530; Paleobotany 16,000; Social and cultural innovations Palinology 8,000; Mycology (SOMF) 29,475; Zoology 245,000. Type of infrastructure: In addition to these organized and catalogued collections, the two in- Distributed stitutions accommodate other collections as well (estimated at about 400,000 units), which are under process of organization, registration Participation in European infrastructures: and catalogue inventory. DiSSCo https://www.dissco.eu/ The planned development during the next 4 years aims raising the level of the major natural science collections in Bulgaria in several directions – technical state of storage infrastructure, digitization of catalogues and samples, as well as better training of scientific and supporting staff working on the collections. The envisaged activities will increase the capacity for long-term and high-standard storage of a large number of samples, as well as the provision of accessibility of information on stored samples for experts as well as for the general public in conformity with the applicable international standards. Thus, efficient support will be ensured for the Bulgarian participation in the development of the pan-European research infrastructure DiSS- Co, oriented to the establishment of unified digital information source for catalogue information on major natural science collections in 21 European states.
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Impact/ Benefits: The most important short-term impact from the development of DiSSCo-BG is the place the Bulgarian node will gain in the pan-Euro- pean infrastructure DiSSCo. The Bulgarian consortium is one of the two participants in the pan-European infrastructure DiSSCo from the South-Eastern Europe. This presupposes its unique standing as a part- ner of the project maintaining the richest and most representative flora and fauna collections of our region. Its contribution will improve the quality of work of DiSSCo in general from the standpoint of the scope of the pan-European databases. The development of the Bulgarian collections’ infrastructure will in- crease the intensity of research based on them and will contribute to their popularization amongst Bulgarian and foreign experts, which will stimulate their inclusion in the study of the biological diversity of Bulgaria and the Balkans. In the long run, DiSSCo-BG is interrelated with the upcoming devel- opment of the pan-European infrastructure DiSSCo in the following directions: 1) e-servicing of science; 2) trans-national and remote access to biological diversity resources; 3) support and training; 4) research co-programming.
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Bulgarian Network Description of infrastructure and activities: for Long-Term Long-term ecosystems research is an important part of the world- wide efforts to gain better understanding of the structures of the Ecosystems Research ecosystems, their functions and the changes they undergo, caused by natural, social and economic factors. Scientific sites deployed in dif- Distributed Scientific ferent types of ecosystems have been brought together in the global network of research entities ILTER (International Long-Term Ecological Infrastructure Research). Fundamental to the ILTER is the Whole System concept, which combines holistically all components of environment and so- ciety. Thus, the integration of natural and human scientific resources (LTER-BG) becomes possible, in order to carry out complex heterogeneous data analyses, e.g. of abiotic, biodiversity atmospheric deposition data, as well as of socioeconomic data. ILTER is a “network of networks” wherein the European Network of Long-Term Ecosystem Research (eLTER) is a member, and so is, since 2009, also the Bulgarian LTER-BG network. Within the European road- map, ESFRI eLTER provides valuable integrated data sets on the abiotic, biotic and social environments, whereby it supports the development and validation of models and forecasts to facilitate informed manage- ment decisions. LTER-BG is a distributed scientific infrastructure consisting of nine research stations covering the main bio-geographic areas of ecosys- tems that are typical for Bulgaria – forest, freshwater, shore and sea ecosystems, some of these being unique for Europe and the world as well. Our network has the potential to integrate long time series of data on ecosystem components and national statistics data on socio- economic dynamics. In order to fully deploy the potential of the LTER-BG, the following is intended: оprovide specialized equipment for the sites in order to broaden the scope of the measurements carried out, especially concerning the functional components of the ecosystems – the balance of energy, carbon, other key substances and water. Implementing and adapting the eLTER-developed procedures for standardization of measurements, metadata etc. as well as ac- Webpage: cess for both native users of the network and external users, at http://www.lter-bulgaria.net/wordpress/en several scales: Coordinator, contact address: ff the ILTER-level concept for a whole system to ensure com- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, patibility of its indicators (e.g., the land ecosystems) and the BAS legally determined indicators for its parts (e.g., the Directives 2 Major Yuri Gagarin Str., Izgrev district, 1113 Sofia for Birds and Habitats); ff at the eLTER network level, it is necessary to harmonize the Bulgarian consortium: policies for data sharing between the network members and Financial coordinator: the sharing of open data with wider circles of users in a man- Ministry of Education and Science ner compliant to EU and national data sharing requirements; ff at the field work / observation level, it is necessary to har- Scientific coordinator: monize the protocols for data collection and standardize the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, descriptions of the infrastructure and the respective operat- BAS ing methods applicable (e.g., standard for the descriptions of sensors, their location, settings, error margins, etc.) to ensure
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Consortium member-organizations: »» Institute for Oceanology, BAS compatibility of the data across different sites and their appli- »» University of Forestry, Sofia cation for various purposes. »» Forest Research Institute, BAS Upgrading of the scientific capacity of individual sites, scientific »» Geopolimorphic EOOD exchange and joint research work with the European and world networks in order to make scientific products based on data from Area of impact: the entire network. Environment Designing the national IT infrastructure to allow: Type of infrastructure: ff collecting, storing and archiving the data from the measure- Distributed science infrastructure ments carried out by the stations in all ecosystems; ff automatic exchange of the data within the eLTER network and Participation in European infrastructures: with external users (including other research infrastructures, eLTER administrations, local communities, businesses etc.) ff combining these with other data and modeling for the provi- sion of Bulgarian scientific products. Working with stakeholders for the purposes of in-depth funda- mental science and applied socio-ecological studies, involving vol- unteers (citizen science) and promoting LTER-BG.
Impact/ Benefits: МThe mission of LTER-BG is to provide relevant scientific information for the conservation and the sustainable management of the unique bio diversity in the Republic of Bulgaria, enhancing society’s under- standing of the ecosystems and their services for the benefit of peo- ple. The data collected by LTER-BG have already been put into practical use for the implementation of policies, e.g., Bulgaria`s commitments under the Ramsar Convention, the Marine Strategy Framework Direc- tive, the Water Framework Directive, Directive (EU) 2016/2284 for the reduction of national emissions. These can be used also for the pur- poses of a future European ecosystem legislation, the implementa- tion of the European Green Pact as well as by local communities and businesses in the implementation of regional policies for sustainable development, climate change adaptation, etc. A significant scientific contribution of the Bulgarian LTER networks was the application of the Whole System approach to facilitate data reuse for the purposes of diverse policies, scientific and applied tasks through the Methodological Framework for assessment and mapping of ecosystem condition and ecosystem services in Bulgaria. This ap- proach is used in the mapping and valuation of ecosystems and their services, but it can also be applied for the evaluation of the conser- vation status of species and habitats, ecosystem monitoring, etc. Its wider application would contribute to a more efficient management of ecosystems and their services, the development of a sustainable economy, fostering business and social innovations and the rising of a deeper public awareness of the ecosystem issues. The activities at the network and individual site level, the following opportunities would become available: joint use of existing eLTER stations by research centers and the rest of the scientific infrastructures of the ESFRI, which are not represented in Bulgaria, as well as other national scientific infra-
73 Bulgaria in the pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI)
structures. Broadening of the scope of research, scientific exchange and training in the network, and wider involvement of high-school and university students and other stakeholders in the collection and processing of ecological data. Sharing of data with a larger number of users and modeling of scenarios for the needs of the stakeholders in spatial planning, evaluation of nature capital, green infrastructure etc. Publishing of the scientific production according to the open sci- ence principles. Put in place the preconditions to enhance ecosystems and natural habitats monitoring in this country. Developing training materials for the Whole System approach and the practical application thereof.
74 75 7.4. National scientific innovation complexes: projects of key importance for the advancement of competitiveness and the technological base of Bulgarian economy
7.4.1. 78 THEMATIC PRIORITY Information and communication technologies
7.4.2. 82 THEMATIC PRIORITY Mechatronics and clean technologies
7.4.3. 102 THEMATIC PRIORITY Industry for healthy life and bio-technologies
7.4.4. 128 THEMATIC PRIORITY New technologies in creative and re-creative industries
76 n order to further improve the quality of scientific research and the devel- opment of innovations necessary to ensure sustainable growth, Bulgaria Ineeds targeted investments in priority scientific areas, qualified research- ers and inventors, and attractive work environment. During the 2014 - 2020 period, the main tool to that end was the “Science and Education for Smart Growth”, Priority Axle 1, “Scientific Research and Technological Development”, intended to support the development and modernisation of two types of re- search centres: the Centres of Excellence (CE) and Centres of Competence (CC). These Centres will enhance the performance level and market orien- tation of the scientific research carried out by the scientific organisations, and will support the development of their scientific research capacity (in- cluding for the implementation of top-grade achievements) and innovations, as well as stimulate the setting up of new partnerships with the businesses and starting new enterprises. The efforts will be focused on the sustainable development of the infrastructural complexes and the CEʼs, and CCʼs, apply- ing higher quality standards and a new management model in some essential and priority sectors of the economy. The strategic documents drafted in the current year, such as the Bulgaria 2030 National Development Programme, emphasize the development of the science and innovations system through continuing support for the development of scientific infrastructure, expertise in technological transfers, deployment and adapting of the concept behind the Centres of Competence and the regional innovations centres.
By 2023, all the centres listed in the section will be completed and operational, the CC will be working on their commercialisation and improved international visibility.
77 7.4.1. THEMATIC PRIORITY Information and communication technologies
QUASAR: Quantum Communications, Intelligent Security Systems andRisk Management 80 Centre
78 79 Information and communication technologies
QUASAR: Quantum Description of infrastructure and activities: Communications, The QUASAR Centre of Competence is a new scientific and research infrastructure founded by a consortium of 3 institutes at the Bulgarian Intelligent Security Academy of Sciences, 4 universities and 1 NGO, bringing together their research potential in the SSS topical section “Informatics, Information Systems and Risk and Communication Technologies”. The CC activities focus on the ar- riving at innovative solutions in quantum communications, intelligent Management Centre security systems and risk management in critical infrastructure. Main goal of the QUASAR centre is the development of an advanced laboratory complex, equipped with scientists and technologies to car- Webpage: ry out world-class research, develop and implement new products and http://quasar.bg services in the field of artificial intelligence, sensorics and robotics, in the transmission of information via quantum channels and the mod- Coordinator, contact address: eling of events, phenomena and processes allowing the neutralizing Institute of Robotics, BAS, of risk for the anthropogenic environment, caused by internal and ex- Academician G, Bonchev Str. Bl. 2, Complex of the ternal factors. BAS, 4th km, Sofia 1113 [email protected] The QUASAR centre employs leading Bulgarian scientists in the field of quantum communication, sensorics and risk management. They work Bulgarian consortium: together in an innovative space, well equipped with specialised instru- Financial coordinator: mentation, research resources and systems allowing them to devel- Operational programme "Science and Education op innovative solutions of multi-disciplinary significance. The QUASAR for Smart Growth" centre is expected to become a generator of new practicable scientif- ic ideas, which will be transferred to businesses, following protection Scientific coordinator: of property rights, in the form of specific engineering and technical Institute of Robotics, BAS products and service of distinct market impact.
Consortium member-organizations: The main departments of the new laboratory complex include the con- »» Acad. Angel Balevski Institute of Metallurgy, struction of an integrated communications network, fully protected Equipment and Technologies, Centre for using quantum cryptography; devising multi-sensor technologies and Hydro- and Aerodynamics, BAS prognostic systems to forecast catastrophic events through emis- »» Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Varna sions of nano-particles; overcoming radio communication failures in »» Vassil Levski National military university, disastrous events by quantum communication of entangled photons in Veliko Tarnovo the space-time continuum; building up of a critical infrastructure se- »» Technical University, Gabrovo curity management system at national, regional and component level; »» Institute of Nuclear Studies and Nuclear prognosticating industrial disasters, calamities and terrorist threats Power, BAS using intelligent security systems and artificial intelligence (AI). »» Faculty of Geology and Geography at the St. Climent of Ochrid Sofia University »» Modern Flight Technologies Society
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Impact/ Benefits: The scientific research work underway at the QUASAR centre will re- sult in important scientific discoveries in informatics, information and communication technologies. Specifically, systems will be developed allowing:
Transmission of encrypted information over quantum channels at great distances, essential to the security of public and private communications, in line with the “EuroQCI” European initiative; Application of new models and solutions to guarantee the security of critical infrastructure through introduction of integrated secu- rity systems, based on AI; Broadening of the capabilities provided by added reality in virtual environment, through the integration of data from multi-sensor systems; Introduction of new technologies for sensor-registered significant changes in the properties of cliffs, tectonic masses and other formations that might bring about catastrophic changes in the existing infrastructure.
The results of the CC work should have a substantial positive impact on the development of Bulgarian economy. They will make possible the introduction of innovative technologies of great efficiency, leading to increased long-term competitiveness of Bulgarian enterprises. The research to be carried out at the CC by leading researchers, experts and attracted students and post-graduates, will allow for the accumu- lation in Bulgaria of a critical mass of scientists in the field of quantum communications, AI and the intelligent security and risk management systems, to meet contemporary challenges.
The main results from the CC activities would be closely related to the protection of intellectual property and the innovatory products and based on these – their transfer for practical implementation, in order to achieve sustainability in the functioning of the infrastructure. Simultaneously, CC shall work pro-actively with businesses for the im- plementation of joint scientific projects. As a part of the CC activities, at least four new spin-off companies have been planned to commer- cialise the results of the scientific research.
The CC work will have also a substantial regional impact, since lead- ing universities in Varna, Veliko Tarnovo and Gabrovo are members of the Centre and will transfer their work experience in the scientific infrastructure locally, and thus increase the qualifications of their re- searchers in the thematic priority within the Innovation Strategy for Intelligent Specialisation.
81 7.4.2. THEMATIC PRIORITY Mechatronics and clean technologies
Energy Conservation and Hydrogen Energy (ECHE) 84
Eco and Power-Saving Technologies: Digitisation of the Technological Processes 86
5D ALLIANCE Digital Technological Systems for Clean and Safe Environment 88
Laboratory of Aerospace Mechatronics (LAM) 90
National Centre for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies, Centre of Excellence 92
Centre of Competence for Intelligent Mechatronic, Ecological and Power-Saving Systems 94 and Technologies (IMEPSST)
Clean Technologies for Sustainable Environment: Waters, Waste, Power for Circular 96 Economy (CLEAN&CIRCLE) Centre of Competence
HITMOBIL Technologies and Systems for Generation, Storage and Use of Clean Energy, 98 Centre of Competence
MIRACLE Mechatronics and Clean Technologies Centre of Competence 100
82 83 Mechatronics and clean technologies
Energy Conservation Description of infrastructure and activities: and Hydrogen Energy The ECHE is a modern national and regional thematic infrastructure featuring a clearly formulated mission statement: to promote the de- (ECHE) velopment and speed up the introduction of innovative high-technol- ogies, aiming to ensure zero emissions in transportation, industry and everyday life, accentuating on hydrogen-based technologies, almost unknown in Bulgaria, during the period of its structuring, yet being de- veloped intensively and preferentially elsewhere in Europe. The ECHE pursues the priorities of the Clean Energy for All Europeans long-term strategy of the European Commission and works in synergy with the European Green Deal updated plan to achieve climate-neutral Euro- pean economy by 2050, where the Hydrogen Roadmap is one of the priority directions. In 2020, the Module 1 of the ECHE will be completed in order to bring together available and updated equipment, and the expertise of 11 laboratories, and create a national research space, integrated in two areas: Hydrogen Power from Renewable Sources and Battery Power Storage Facilities. Module 1 is unique for the multi-disciplinary character of the com- plex services it will deliver, structured in specific research cycles, that are typically carried out by big consortia working on the projects of the framework programmes. Services are to be delivered digitally, through the project web site, which would eliminate geographical bar- riers, both national and international. This concerns mostly products Webpage: of level of technological readiness (TLR 2-3 and includes preparation, https://niseve.iees.bas.bg/ testing and description of electrochemical power systems. Over the March 2019 – June 2020 period, 54 services were completed within 15 Coordinator, contact address: national and 2 international projects. Institute of Elecro-Chemistry and Power Systems, In 2019/2020, the building of Module 2 began – contemporary infra- BAS structure intended for demonstrative and industrial joint projects. Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl.10, Sofia 1113 Large-scale building and start of exploitation have been planned of [email protected] three platforms:
Bulgarian consortium: Cyber-physical platform for the development of a strategy for the Financial coordinator: control of fuel cells/batteries in different types transportation Ministry of Education and Science vehicles, including the two extremes – battery-powered only and fuel-cell powered only. It is expected to be used both national- Scientific coordinator: ly and in Europe, due to the advanced technology and innovative Institute of Electro-Chemistry and Power Systems, technological focus; BAS Modular platform for the technological development of a new generation of batteries and fuel-cells to fill the gap in the infra- structure which is the scaling of advanced laboratory products (TLR 4) pursuant to numerous national and European projects and to generate awareness in the industries; Modular platform for the enrichment of natural gas with hydrogen.
84 Mechatronics and clean technologies
Consortium member-organizations: »» Integrated Centre for Innovations, BAS Impact/ Benefits: »» Institute for Polymers, BAS »» Institute for Engineering Chemistry, BAS The ECHE will supply equipment, expertise and conditions for: »» Chemical Technologies and Metallurgy Universi- ty, Centre of Hydrogen Technologies Effective participation of Bulgarian scientists in the Horizon Eu- »» Institute for General and Inorganic Chemistry, rope regional programme; BAS Participation of Bulgarian science in industrial partnerships for »» St. Ivan Rilski University of Mining and Geology the implementation of European and national demonstrative »» Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, Labo- projects in the sphere of clean energy, as a final, pre-marketing ratory of Bio-Electro-Chemistry and Bio-Ener- stage; getics Implementation of the “National framework for policies for the »» Central Laboratory of Solar Power and New development of the alternative fuels market in the transport sec- Power Sources, BAS tor and the deployment of the respective infrastructure” using »» Neofit Rilski Southwestern University, Centre hydrogen as an alternative fuel of zero emissions, through: for Innovations in the Eco-Energy Technologies ff specialisation in hybrid transport system „battery/fuel cell”; Area of impact: ff cooperation to devise an innovative manufacturing structure Energy for retrofitting; ff assistance in the development of a new regulatory base; Type of infrastructure: ff establishing a new generation of technological potential. Distributed infrastructure
Bulgaria to join the European hydrogen road-map for the trans- Participation in European infrastructures: portation of hydrogen through the gas supply grid and using nat- Communication network in the field: ural gas enriched with hydrogen; »» Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH Industrial development of Bulgarian innovative solutions for the JU): Hydrogen Europe research group; production of batteries and fuel cells; »» European Energy Research Alliance (ЕЕRА); Establish a national road-map and infrastructure for the produc- »» Central and Eastern Europe Polymers Network tion, targeted use and transportation of hydrogen from renew- (CEEPN). able sources. European Internet Centre for Impedance Spectros- copy (EICIS).
85 Mechatronics and clean technologies
Eco and Power- Description of infrastructure and activities: Saving Technologies: The Eco and Power-Saving Technologies: Digitisation of Technological Processes regional infrastructure is a consortium integrating tradi- Digitisation of tions, experience and capacity of four universities and two institutes at the Bulgarian Academy of Science (Technical University, Gabrovo; the Technological Technical University, Sofia; Technical University, Varna; Angel Kantchev University, Russe; Institute of Robotics and Institute of Electronics, Processes BAS) in the field of digitisation of the technological processes in ma- chine-building and instrumentation. The goal of the infrastructure is to generate a critical mass of re- searchers and develop scientific research, applied science and inno- vatory activities in CAD/CAM/CAE, laser technologies, material- and Webpage: environment-identifying systems, electronics and automation, intend- http://www.e-etech.eu/ ed to speed up the development of Industry 4.0, in the Machine-Build- ing branch, which is a of priority for Bulgaria. Coordinator, contact address: Technical University, Gabrovo The regional infrastructure will put in place the conditions and ensure 4 Hadji Dimitar Str. Gabrovo Centre, 5300 connectedness between the partners through exchange of data of scientific and applied-scientific character, in ecology, power-saving Bulgarian consortium: technologies, the digitisation of technological processes, and the ap- Financial coordinator: plication of good European and world practices in the field. Ministry of Education and Science Impact/ Benefits: Scientific coordinator: Technical University, Gabrovo Scientific and applied-scientific results of the infrastructure in the digitisation of technological processes, would be used by the indus- Consortium member-organizations: trial plants from the processing industry. The scientific infrastructure »» Technical University, Sofia would expand the opportunities to design, develop and produce unique »» Technical University, Varna high-precision elements, parts, units and systems, and would allow »» Angel Kantchev Russe University precise measurements and testing. The connections with businesses »» Institute of Robotics, BAS would reduce the need for investments in precision equipment by the »» Institute of Electronics, BAS small and medium businesses and will grant these the opportunity to work jointly with leading scientific institutions for the implementation Area of impact: of specific scientific designs, training of their staff, introduction of Energy, Physics and Engineering Sciences, Ecology new products and technologies, testings and solving specific issues. The development of the regional infrastructure will provide an oppor- Type of infrastructure: tunity for further training and career advancement, retaining and at- Independent tracting young people.
The main impact of the Eco and Power-Saving Technologies regional infrastructure may be summed up as follows::
Building up the capacity of scientific research and innovations teams within the consortium, focused on the digitisation of tech- nological processes, enlisting of leading scientists and carrying out exchange between the regional infrastructure and leading technological research organisations; Provide quality research-related services to tackle technological and innovation issues of small and medium enterprises from the processing industry, to facilitate the intensification of knowledge and technologies transfers in machine-building;
86 Mechatronics and clean technologies
Attract and retain science researchers and young experts by the opportunities made available by the regional infrastructure; Commercialisation of the results of the scientific and applied-sci- entific research through the development and promoting of a portfolio of patents and useful models.
87 Mechatronics and clean technologies
5D ALLIANCE Digital Description of infrastructure and activities: Technological Systems 5D ALLIANCE is a distributed digital infrastructure of potential impact in the Danube macro-region (DDIPIDM) through the implementation for Clean and Safe of vanguard interdisciplinary studies for intelligent, secure, ecologi- cal management of interconnected systems and their business ap- Environment plications for a clean and safe environment. The project involves the construction of physical infrastructure allowing the Alliance to share research goals, resources, computing power and expert capacity, both among the partners and outsiders interested in the implementation of joint projects contributing to the achieving of sustainable macro-re- gional development.
Specific objectives: 1. Construct the DDIPIDM, consisting of 7 laboratories working in the main research areas of the Alliance (see below) at the University of Russe, 1 remote laboratory of research and back-up functions at the G. S. Rakovski military academy and 17 remote access points with the Partners (7 universities and 3 institutes at the BAS); 2. Develop the conditions facilitating the integrated research solu- tions in support of the management of the sector policies, aiming to achieve cleaner and safer environment applying digital trans- formation of conventional technological systems. 3. Approbation, multiplication and internationalisation of scientific Coordinator, contact address: achievements in view of the shared responsibility for the sustain- University of Russe able macro-regional development. 8 Studentska Str., Russe 7017, Bulgaria The intention is to achieve these goals by building the necessary phys- Bulgarian consortium: ical infrastructure and electronic connectedness between the part- Financial coordinator: ners, and implement a portfolio of joint projects in the key areas of the Ministry of Education and Science Alliance, as listed below. The investment component will address the implementation of the conditions for the functioning of the Alliance as Scientific coordinator: a distributed digital infrastructure, capable of real-time sharing and/ "Angel Kantchev" University of Russe or transferring between the partners (7 universities and 3 institutes at the BAS) of computing power, expertise, and information resources, in Consortium member-organizations: order to carry out joint tasks and jointly tackle research problems in »» Agrarian University, Plovdiv; the areas of key significance to the Alliance, namely: »» G. S. Rakovski Military Academy, Sofia; »» University of Economics, Varna; Precision technologies for sustainable agriculture, clean and »» Institute of Electro-Chemistry and Power safe environment, including: development of intelligent systems Systems, BAS; and technologies to reduce negative impacts of the convention- »» Institute for Information and Communication al and innovative agricultural equipment on the ecosystems and Technologies, BAS; their unique resources, and integration of biological models into »» High-Tech IMS EOOD, at the Institute of intelligent systems for the management of the Natura 2000 zones Metallurgy, Equipment and Technologies, BAS; and the development of ecosystemic services, and other econom- »» Nikola Pushkarov Institute of Soils, Agro- ic activities in them. Technologies and Plant Protection, Academy of Low carbon mobility and intelligent transportation systems in- Agriculture; cluding: development of intelligent integrated technological solu- »» Technical University, Varna; tions for decarbonisation and improved efficiency, safety, security »» Technical University, Gabrovo; and connectivity of heterogeneous city transportation systems in »» Technical University, Sofia; border areas. »» Thracian University, Stara Zagora.
88 Mechatronics and clean technologies
Associated partners: Kozloduy NPP, Multi-modal machine interfaces and 3D kinematics in techno- Clusters: Srednogorie Med, Automobiles, logical systems for clean and safe environment, including: de- Electromobiles velopment of intelligent solutions for the reproduction of events, physical phenomena and actual objects for a prompt preliminary Associated partnership has been confirmed by: ecological evaluation of complex anthropogenic impacts in case (1) JRC - Brussel, Belgium; (2) Steinbeis Europe of implementation/following exploitation of inter-regional and Centre - Karlsruhe, Germany; (3) DTC Novi Sad – transnational investment projects. Serbia; (4) DTC Zagreb, Croatia; (5) DTC Cluj-Napoca Digital energy systems for clean and safe environment, which in- (Cluj, Craiova, Sibiu) – Romania; (6) DTC Slovak clude development of models and technological systems for the University of Agriculture in Nitra; (7) The Centre for management of shared power sources and heterogeneous asso- Technological Transfer – CTT “POLITECH” from UPB, ciations thereof to minimize their impact on the environment. acting as a Danube Transfer Centre - Romania; Per plan, one of the labs will pursue horizontal goals having to do with (8) DTC Maribor – Slovenia. applied science research of multi-disciplinary character on solutions developed within the main areas of interest of the Alliance. Area of impact: Energy, Environment, Electronic Infrastructure
Impact/ Benefits: Type of infrastructure: Science-related impact involves stimuli for the exchange of knowledge Electronic infrastructure in the Danube region through the participation of the partners in the RI inter-regional networks and thus facilitate their activities on joint projects, by transfers of innovations and technologies. The Alliance will provide the conditions for the development of new and integrated scientific research solutions in support of the sector policies manage- ment, to achieve a cleaner and safer environment. Moreover, the 5D ALLIANCE distributed digital infrastructure would be the institutional environment to enhance the quality of scientific work nationally and regionally, corresponding to the specifics and intelligent specialisation of the regions in Bulgaria and the Danube macro-region. 5D ALLIANCE has been building an international network of associated partners in support of the transfer of knowledge and shared projects.
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Laboratory Description of infrastructure and activities: of Aerospace According to its vision, LAM is to become a “live laboratory” of the European Union to carry out high-quality R&D, introduce technologi- Mechatronics (LAM) cal innovations and design complex engineering systems, focused on space research and the related socio-economic development in the 21st c., in line with the new technological revolution and the transfor- mation of human society into a society of knowledge and innovations.
The goal of the LAM is to generate new knowledge and propose inno- vative solutions beyond the current state of science and technologies in the EU and worldwide, in the Industry 4.0 context. Specifically, the LAM will focus on studies to implement future complex, technically robotised/ “mechatronic” systems, including autonomous ones or requiring human presence, to function in space and make possible the implementation of future multi-disciplinary top-notch applied and commercial activities out there. The LAM will allow the implementation of projects of levels of technological readiness (TLR) in the 1 – 7 range, in a creative and stimulating research environment; it will inspire, de- velop and supply “tools” and opportunities for practice to highly-qual- ified professionals from science, technologies, engineering and math- ematics (STEM) – present and future researchers and talents. The LAM will combine the high academic capacity for RD of the universities and research organisations involved, and the efficiency of the private sector partners; this synergy will allow competitive and efficient gen- eration of new knowledge, technological solutions and products to the benefit of society. Webpage: www.tu-sofia.bg/tbd The LAM professional field is engineering science, RD and innovations, including theoretical studies and experiments, new technologies and Coordinator, contact address: technical systems for space application (including integrated soft- Technical University, Sofia ware and AI at a future stage), components and systems thereof. 8 Kliment of Ochrid Blvd. The LAM shall support also the STEM entrepreneurship through the Bulgarian consortium: capabilities planned for testing and prototyping of new engineering Financial coordinator: solutions of commercial potential in cosmic economy and through the Ministry of Education and Science creation of an ecosystem of interacting multi-disciplinary experts and organisations – academics, business persons, financiers. Scientific coordinator: Technical University, Sofia LAM will comprise the following two interrelated structural compo- nents, essential to its functioning and the achievement of the intend- Consortium member-organizations: ed goals:: Cluster for Aerocosmic Technologies, Studies and 1) Specialised high-tech environment, RD “tools”, innovations in Applications engineering science, special equipment and instruments needed for www.castra.org space explorations, deployed on land, and a lab complex of 600 m2 floor area (including 290 m2 of clean premises in space, on small re- Area of impact: search satellites etc.). This specialised infrastructure will allow the Aerospace and defense industry development and verification of new mechatronic elements, compo- nents and systems, intended for use in space and will be there to solve Type of infrastructure: key engineering RD challenges, such as support for active satellites in Independently situated orbit (e.g., maintenance, steering them closer to one another, re-con- figuring, removal of space debris, management of space traffic etc.),
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Impact/ Benefits: mechatronic systems supporting the implementation of active robotic The expected short-term (up to 3 years) impact by operations on planet surfaces (e.g., the moon, asteroids etc.) and nu- LAM would be to provide the opportunity for the merous others. All these activities are expected to be of significant implementation of new, in Bulgaria, top multi-disci- importance and interest to the EU in the 21st century, as indicated by plinary research and development work and innova- the European Space Programme. tions at TLR 3, in the innovative, complex and difficult to access field of engineering sciences dealing with 2) Researchers and experts employed by the LAM or enlisted for aerospace mechatronics. This will happen based programmes and projects for scientific and/or industrial cooperation, on the existing activities, opportunities, experience generating new knowledge and applying to this end the “tools” de- and expertise of the consortium partners, and of scribed above. An important element would be the attracting of re- the new technological capabilities, made available searchers from the industry by the opportunity to work jointly with by the new specialised high-tech laboratory com- their colleagues from the research circles on specialised research and plex. At the national level, the LAM will become a development projects, adding their expertise, capacity and resources, strongly stimulating environment and driver of new and granting them support for completing prospective Master’s and inter-/multi-disciplinary interactions of teams of Doctoral programmes within partner organisations, including interna- researchers working internationally in fields such tional. A competitive scientific development of the LAM will also be as electronics and technical science, mechanics, warranted through new approaches to strategic planning and man- micro-electronics, IT, communications etc. In the agement, mainly through the planning and implementation of mid- long-term (more than 3 years’ horizon), the LAM and long-term scientific and research missions, that achieve specific will begin to generate research results at the TLR and traceable results of expected powerful international impact in the 4-7, including through cooperation with businesses LAM work areas. and partners abroad, and thus will become a part of the added value chain of RD and innovations in the sector. At regional and international level, the LAM will make possible for Bulgarian researchers to join international RD efforts and innovative part- ner projects and initiatives in the sphere of cosmic applications – e.g., participation in the implementa- tion process of the EU space activities as planned in Horizon Europe (Cluster 4: Digitalisation, Industry and Cosmos) and research work for the European Space Agency, addressing technologies, the devel- opment of complex systems etc.
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National Centre for Description of infrastructure and activities: Mechatronics and The main goal of the Centre is to develop a modern scientific infra- structure capable to contribute to the research, technological devel- Clean Technologies, opment and innovations in virtual engineering and digital production processes; bio-mechatronics, micro/nano engineering for mecha- Centre of Excellence tronic technologies, elements and systems; vibration and acoustic mechatronic technologies; components of intelligent systems for mechatronic devices; technologies for clean and safe energy; green technologies; additive technologies, functional coatings and new ma- terials; robotic systems and mechatronic technologies; modeling.
Distributed in three main campuses, the structure will concentrate the research potential of the participants while at the same time provide flexible communication with other scientific organisations and third parties interested in using the infrastructure. The three complexes shall be built and function based on the “complementarity/synergism principle”: the TU complex – specialised in mechatronics; the Lozenetc complex – working on predominantly on clean technologies; the Geo Milev complex, engaged in both mechatronics and clean technologies.
The new scientific infrastructure will include laboratories, testing fa- cilities, scientific tools and equipment, clean rooms and pilot installa- tions, as needed for scientific research and technological innovations. It will play a key role for quality research and development of various Webpage: solutions for industry and society. http://www.cemct.eu
Coordinator, contact address: Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, BAS http://www.igic.bas.bg
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Science and Education for Smart Growth OP
Scientific coordinator: Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, BAS
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Consortium member-organizations: »» Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Impact/ Benefits: BAS »» Acad. E. Budevski Institute of Electro-Chemistry The activities included in the project will pursue top scientific achieve- and Energy Systems, BAS ments, innovative applied-scientific designs and speeding up of the »» Institute of Catalysis, BAS transfer of scientific works to businesses. This will put in place a sci- »» Acad. Angel Balevski Institute of Metallurgy, entific foundation for the development of high-tech and resource-ef- Equipment and Technologies with Centre for ficient production in this country, as well as for the transition to a Hydro- and Aerodynamics, BAS low-carbon emissions economy. Of high applicability potential would »» Institute of Mechanics, BAS be the development of nano-composite materials, hybrid materials, »» Acad. I. Kostov Institute of Mineralogy and new materials and technologies for the micro- and nano-electronics, Crystallography, BAS electro-mobility, materials for clean energy and green technologies, »» Acad. J. Malinovski Institute of Optical Materials high-tech products for bio-mechatronics, intelligent systems and de- and Technologies, BAS vices, the development of virtual engineering, of robotic mechatronic »» Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of technologies and control systems. Phytochemistry, BAS »» Institute of Polymers, BAS Commercialisation of the results of scientific work will contribute to »» Institute of Solid State Physics, BAS the competitiveness of Bulgarian economy, the increase of high-tech »» Acad. R. Kaischew Institute of Physical production share and establishment on international markets. Chemistry, BAS »» Sofia University Availability of well-functioning infrastructure and qualified multi-disci- »» Technical University Sofia plinary team will be instrumental to the building of collaboration with »» Technical University, Varna scientific organisations of leading positions in the European research »» Technical University, Gabrovo area, of established experience in the implementation of European »» University of Chemical Technologies and research projects and high potential in mechatronics and clean tech- Metallurgy nologies. »» Central Laboratory of Applied Physics, BAS, Plovdiv
Асоциирани партньори: »» BORIMA AD; »» Mechatronics and Automation cluster; »» Techno-Park Sofia, Scientific and RD association; »» Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Federal Technical University, Zurich »» Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel (HUJI); »» Technical University, Delft, the Netherlands.
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IMEPSST
Centre of Competence Description of infrastructure and activities: for Intelligent Mecha- The Intelligent Mechatronic Ecological and Power-Saving Systems and Technologies (IMEPSST) scientific infrastructure is intended to facil- tronic, Ecological and itate leading scientists and their teams in carrying out market-ori- Power-Saving Systems ented research in the fields of mechatronics and clean technologies. The infrastructure is housed in a renovated and modernised buildings and Technologies and has at its disposal state-of-the-art high-tech equipment. The sci- entific, applied-scientific and purely applied studies of the infrastruc- ture are hosted in 8 laboratory complexes with 33 laboratories focused (IMEPSST) on the application of power-saving technologies, aiming to extend the lifespan and improve the exploitation safety of machine components, CAD/CAM systems for the design and manufacturing of high-tech products, additive and power-saving technologies and equipment, in- telligent technologies, based on intensive energy streams, measuring of static and dynamic entities, studies of underwater noise, signals and vibrations of sea vessels and equipment, studies of the structure and properties of materials, development of sensors, micro-electronic and micro-processor devises and systems, studies of nano-structured materials and disperse systems in clean technologies, automation through the application of intelligent and special robots, autonomous flying devises, intelligent automated production systems and high- speed automation, inspection and interactive robotics, autonomous robots and collective work, special electric drives in robotics, methods and means to solve problems in power supply and infrastructures, re- lated to mass electro-mobility, ecological and power-saving, contact- less transmitters of electric power, electric drives and electric equip- ment, ecological, power-saving and electromagnetically compatible lighting equipment, LED and renewable power sources components Webpage: and technologies, power-efficient systems and technologies using http://www.smeest.eu heat and hydraulic power and secondary renewable power sources driving positioning systems and integrated power-saving technologies. Coordinator, contact address: Technical University, 4 Hadji Dimitar Str., Gabrovo 5300
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Science and Education for Smart Growth opera- tional programme
Scientific coordinator: Technical university, Gabrovo
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Consortium member-organizations: »» Technical University, Sofia, Plovdiv branch Impact/ Benefits: »» Technical University, Varna »» St. Kliment of Ochrid University of Sofia, Physi- Research work at the competence centre will contribute to the open- cal Chemistry Dept. ing of new opportunities for collaboration between science and busi- »» Institute of Robotics, BAS ness, through granting access for SME to specialised services, mea- »» Institute of Electronics BAS; surements performed in accredited labs, research and development »» Central Laboratory of Applied Physics, Plovdiv, of innovative technologies and products. Thus, the innovatory potential BAS of the nation will be boosted, the number and quality of the innovatory ideas ready to be implemented in the respective enterprises will grow.
Thanks to the infrastructure available, entrepreneurship will be stim- ulated to initiate new start-up and spin-off companies, guaranteeing sustainability of the investments. The building of capacity of research teams for quality work innovations will allow the introduction of new training and educational methods, the drafting of applied-scientific programmes and hands-on training for young scientists, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, students and pupils.
95 Mechatronics and clean technologies
Clean Technologies Description of infrastructure and activities: for Sustainable The Clean&Circle centre of competence aims to ensure investments in scientific infrastructure, professional capacity, innovation and tech- Environment: Waters, nological business models, to create the appropriate conditions for the functioning of an ecosystem in the area of the clean technologies Waste, Power for and circular economy, focusing on waters, energy and waste man- agement. Circular Economy The strategic goal is to turn the competence centre into a nation- al and European innovation, scientific, RD and educational centre in the sphere of leading technologies and bio-technologies for circular (CLEAN&CIRCLE) economy. The centre will engage experienced experts and young inno- vators to generate and approbate algorithms for eco-systems. Centre of Competence The CC will host leading scientific research pursuant to the gener- ation of products, services and clean technologies of high resource and power efficiency, and significant economic, social, educational and ecological added value, to stimulate intelligent technological and bio-technological entrepreneurship. All activities of the CC have been covered by a computer cloud to en- sure exchange and prompt availability of information. Three modules have been included in the CC concept: Waters, Solid Waste, and Transfer. The Waters and Solid Waste modules include scientific, applied sci- entific and development activities for circular economics power and resource efficiency in key aspects of the sustainable development: Innovations for efficient exploitation of the installations for water pu- rification, water supply networks and waste processing, as well as the creation of new, highly intelligent technologies of complex impact for the realisation of green, sustainable and efficient economy; Increase of the renewable and alternative power source share in the production of bio-gas, bio-ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen, hydroelectric power stations, combined with technologies for bio-remediation of sewage and the resolution of critical ecological issues; Recovering of resources such as phosphorus, precious and rare met- Webpage: als through bio-remediation of sludge, soils, sediments, accumulated www.clean-circle.eu toxic contaminants; Obtaining of alternative resources – zeolites from ashes, slag, new Coordinator, contact address: construction and composite materials from waste, RDF fuel (from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“, waste), quality bio-fertilisers from composting installations, microbio- Department of Biology, logical preparations for detoxification etc. 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., Sofia The Transfer module covers activities related to education, dissemi- nation of results, transfer of technologies and technological entrepre- Местоположение на инфраструктурата, neurship. Multi-disciplinary doctoral and post-doctoral programmes адрес: have been planned and are now underway, linked to potential econom- City of Sofia ic models of realisation through setting up of start-up and spin-off The main building will be at 1 James Bourchier Blvd., companies. The training of young talent starts at the CC, and continues Lozenetc, Sofia per specialised internship programmes of the associated partners in the business incubators, specially set up to that end between the Sofia Waste Treatment Enterprise, Sofia Water JSC and the Clean&Circle CC.
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Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Impact/ Benefits: Science and Education for Smart Growth OP
The structure and professional capacity built will be of lasting impact Scientific coordinator: on various scientific areas and studies – circular use of waters, waste, St. Kliment of Ochrid University of Sofia, energy, obtaining of precious resources from waste, bio-technologies, Department of Biology water cycles, management of biological and ecological risk factors, entrepreneurial and bio-entrepreneurial skills, higher education and Consortium member-organizations: continuing training, the transfer of technologies and bio-technologies »» University of Architecture, Construction and etc. The activities of the centre correspond to the four of the main pri- Geodesy; orities included in the European Green Deal: clean energy, sustainable »» University of Forestry, Sofia industry, construction and restoration, bio-diversity, eliminating of pol- »» Prof. Asen Zlatarev University, Burgas lution, which will facilitate the scientific and technological response »» Institute of Physical Chemistry, BAS; of this country to the challenges ensuing from the climate and envi- »» Institute of organic chemistry with Centre of ronment changes. Thus, the distance between scientific achievement Phytochemistry, BAS; – real-world technologies – business will be shortened. »» Stefan Angelov Institute of Microbiology, BAS; The results of the scientific activities of the CC shall be made accessi- »» Cleantech Foundation, Bulgaria. ble for the scientific community, business and general public through information channels, events, round tables and demonstrations ap- propriate for each group. Thus the CC shall be not only a part of the cultural and educational programme, but also a stimulus for pursuing environment-friendly way of life.
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HITMOBIL Technologies Description of infrastructure and activities: and Systems for The mission of the HITMOBIL CC is to promote the development and speed up the introduction of innovative high technologies for the stor- Generation, Storage age of power from renewable sources and its efficient use by conver- sion, both by homes and industries, with emphasis on electro-mobility and Use of Clean through efficiently meeting the three key points of the “triangle of knowledge”: education, research and innovations.
Energy, Centre of The main goals of the Centre are: Competence Put in place a unique, both nationally and regionally, infrastructure for the development, testing and optimisation of the industrial im- plementation of modern systems for mobility and accumulation of renewable energy. Build laboratories featuring state-of-the-art equipment to carry out industrial research and experimental development in the ar- eas, covering the entire “green” energy cycle: hh L1: Batteries hh L2: Photovoltaic modules and generators hh L3: Hydrogen and fuel cells hh L4: Bio-energy hh L5 Storage and electro-mobility hh L6: Integrated power systems. Transfer of innovations, spreading of knowledge and training of highly-qualified experts (doctors, interns, engineering and tech- nical staff) for the successful transition towards an economy of zero carbon emissions, especially in the light of the Green Deal of the EU. Webpage: https://www.hitmobil.eu/
Coordinator, contact address: Acad. Evgeni Budevski, Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, BAS
Location of infrastructure, address: Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 10, bl. 103 and 72 Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., and the village of Vladaya
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Science and Education for Smart Growth OP
Scientific coordinator: Acad. Evgeni Budevski, Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, BAS
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Consortium member-organizations: Expected results: »» Joint Innovation Centre, BAS »» Institute of Catalysis, BAS By the implementation of the project, the HITMOBIL CC will contrib- »» Institute of Engineering Chemistry, BAS ute to the enhancement of the efficiency and competitiveness of the »» Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, energy sector of Bulgarian economy in the sphere of the innovative, BAS highly efficient “green technologies”, through the development and »» Institute of Polymers, BAS introduction of non-carbon technologies for the accumulation and »» Central Laboratory for Solar Energy and Power conversion of energy (electricity and heat) from renewable power Sources BAS sources and its application in the transportation sector, by industries »» Scientific Institute for Clean Technologies and homes. »» Institute of Hydrogen Technologies, through the The specific results would require setting up: BG H2 society, An experimental facility to carry out applied scientific experi- »» Neofit Rilski Southwestern University ments, and to house innovation, research and development ac- tivities; Infrastructure capacity for more researchers’ scientific work; New opportunities for the training of doctoral candidates and post-doctoral graduates, as well as for the qualification and re-qualification of interns, including from industries; Partnership and interaction between the centres for scientific work, research and development, higher education institutions and businesses, to strengthen the links between science/edu- cation/business; Conditions for joint participation of the Centre and Bulgarian companies in European demonstrative and pre-market projects, of level of technological readiness (TLR) > 6. Through establishing the HITMOBILE CC, private investments would be attracted, with a special focus on scientific research and innovations in the areas of competence of the Centre, which will serve as a basis for technological development and innovations guaranteeing sustain- ability..
Impact/ Benefits: The activities intended and the results expected will ensure more ef- ficient use of natural resources and reduction of carbon emissions due to the non-carbon technologies that would be developed and the accumulation and conversion of energy (electricity and heat) from renewable sources and its application in the transportation sector, industry and homes.
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MIRACLE Description of infrastructure and activities: Mechatronics and Main goal of the Centre is to bring together prominent scientists and university professors in order to create a complete organisational Clean Technologies infrastructure for business-oriented high-tech, innovative scientific research in mechatronics and clean technologies.
Centre of Competence The Centre will have 15 laboratories in four bases, and the research activities in there will be grouped in six work packages:
Innovative solutions in robotics and automation;
Bio-mechatronic systems;
Intelligent environments, processes and technologies in mecha- tronics;
New methods and controls in mechatronic components testing;
Mathematical support and modeling of complex systems and pro- cesses;
3D modeling, development and implementation of pilot prototypes of components, details and mechatronic systems.
Webpage: http://imbm.bas.bg/
Coordinator, contact address: Institute of Mechanics, BAS Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 4, Sofia 1113
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Science and Education for Smart Growth OP
Scientific coordinator: Institute of Mechanics, BAS
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Consortium member-organizations: »» Institute of Information and Communication Impact/ Benefits: Technologies, BAS »» Central Lab of Solar Energy and New Power f f Development and introduction of new training methods and pro- Sources, BAS grammes, including for researchers and business representa- »» St. Kliment of Ochrid, Sofia University tives; »» Technical University, Sofia ff Put in place favourable and attractive conditions for the develop- »» Prof. Assen Zlatarov University, Burgas ment of highly-qualified young researchers, for the specialisation »» Higher School of Insurance and Finance of top-level researchers and innovators; »» GIS-Transfer Centre foundation ff Establish new strategic partnerships with new technological and research organisation in Europe, initiate research projects fund- ed by the EU framework programmes; ff Establish strategic partnerships with leading Bulgarian innova- tion clusters and high-tech companies to initiate innovative proj- ects, for sponsored and contracted research works for the needs of businesses; ff Set up new start-up and spin-off firms and other related activ- ities to provide scientific expertise to the established scientific research infrastructure.
101 7.4.3. THEMATIC PRIORITY Industry for healthy life and bio-technologies
Centre of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) 104
National Infrastructure for Research and Innovations in Agriculture and Food RINA 106
Food, Nourishment and Health Research Infrastructure and Bulgaria`s Participation in 108 the pan-European FNH-RI (FNH-RI BUL) Infrastructure
Sustainable Utilisation of Bio-Resources from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for 110 Innovative Bio-Active Products Centre of Competence
National Centre for Biomedical Photonics (NCBF) 112
Extreme Coherent Light in the Mid-infrared and the X-ray Range as A Laboratory 114 Infrastructure (HEPHAESTUS)
PLANTHEALTH Centre for Diagnostics and Technologies in Plant Health 116
Research Infrastructure for Innovative Study of Bio-Molecules, Bio-Membranes and Bio- 120 Signals (BioMMS)
Fundamental Translational Clinical Studies of Infections and Infection Immunology, 122 Centre of Competence
Personalised Innovative Medicine Centre of Competence (PERIMED) 124
Centre of Competence for Personalised Medicine, 3D and Telemedicine, Robotised and 126 Minimally Invasive Surgery
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Centre of Plant Description of infrastructure and activities: Systems Biology The CPSBB is one of the leading European institutes in plant scienc- es. It utilises advanced techniques in the field of functional genomics, and Biotechnology metabolomics and bio-informatics, to research the regulatory mecha- nisms and metabolic chains controlling plant development, physiology (CPSBB) of stress, as well as the synthesis of potentially valuable metabolites of possible marketable quality. Fundamental scientific research car- ried out in the CPSBB departments – Plant Development, Molecular Stress Physiology, Metabolomics and Bio-informatics, have been in- Webpage: volved in the applied-scientific research carried out by the Plant Cell www.cpsbb.eu Bio-technology and Vegetable Breeding departments. The CPSBB is the link between academic circles and the industry of the region and Coordinator, contact address: plays the leading role in the training of the new generation research- Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotech- ers in the field of plant systems biology and bio-technology. The Tech- nology, nology Transfer office facilitates the flow of knowledge to partners 139 Ruski Blvd., Plovdiv 4000 and end-users. The newly established CPSBB centre of excellence will significantly enhance the research potential of the nation, will broad- Bulgarian consortium: en the capacity of the country in the field of plant genomics and will Financial coordinator: stimulate the development of the available scientific and economic BG05M2ОP001-1.003 - “Additional support for potential in Plovdiv and the region. Bulgarian research organisations working on projects within the Horizon 2020 framework Applied research has been structured in three main areas: programme, WIDESPREAD-Teaming, competi- 1. Plant cell bio-technology tion, phase 2” 2. Synthetic biology Science and Education for Smart Growth OP, 3. Breeding of vegetables Horizon 2020 Impact/ Benefits: Scientific coordinator: Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotech- Quality scientific research is underway in molecular biology, genetics, nology, functional genomics, metabolomics and bio-informatics. New prod- 139 Ruski Blvd., Plovdiv 4000 ucts are being developed for Bulgarian and European markets.
Research departments and infrastructure of CPSBB: (A) Research Departments; (B) The building of CPSBB, Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute (MVCRI); (C) Plan for the new CPSBB research complex (23,500 m2) to be built in 2021. References: 1. administrative building; 2. laboratories; 3. specialized premises; 4. greenhouses; 5. parking; 6. recreation area.
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Associated partners: »» Maritza Institute of Vegetables As a result: »» Stefan Angelov Institute of Microbiology, The up-to-date scientific work in plant system biology and BAS bio-technology will enhance the research and innovatory poten- »» Potsdam University, Germany tial of Bulgarian plant science. »» Max Plank Institute of Molecular Plant New technologies will be being introduced in vegetable breeding Physiology, Germany to improve yields. »» Institute of Molecular Biology and Decision making in farming will be facilitated and this will impact Bio-Technology positively farm producers, end-users and environment. The agricultural and bio-technological sectors of Bulgarian econ- Type of infrastructure: omy would be stimulated. Centralized
The Centre is training a new generation of scientists in the fields of Participation in European infrastructures: plant system biology and bio-technology, making available to them an Horizon, WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-Teaming attractive work environment, thus retaining quality plant science Bul- Phase 2, project PlantaSYST SGA-CSA No. garian experts and attracting leading experts from abroad. 739582
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National Infrastructure Description of infrastructure and activities: for Research and The National Infrastructure for Research and Innovations in Agricul- ture and Food (RINA – Research, Innovations, Agriculture) is a con- Innovations in sortium of scientific and auxiliary units focused on the upgrading of the available scientific and applied scientific capacity, through their Agriculture and Food inclusion in four research complexes working in the main areas of agrarian science, as follows: RINA 1. Scientific complex for sustainable management of soils, efficient use of waters and identification of ecological risks and threats; 2. Scientific complex for genetic, metabolic and phenotype studies; 3. Scientific complex for the study of foods and drinks; 4. Scientific complex of agro-information, agro-management and development of agricultural areas.
Coordinator, contact address: Agricultural Academy
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Ministry of Education and Science
Scientific coordinator: Agricultural Academy 39 Suchodolska Str., Fakulteta distr. Sofia 1373
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Consortium member-organizations: »» Bulgarian Food Safety Agency Impact/ Benefits: »» National Agrarian Scientific Information Complex 1. Sustainable and efficient management of soils and genetic re- »» Central Agricultural Library sources, and improvement of eco-systemic services. »» Agrarian University, Plovdiv 2. Improved sustainability of the agrarian sector and reducing of »» Thracian University, Stara Zagora negative impacts on the environment by breeding and implemen- »» University of Forestry Sofia tation of Bulgarian varieties and breeds of stock, well adapted to the climate changes. Type of infrastructure: Distributed 3. Sustainable management of fresh-water and sea resources and aquaculture. Participation in European infrastructures: 4. Innovative technologies for the obtaining of ecologically clean an- There is an agreement to join the following infra- imal and plant source foods and drinks. Increase the assortment structures in 2020: of foods for special target groups suffering from chronic disease, EMPHASIS (European Infrastructure for Multi-Scale such as diabetes, obesity, heart and vascular conditions; new gen- Plant Phenomics and Simulation for Food Security eration of children and infant foods. in a changing climate); AnaEE (H&F) (Analysis and Experimentation on Ecosystems). 5. Invented new bio-products for sustainable bio-economics. 6. Enhanced quality and efficiency of the services in support of agrarian business in these areas. Easy access to agrarian infor- mation and its application in the drafting of analyses, strategies and policies.
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FNH-RI BUL
Food, Nourishment Description of infrastructure and activities: and Health Research The FNH-RI BUL follows the scientific paradigm of the nature of nour- ishment. This includes continuing interaction between food supply, Infrastructure and food-related behaviour and the consumption of foods and nourishing substances affecting human health and environment, and also the Bulgaria`s Participation building up of food-culture locally and dealing with socially-related challenges related to food-systems. in the pan-European In order to achieve these goals, the FNH-RI BUL will provide scientists with a centrally organised research environment and data services FNH-RI (FNH-RI BUL) including a citizen data platform, as well as a network of available sci- entific structures, belonging to public and private stakeholders. This Infrastructure will allow these stakeholders to implement the necessary transforma- tion of the food system in the future decades. Through the FNH-RI BUL, studies will be carried out at highest level in the following main areas: Coordinator, contact address: at the food system level – supply chains affecting our planet’s and Food Technologies University, public health as a result of the food culture, and citizen level – food 26 Maritza Blvd., Plovdiv 4000 habits affecting personal health and welfare. This will lead to inter- https://uft-plovdiv.bg/ action between different scientific areas – food, agrarian, veterinary, food chemistry, organoleptics, ecology, human nourishment, bio-med- Bulgarian consortium: ical and social sciences. Financial coordinator: Ministry of Education and Science The FNH-RI BUL belongs to the thematic priority of “Health and Quality of Life. Prevention, early diagnostics, therapy, green, blue and ecologi- Scientific coordinator: cal technologies, bio-technologies, eco-foods” of the National strategy Prof. Angel Angelov Food Technologies University for the development of scientific research 2017 – 2030, the “Healthy life and bio-technologies” priority area of the Innovational strategy for Consortium member-organizations: smart specialisation of the Republic of Bulgaria 2014 – 2020, and the »» Paisii Hilendarski Plovdiv University Foods and Health thematic priority of the European Strategic Forum »» Thracian University, Stara Zagora for Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). »» Agrarian University, Plovdiv »» Agrobioinstitute, Agrocultural Academy The FNH-RI BUL participates in the Food, Nutrition and Health Research »» Medical University, Plovdiv Infrastructure (FNH-RI) which includes numerous universities and re- »» AgroHub.BG, Sofia search centres from 19 European countries and is managed by the »» Bulgarian Food Safety Agency University of Wageningen, the Netherlands. The mission of this struc- ture is to facilitate research and innovations which support the ex- Type of infrastructure: pected changes in consumer behaviour and sustainability on the food Distributed and health of the population area. The FNH-RI provides opportunities to undertake inter-disciplinary studies of food-consumption habits of Participation in European infrastructures: European citizens of different customary diets and the expected im- FNH-RI BUL is a national representative at the Food, pacts on their health and the environment. Nutrition and Health Research Infrastructure
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Impact/ Benefits: The FNH-RI BUL will provide opportunities for data sharing, educational and training facilities for future scientists and will reach to citizens, public and private stakeholders.
The FNH-RI BUL will impact the innovations climate in this country of- fering research infrastructure and quality research environment in- dispensable in the training process.
Based on top-quality research, specialised data services and infor- mation accessibility, the FNH-RI BUL will seek close cooperation with research circles and the academia, NGOʼs, food industry, SME, agri- cultural producers, administration and consumers. The impact on the private sector will include innovative changes in logistics, social and created food environment. Concerning agriculture and food industry, understanding food-related behaviour will generate innovatory con- cepts for the development of healthy and sustainable foods. Based on their approach to tackle social challenges and the spectrum of its activities, such as entrepreneurial training and education, innovatory projects development, services in support of the industry, the FNH RI BUL is well prepared to work in synergism with the Horizon Europe framework for research and innovation.
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Sustainable Utilisation Description of infrastructure and activities: of Bio-Resources from The Centre of Competence aims to efficiently utilise the available national resources of medicinal and aromatic plants and bio-waste Medicinal and Aromatic from agriculture, and the application of green technologies, to imple- ment and propose to the respective industries innovative products Plants for Innovative and technologies and thus put in place the conditions for sustainable growth of the bio-economy in this country and abroad. Bio-Active Products Goals and activities: Set up a modern research complex covering the entire process – Centre of Competence from plant to product, for an efficient, ecological and sustainable utilisation of the natural resources through the construction of modern scientific infrastructure; Webpage: Renovation, modernisation and functional integration of the part- http://subramap.orgchm.bas.bg/ ner organisations scientific infrastructures, and Centres of Com- petence; Coordinator, contact address: Concentration of scientific expertise and highly competent re- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of search potential; Phytochemistry, BAS Support for the (semi-) industrial cultivation of valuable medicinal Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, Sofia, 1113 and aromatic plants applicable in innovative bio-active products; Introduction and development of green chemical technologies for Bulgarian consortium: the extraction and utilisation of medicinal and aromatic plants; Financial coordinator: Introduction of innovative approaches of treatment and process- Science and Education for Smart Growth OP ing of extracts from medicinal and aromatic plants for the pro- duction of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, nutraceuticals Scientific coordinator: (dietary supplements and healthy functional foods) and similar Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of products to enhance quality of life; Phytochemistry, BAS Development of analytical methods of quality and quantity anal- yses, authenticity, identity and impurities content control of the Consortium member-organizations: extracts and products obtained; standardisation of methods and »» Agrobioinstitute, Agrocultural Academy procedures for quality control of the products obtained; »» Biology Department, Sofia University Development of innovative nutraceutical and cosmetic formulae »» Chemistry and Pharmacy Department, Sofia and the processes for their production using bio-compatible poly- University mers and natural surfactants; »» Institute of Polymers, BAS Provide a creativity stimulating work environment and the con- ditions for the implementation and development of the research and innovatory potential of the CC member-organisations; Train and assist young researchers and innovators; Strengthen existing and set up new partnerships and networks with research organisations in Europe; Build lasting and prospective partnerships with SME and other in- terested companies.
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Impact/ Benefits: The CC will provide the opportunity for the implementation of world- class competitive and important research works, which will lead to qualitative enhancement of the knowledge about Bulgarian medicinal and aromatic plants, the conditions favourable for their cultivation, the chemical composition and biological activity of extracts and individu- al natural compounds; the options for their application in innovative products, produced from Bulgarian substances of plant-origin, of high added value and potential for specific applications such as functional foods, in cosmetics and other personal hygiene products.
The long-term impact of the CC will would depend on the building up of modern infrastructure and the opportunities to develop available human and innovations potential, to contribute to the increasing of the capacity of research institutions to carry out first-class, competitive research works and implement quality technological advancements in the future, integrating these in European scientific space.
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National Centre for Description of infrastructure and activities: Biomedical Photonics Strategic goal of the NCBF is the institutionalisation and the devel- opment of the Biophotonics and Bio-nanophotonics, as a part of the (NCBF) European scientific infrastructure. Its main activities: Create the conditions suitable for the implementation of funda- mental scientific research to acquire new knowledge on the opti- cal, biochemical and functional properties of biological matter; ap- plied-scientific research to discover new medical and therapeutic methods and studies for the development of methodological and instrumental basis of medical theranostics and personalising of medical practice; Construction of prototypes and demonstrations, pilot projects, testing and validation of new or improved products, processes and services in a close to the actual exploitation conditions en- vironment. Main tasks of the NCBF: Study tissue optics and spectroscopy of biological objects to develop diagnostic and analytical methods, laser nano- and mi- Webpage: cro-treatment of biological tissues to be applied in medical ther- http://www.ncbp.ie-bas.org/ apy. Micro/nano-lithographic structuring for the development nano-scale sensors. Coordinator, contact address: Study of the connection of the changes in the (epi) genome and Institute of Electronics, BAS (epi) transcriptome from embryonic stage to mature age with the 72 Tsarigradsko Shose, Blvd, Sofia 1784 changes in the immunity and the development of pathology in hu- mans and animals, in order to improve quality of life. Bulgarian consortium: Study of the photo-induced processes in micro- and nano-scale Financial coordinator: layers and structures, development of high-tech materials, meth- Ministry of Education and Science ods and technologies for optical applications, invent new mate- rials and registering technologies applicable in biophotonics and Scientific coordinator: sensorics. Institute of Electronics, BAS Devise methods for early diagnostics of tumors as well as for trac- ing the efficiency of therapies. Screening technology for diagnos- tics and monitoring of a wide range of conditions; electroporation, electro-coalescence, electro-transformation, electro-transfer of macro-molecules through membranes, electro-chemotherapy of tumors. Development of multi-modal nano-particles capable of being transported to deliver medications to targeted tissue. Develop- ment of new optically active materials and new coatings of en- hanced bio-compatibility and bio-decomposability and new tech- nologies for targeting tumor cells with medical agents. Develop new photon and nano-technological medical approaches and products to improve health and longevity of all identified by the RIS3, fields of nano-medicine: nano-diagnostics. Nano-phar- macology, nano-regenerative medicine, nano-therapy, nano-sur- gery.
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Consortium member-organizations: »» Tsaritsa Joanna University Multi-Profile Hospital Develop new laser-based methods, medical tools and approach- for Active Therapy, ISUL es such as “optical biopsy” and develop a new medical discipline: »» Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov University, Burgas “photodynamic/sonodynamic medicine”. »» Institute of Biology and Immunology of Complex development of the Theranostic Nanomedicine approach, Reproduction, BAS for the “delivery of the right medicine for a specific patient, at the »» Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies, right time, to the right place” in their body, especially in cases of BAS cancer. »» Institute of Biophysics and Bio-medical Engineering, BAS Impact/ Benefits: »» Central Laboratory of Applied Physics, Plovdiv
The results will impact: the arrival of a new generation of bio-validat- Type of infrastructure: ing models for carcinoma and other pathological cases, imitating live Distributed human or animal tissue and allowing complex testing of the effects of various physical/chemical factors, based on methods for biolog- ical treatment at genetic material level, its functional condition, cell physiology and tissue functions. These results will impact the areas of bio-medicine, pharmacy, and clinical medicine in its latest fields: theranostics, photodynamic medicine, nano-medicine.
Potential users would be the scientific community, the bio-pharma- ceutical industry, clinical practice and related sciences – veterinary medicine, biology, chemistry.
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Extreme Coherent Description of infrastructure and activities: Light in the Mid- Fundamental research in the interaction of laser light of extreme properties and matter is at this time in the spot-light of bio- and na- Infrared and the X-Ray no-photonics, and this has brought about a huge number of scientific and technological discoveries. So far, free electron lasers (FEL) and Range as A Laboratory the synchrotrones have been the only sources of coherent light of extreme properties in the two spectrum ranges, mid-infrared (MIR Infrastructure FELs) and X-ray (XFEL). These sources generate very powerful photon beams and at the same time provide extreme resolutions in terms of space and time. Yet, the equipment is huge in size and is really (HEPHAESTUS) expensive to build and maintain (to the order of hundreds of millions). It is not easily accessible for individual research groups, or for the industry and small businesses. At present, the latest technological achievements in laser physics and engineering allow the construction of new laser sources, not larger than a lab workbench, as an alterna- tive to the synchrotrones and the FEL`s, suitable for numerous appli- cations in the physics of materials, biology, semi-conductor industries and nano-technologies. Despite some limitations, such as their max- imum and mid-range power, and the range of their spectrum tuning, the compact alternative sources now allow the practical testing and implementation of a considerable number of technologies produced using beams from FEL`s and synchrotrons. The HEFAESTUS research infrastructure, consisting of interdisciplinary laboratories of unique equipment such as the compact alternative of the MIR-FEL/XFEL, sets the following goals: To serve the interdisciplinary scientific community both in aca- demic circles and the industry, by providing access to their unique laser infrastructure; Set up a user network through the integration of existing FEL us- Webpage: ers, and the attracting of new ones through greater flexibility and http://bionano-bg.eu speedier performance of specific tasks; Integration with other research infrastructures, which comple- Coordinator, contact address: ment each other, in order to increase the research potential con- St. Kliment of Ochrid Sofia University, siderably at European level: https://www.laserlab-europe.eu and Department of Physics, others; 5 James Bourchier Blvd, Sofia 1164 Maintain the critical mass of established scientists at national and Bulgarian consortium: international level and attract talented young researchers facili- Financial coordinator: tating their career development; Ministry of Education and Science Increase human resource potential nationally and in Europe through the training of new users; Scientific coordinator: St. Kliment of Ochrid, Sofia University Increase competitiveness of the national and European econo- mies through the providing of an affordable access for small and medium-sized businesses to the development of new technolo- gies in their respective spheres, based on the latest achievement in photonics.
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Consortium member-organizations: »» John Atanassov Centre of Bio- and Nano- Impact/ Benefits: Photonics »» Laboratory of Femtosecond Phenomena, Laser The research and development programmes of the research in- and X-Ray Physics Department E11; frastructure will contribute to the “Industry for a healthy life and »» Technical University, Munich bio-technologies”, and “Mechatronics and Clean Technologies” RIS3 »» Technical University, Vienna, Institute of priority areas and, specifically, to “Nano-technologies in Service of Photonics Medicine and Biophotonics”. Additional impact is expected in the fol- lowing areas: Medicine – minimum-invasive therapies; biology – leaser Type of infrastructure: modification of biological properties of materials and photobiomodu- Distributed lation, biosensors; semiconductor metrology through coherent light of minimal wavelength etc. The expected results are: better opportunities and partnerships in networks, spreading the existing network across the EU; access to and membership in https://www.laserlab-europe.eu; stimulate the exchange of knowledge between the national and international institutions; setting up of new inter-disciplinary technologies and industrial applications, including new products for high-tech companies; inter-disciplinary environment for young researchers and forma- tion of a future generation of scientists and engineers; increase competitiveness of the national and European econo- mies through spin-off of the achievements.
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PLANTHEALTH Centre Description of infrastructure and activities: for Diagnostics and Plant Health is a national research infrastructure, a combination of a diagnostic laboratory and linked research resources for diagnostics, Technologies in Plant prognoses and technologies related to plant health. The Plant Health will make possible to carry out state-of-the-art research on the fac- Health tors that impact plant health along the soil-plant-plant product chain, by providing opportunity for technological solutions for safe bio-based plant breeding products and fodders both on this country and the EU. The main characteristics of Plant Health cover three components: Building up and functioning of a laboratory diagnostic complex, featuring state-of-the-art conditions and equipment for complex studies of plant health of cultivated species and trees, to tackle the three main challenges for plant health, namely, prognostica- tion, prevention and protection. Functional scientific and administrative entities for research works and project management. Functional unit for the exploitation of the results and products obtained, connection with their public users, communication, pro- motion and protection of intellectual property. Plant Health will make available the results of fundamental and ap- plied research to: Coordinator, contact address: Agrarian University Plovdiv, scientific and educational communities in this country though 12 Mendeleev Blvd, 4003 Plovdiv / providing of a methodological framework for complex research in South Central District plant health, taking into account climate change; www.au-plovdiv.bg agricultural and forestry sectors, state supervising organs and public organisations, through activities similar to those of the Na- Bulgarian consortium: tional Referential Laboratory for plant health, offering: Financial coordinator: ff expert evaluations, prognoses and technological solutions for Ministry of Education and Science systemic support for plant health; ff ecological plant protection based on the DSS: Decision Support Scientific coordinator: System; Agrarian University, Plovdiv ff internationally certified (ISO) procedures for reference analy- sis of phytopathogens, insect/non-insect pests and microor- Consortium member-organizations: ganisms in soils and plants, mycotoxins, invasive species, qual- »» Thracian University, Stara Zagora ities of xenobiotics (heavy metals, chemical plant protection »» Institute of Forestry, BAS agents), bio-agents; analyses and technologies for the utilisation of recycled waters Type of infrastructure: Distributed and organic materials for soil fertility; verification and health passport of plants etc.
The intention is for the infrastructure to join European infrastructures (METROFOOD-RI,) and partnership networks. Plan Health will be inte- grated in international networks, such as (EU EFSA and EPPO, the Euro- pean Food Forum (EFF), the EUROAGRI research and technological net- work, the Sustainable Development Infrastructure in Agrifood (SDIA).
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Impact/ Benefits: Plant Health impacts: Improved quality of research in plant health, as a substantial component of agro-food chains. In the short, 5-year term, Plant Health will have impacted the research and innovation works in this country. This will be achieved through transfer of new technologies (at least from abroad), about science products addressing ecological agriculture, analyses and proof of safety of fresh and processed plant products, or fodders for stock- breeding, the materials for the production thereof (waters, fertilisers, plant-protection preparations) etc. In the long term (up to 10 years), Plant Health will have produced innovations and research products in “green” chemistry, circular agriculture, biological production, biological plant protection. Plant health protection being an essential component in the agro-food chains and addressing the EU Green Deal. The Plant Health methodology, applying monitoring and diagnos- tic tools identifying pests and diseases, prognostic models for their
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management, technological solutions for enhancing the resilience of cultivated plants and forest ecosystems and their restoration follow- ing abiotic stress (climate changes), biological plant protection using bio-control agents etc., will be made available to food and food-prod- uct producers. Improved learning capacity in the area of plant health. Critical mass of researchers will acquire the necessary skills to de- velop and implement innovative products for the entire plant-breed- ing chain and, indirectly, for improved people and environment health through better sustainability of economic growth in plant-breeding and forestry. The new equipment and the adequate compensations for the young researchers will bring about specific results and products, including 2 patents, 2 useful models, 4 technological models and solu- tions (strategies, approaches, methodologies, management systems, data-bases, technological platforms etc.), produced by the RI, and 2 networks with other business- and public organisations. Improved institutional interaction and collaboration with eco- nomic and public entities. The Plant Health RI will be institutionally integrated with the Centre for Biological Testing at the Agrarian University, Plovdiv, as well as with associated partners such as the Food Safety Agency, the Centre for Risk Assessment in the Food Chain and the Forestry Agency at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, the National Agricultural Ad- visory Service, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bulgarian Industrial Association, the State-Owned Forestry Enterpris- es, the Bulgarian Plant Protection Agency, the Bulgarian Bio-products Association and private companies in the agrarian sector and forestry, to identify and solve economical, ecological and social issues related to plant health. Improved interaction with the business and efficient use of sci- entific products. Research products (scientific publications, laboratory analyses, useful models, technological solutions, Decision Support Systems, patents etc.) will be available to other research organisations and users pro- vided certain transparent conditions are met, pursuant to the open access policy.
Up to 20 % of the workload of the Plant Health RI are expected to come through orders from businesses dealing in research products.
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Research Infrastruc- Description of infrastructure and activities: ture for Innovative The Research Infrastructure is intended to bring together the best available scientific expert analyses, methods and technologies pro- Study of Bio-Molecules, duced by Bulgarian research labs in the field of bio-molecules, bio-membranes and bio-signals. The BioMMS will modernise and up- Bio-Membranes and grade the existing infrastructure in the coordinating organisation and the partner-organisations, which will shape up a new infrastructure Bio-Signals (BioMMS) with the potential to carry out large-scale and advanced interdisciplin- ary studies, meeting European and world scientific standards, and the development of competitive business-oriented products and services. The BioMMS will offer full-circle research – from theoretical models Webpage: and computer-simulation analyses of bio-molecules, to experimental http://www.biomed.bas.bg methods for research of bio-molecules, bio-membranes and analysis of bio-medical signals, to the implementation of complete research Coordinator, contact address: product of applied value. Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, BAS Priority scientific objective for the BioMMS is to find the causes for Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., bl. 21, Sofia molecular dysfunctions and the related pathology, causing social- ly-significant conditions. The activities as defined by the BioMMS, Bulgarian consortium: would lead to the discovery of new molecular mechanisms and inter- Financial coordinator: actions, the formulation of new therapeutic models, innovative diag- Ministry of Education and Science nostic methods and equipment. The synergism between high-science expertise and modern infrastructure will allow the implementation Scientific coordinator: of innovative scientific, applied-scientific and educational concepts Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, and solutions, based on interdisciplinary research in bio-medicine, BAS bio-mechanics, bio-engineering, AI, chemo- and bio-informatics. Ac- quiring and promoting this knowledge would lead naturally to a novel Consortium member-organizations: interaction between science and business, and this will stimulate the »» Acad. Roumen Tsanev Institute of Molecular implementation of scientific products of social significance, reducing Biology the economic burden on society, caused by shortage or lack of ade- »» Acad. Georgi Nadzhakov Institute of Physics of quate treatment of severe medical conditions. Solids, BAS The BioMMS intends to join the EATRIS – ERIC, Euro-BioImaging and Type of infrastructure: BBMRI – ERIC in the future. Distributed
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Impact/ Benefits: Concentration of knowledge and technological opportunities for experts in bio-physics and bio-medical engineering, to result in top scientific achievement, based on the characterisation of bio-mol- ecules, bio-membranes and bio-signals. Training of the scientific staff of the BioMMS, as well as of doctoral candidates and students in new and advanced bio-physical and bio-engineering techniques and methods of bio-medical nature, to the benefit of Bulgarian society and economics. Provide access to unique equipment for a wide circle of users from scientific and business entities in order to improve the qual- ity of research in Bulgaria and enhance competitiveness and rec- ognition for Bulgarian scientists worldwide. Growth and strengthening of a reliable research potential well equipped technically, to assist government supervisory bodies with expert analyses and competent decision proposals. Further the competence of the scientific staff by pro-active pool- ing of experience with leading researchers and centres abroad. Improved work conditions and compensations for the scientific staff to result in a significant social effect, retaining the cadre (especially of young scientists), enhance this country’s image in the European scientific area and worldwide. Strengthen links between science and business by the transfer of knowledge and technologies, and implementing new products and services, intended to further the development of competitive Bulgarian economy based on scientific research and innovations in bio-medicine. This is to be achieved through new approaches to diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapy of socially significant condi- tions (oncological, cardio-vascular, neurodegenerative, reproduc- tive, etc.); develop information technologies and smart systems for practical healthcare based on the in silico pharmaceutical de- sign; develop new methods of rehabilitation, medical devices for ECG signals analyses etc.
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Fundamental Translational Clinical Studies of Infections and Infection Immunology, Centre of Competence Fundamental Description of infrastructure and activities: Translational Clinical Main goal of the Centre of Competence is to increase the potential for the implementation of quality fundamental studies, acquisition of new Studies of Infections knowledge and the translation thereof to clinical practice in the form of diagnostic algorithms, methodologies, therapeutic and prophylactic and Infection means, expertise. Building the research infrastructure will facilitate the implementation of research programmes in the following areas: Immunology, пprecise and comprehensive definition of etiological agents in hosts and environment; Centre of Competence molecular/epidemiological analysis of socially significant infec- tions; characterisation of drug resistance of infectious agents; Webpage: study the role of the genetic immunological “background” for the https://ncipd.org/index.php development of infectious and post-infectious pathology.
Coordinator, contact address: Prompt and precise identification of agents is a condition for the time- National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic ly and adequate therapy of infections and the prevention of epidemic Diseases, outbreaks caused by emergent and unknown pathogens. Decoding 26 Yanko Sakazov Str., Sofia the mechanisms causing resistance to widely used anti-bacterial, an- Prof. Dr. Maria Nikolova, DM ti-viral and anti-parasitic preparations will allow to work out correct [email protected] strategies to their application in hospital environment during epidem- ics. Attention will be paid to water supply monitoring for presence Bulgarian consortium: of infectious agents and the analysis of waste water from hospitals, Financial coordinator: stock-breeding farms and waste-water treatment stations to charac- Science and Education for Smart Growth OP terise the circulating genes that cause anti-microbial resistance. The data about the genetic variations and the evolution of individual groups Scientific coordinator: of infectious agents in Bulgaria will be the basis for epidemiological National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic prognostication and targeted prophylaxis of socially significant infec- Diseases tious diseases. The outcome of any infection depends on the capability of the individuals to protect themselves by their immune response. Consortium member-organizations: One of the goals of the project is to find bio-markers, convenient for »» Stefan Angelov Institute of Microbiology, BAS laboratory practice, that indicate whether the immune response was successful, predict the development and outcome of an infection and »» National Diagnostic and Research Institute of reflect the effect of the therapy applied. One of the expected results Veterinary Medicine would be the development of highly-sensitive, non-traumatic meth- »» Medical Institute, Ministry of Interior ods of evaluation – the so called “local” (mucous) immune response. Third focus would be the means of correcting the pathology immune response.
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Impact/ Benefits: The centre will provide a quality work environment, conditions for continuing learning and qualification, for attracting and retaining new researchers. Opportunities will be offered for publishing original re- search results, gaining international recognition and access to proj- ects. The setting up of a biological banks and data-base about the pathogens circulation in the region will form the basis for participa- tion in regional and global expert networks. Valuable information will be generated for the improvement of the disease watch and manage- rial decisions of long-term impact for prevention of vaccine-prevent- able diseases. Genotyping of pathogenic strains will contribute to the adequate treatment and reduction of complications and death rate of infectious diseases. The methods for prompt detection of resistance mechanisms will contribute to the optimisation of antibiotic policies in medical institutions and the measures to control internal infections in hospitals, which will also make a long-term impact nationally. Sensitive bio-markers will be identified for the diagnostics and monitoring, and personalised algorithms for the treatment of acute and chronic infec- tions and their possible complications.
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Personalised Innovative Description of infrastructure and activities: Medicine Centre of The Personalised Innovative Medicine project (PERIMED) has been developed in partnership between the Plovdiv Medical University, the Competence (PERIMED) Plovdiv University and the Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography, at the BAS. The project aims at the building of a new structure for innovative research, focused on the integration of scientific research and the development of new and emerging technologies. Research and innovatory activities will be carried out in the area of personalised medicine, with an emphasis on oncology, onco-hematology, intensive care medicine, innovative drug carriers for targeted therapy, bio-en- gineering technologies and bio-sensors. The studies will be of applied character and will contribute for the competitiveness of interdisciplin- ary scientific products to the benefit of the economy and the people.
The project is a part of the long-term strategy of the partners for the development of inter-institutional and responsible cooperation in order to support science in Bulgaria and its becoming a factor in the development of the economy based on knowledge and innovations in line with the best world standards and practices. The project involves the founding of a Centre of Competence, renovation of existing and Webpage: construction of new facilities, procurement of specialised lab equip- https://mu-plovdiv.bg/perimed/nachalo/ ment. Twelve large-scale research programmes will be carried out, involving leading national and international researchers of highest Coordinator, contact address: qualifications and experience in applied science in this country and in Medical University, the EU, as well as young scientists, of up to 34 years of age. 15A Vassil Aprilov Blvd., 4002 Plovdiv The project involves RD in one of the priority areas of scientific re- search, nationally and in the EU – of the healthcare-related tech- Bulgarian consortium: nologies. In this context, the activities planned will contribute to the Financial coordinator: building and sustainable development of an infrastructural scientific Science and Education for Smart Growth OP complex of national importance that will successfully integrate in the pan-European infrastructural networks in the field of personalised Scientific coordinator: medicine. The results of the activities of the centre will prompt the Medical University, Plovdiv making and application of innovatory, personalised approach to the development of therapeutic strategies for oncological and critically Consortium member-organizations: ill patients. As a result of the personalisation of therapies, the effi- Partners: »» Paisii Hilendarski, University of Plovdiv »» Acad. Ivan Kostov Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography, BAS
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Associated partners: »» Neopharm, Bulgaria (Sofia) ciency and safety of therapeutic methodologies and pharmaceutical »» Saint Georgi University Multi-Profile Hospital products will increase, despite their application to be larger number for Active Treatment, Plovdiv of patients. »» Agencia estatal consejo superior de investiga The centre will achieve economic stability through research carried ci ones cientificas (CSIC) - Instituto de a out per orders from businesses and collaboration between the main groouimica y tecnologia dealimentos (tata) and the associated partners, by structuring units with market realisa- »» СоЕВioЗ - University of Manchester, tion and income of their own. Manchester, UK
Implementing the activities planned will create the conditions to gen- erate new experience in scientific research and innovations, aiming to provide technological solutions and research products in priority areas, as per the Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation. Expe- rience will be gained in the commercialisation of the results from the RD activities and that would ensure efficient and applicable research work to the benefit of economic growth and enhanced quality of life in the country.
Impact/ Benefits: The founding of the Personalised and Innovative Medicine Centre will directly impact Bulgarian medical practice and pharmaceutical indus- try and will provide individual therapy to a large number of patients in this country.
The interdisciplinary research programme encompasses the entire cycle of research and implementation of innovations in bio-technolo- gies, medicine and pharmacy: diagnostics, identification of specialised bio-markers, application of personal treatment and innovative phar- maceutical technologies.
The expected overall result would be reduced medical costs and opti- mised pharmacological/economic effect.
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Centre of Competence Description of infrastructure and activities: for Personalised The goal of the Centre is to set up an innovative, high-tech and mod- ern-base centre of competence in personalised medicine, telemedi- Medicine, 3D and cine and 3D medicine, minimally invasive surgery aiming to materialise high-achievements in research activities and the training of experts, Telemedicine, expected to increase the competitive advantages of existing institu- tions and stimulate entrepreneurship in the region and the country. Robotised and Over the next 10 years, the Centre will be using high-tech innovative infrastructure, including equipment and specialised software. Thus, the opportunities will be made available to carry out research and Minimally Invasive development, transfer of new knowledge and technologies, training of students, post-graduates, doctoral candidates and other clinical Surgery specialists in the target areas: general surgery, gynecology, urology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, pathology, medical genetics etc. The following departments are to be set up within the Centre of Compe- tence: Personalised medicine, 3D medicine, Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and robotised surgery. The main activities in the course of the implementation of the Centre would be: building of new and renova-
Webpage: http://competence.mu-pleven.bg/
Coordinator, contact address: Medical University, 1 Saint Kliment Ohridski Str., 5800 Pleven
Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Science and Education for Smart Growth OP
Scientific coordinator: Medical University, Pleven
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Consortium member-organizations: »» Medical University, Varna tion of existing infrastructure; RD and innovations; distribution of the »» Institute of Systemic Engineering and Robotics, research results and protection of intellectual property, transfer of BAS knowledge and technologies, development of human resources; pub- licity, visualisations, audits of the project. Асоциирани партньори: »» University Hospital St. Marina – Varna; Impact/ Benefits: »» Dr. Georgi Stranski Hospital, Pleven Put in place diagnostic panels for breast cancer, ovary carcinoma, »» 5th Degree, Company for Innovative Solutions lung and colon cancer, the most frequent hereditary conditions »» Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, USA among Bulgarian populations and genetic susceptibilities; Improved opportunity for prevention of hereditary conditions; Performance of minimally invasive operative interventions in oto- laryngological, oncological and gynecological practice, and carry out additional surveys of applied and clinical importance; Using 3D printing, to produce individual orthotic devices, 3D mod- els of organs and tissue transplants; Clinical and experimental scientific projects of applied nature, in support of robotic surgery in gynecology, general surgery and urology.
127 7.4.4. THEMATIC PRIORITY New technologies in creative and re-creative industries
Bulgarian Heritage Centre of Excellence 130
Distributed Infrastructure of Centres for the research of new materials and their applications, as well as the conservation, access to and E-storage of artifacts (archaeological and ethnographic) – INFRAMAT 132
Laboratory Complex at Sofia Tech Park 134
128 129 New technologies in creative and re-creative industries
Bulgarian Heritage Description of infrastructure and activities: Centre of Excellence Finding and promoting of new and deeper knowledge about the cul- tural and natural riches of Bulgaria using new technologies for selec- tion, processing, description and ensuring free access to Bulgarian Webpage: artifacts (in the form of text, audio, video, virtual reality products etc.). http://www.nasledstvo.bg/ Develop methodologies and standards for the evaluation of cultural heritage objects. Coordinator, contact address: Implement the new vision for transforming Bulgarian cultural heritage St. Kliment of Ochrid Sofia University, into a material resource for the creative and re-creative industries 7a Gen. Gurko Str., Sofia 1000 at European level, including through the development of marketing strategies for the creative industries and tourism. Bulgarian consortium: The new infrastructure, based on the “triangle of knowledge”: educa- Financial coordinator: tion-research-innovations, will provide access to new scientific equip- Science and Education for Smart Growth OP ment and scientific capacity, as well as the conditions for the acquisi- tion of new competencies and skills. Scientific coordinator: Support computer infrastructure for shared remote access to re- Sofia University searchers (working at their organisations, for national or international scientific initiatives) and specialised research equipment, data, scien- Consortium member-organizations: tific products and additional targeted services. »» University for Architecture, Construction and Alternative capabilities for public access to knowledge, information Geodesy and services using cloud technologies, the specialised data centre »» Technical University “Nasledstvo BG” ("Наследство БГ“), integrative web portal, plus tra- »» Vassil Levski National Sports Academy ditional, yet efficient technologies for public communication (educa- »» National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and tional TV, Internet). Geography, BAS National network of scientific and educational institutions for shared »» Institute of Ethnology and Folklore with work and knowledge as an integral part of the pan-European scien- Ethnographic Museum, BAS tific complex, providing similar services and carrying out scientific »» Institute for Art Studies, BAS research at comparable levels and quality, specialised in serving a »» Institute of Literature, BAS specific region. »» Institute of Balkan Studies with Centre of International access infrastructure for researchers from other coun- Tracology, Prof. Alexander Fol, BAS tries to available research data and initiatives of various institutions. »» Centre for Cyril and Methodius Studies, BAS New material and intellectual assets to considerably improve and »» St. St. Cyril and Methodius National Library broaden the systems for scientific, research, development and inno- »» Regional Museum of History, Sofia vatory activities at European level.
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Impact/ Benefits: Contributes to: research and technological development; lifetime learning; education environment and social inclusion. Key effect: provide an attractive research environment; quality of re- search works; development of innovations; qualification of inventors and researchers; motivation for obtaining higher educational degree; quality school education etc. Additional effect: regional development; international cooperation. Works through: innovations based on cultural heritage products; VR-design and VR-demo centres; educational games; protection, conservation and restoration using new technologies; development of marketing strategies for the creative industries and tourism; new educational products; additional horizontal activities through cloud infrastructure for access to resources and services, including for the creative industries, tourism etc.
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Distributed Infrastruc- ture of Centres for the research of new Description of infrastructure and activities: INFRAMAT is a unique interdisciplinary distributed research infrastruc- ture that brings together laboratories, equipment and experts working materials and their in materials science. Its activity is focused on the complete physical and chemical description of new materials, developed to be applied applications, as well in various technological areas (renewable energy, mechatronics and clean technologies, environment protection, healthy life) and in the as the conservation, conservation and restoration of archaeological and ethnographic arti- facts (i.e., ancient and old materials). access to and INFRAMAT integrates research equipment and experts from 16 educa- tional, research and museum institutions, and consists of a network, E-storage of artifacts divided into two modules: Module 1: Synthesis and study of new materials (archaeological and The instrumental units of this module cover basic methods in con- temporary materials science, include numerous new, state-of-the-art ethnographic) – instruments, difficult to access in Bulgaria: electronic microscopes, X-ray diffractometers, equipment for NMR, EPR, XPS, XRF, Romanov, 1 Mössbauer and infrared spectroscopy, equipment for thermal and INFRAMAT electrochemical analyses, coating application equipment etc. The INFRAMAT laboratories offer expert assistance to a large number of Bulgarian industrial firms in the quality control of their products and Webpage: in support of their innovational and development activities. https://inframat.bg/en Module 2: Analysis, restoration, conservation of archaeological and Coordinator, contact address: ethnographic artifacts includes important scientific and educational Institute of Physical Chemistry, BAS institutions working in archaeometric studies, diagnostics and conser- Acad. G, Bonchev Str., bl. 11, Sofia 1113 vation of movable cultural heritage of archaeological and ethnograph- ic value. The Module 2 laboratories carry out diagnostics, restoration Bulgarian consortium: and conservation of artifacts in order to prevent their destruction and Financial coordinator: protect them from environmental influences. The interaction between Ministry of Education and Science the two modules of the INFRAMAT allows for the application of addi- tional techniques in the studies of archaeological and ethnographic Scientific coordinator: artifacts. Module 1 Institute of Physical Chemistry, BAS Дейности: Building up and maintenance of research infrastructural environ- Module 2 ment, adequate to the needs of contemporary science. National Archaeological Institute and Museum, BAS Joint scientific work of the partners in the synthesis and descrip- tion of new materials and the diagnostics/conservation of mobile Consortium member-organizations: cultural heritage. Module 1 Services in the characterisation of materials for the needs of the »» Institute of Physical Chemistry, BAS private and the public sector in energy, machine-building, elec- »» Sofia University (Department of Chemistry and tronics, pharmacy and other industrial fields. Pharmacy, Department of Physics) Expert analyses for government entities and organisations in envi- »» Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of ronment protection and identification of cultural valuables. Phytochemistry, BAS Specialised training for students, experts and doctoral candidates »» Institute of General and Organic Chemistry, BAS in instrumental methods in materials science and the study of cul- »» Institute of Elecro-Chemistry and Energy tural valuables. Systems, BAS
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»» Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies, BAS Impact/ Benefits: »» Institute of Polymers, BAS »» Institute of Catalysis, BAS Better quality and competitiveness of the research in metals sci- »» University of Chemical Technologies and ence and nano-technologies, green, purification and waste-free Metallurgy, Sofia technologies, utilisation of raw materials and bio-resources. »» Central Laboratory of Applied Physics, BAS, Provide broad access to a joint infrastructure of unique complex- Plovdiv ity and technical capabilities to all interested users from the re- search, public and private sectors in Bulgaria. Module 2 Provide the conditions for sustainable development of the re- »» National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, search and innovatory activities in this country in sectors that are BAS structure-defining for the industrial development. »» National Museum of History, Sofia Provide capacity for conservation, restoration, and studying of the »» National Academy of Arts, Sofia available museum collections and cultural valuables. Link between »» Sofia University (Centre of Archeometry, conservation and restoration works and the study of the artifacts. Department of Chemistry of Pharmacy) Create a critical mass of young researchers and professionals to »» Institute of Balkan Studies with Centre of ensure sustainable development of the conservation, restoration Tracology, BAS and research of national cultural heritage over the next at least »» Institute of Ethology and Folklore with two decades. Ethnographic Museum, BAS. »» Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, BAS »» New Bulgarian University, Sofia
Type of infrastructure: Distributed infrastructure of high resource concentration
1 This infrastructure falls into more than one thematic priority of the Smart Specialisation Strategy.
133 n order to further the competitiveness of Bulgarian science and entre- preneurship, the first scientific and technological “park” was founded Iin the country in 2015 – Sofia Tech Park. Main goal of the Park has been to support the development of the research, innovation and technolog- ical capacity of Bulgaria. To achieve that, it entered partnerships with private and public organisations to help the development of innovative environment, develop and implement educational programmes, while at
134 the same time provide support services in the commercialisation of new technologies, products and services. The priority areas for development and activities of Sofia Tech Park are the information and communication technologies, life sciences, green energy, education, entrepreneurship, innovations, support for starting businesses. The park consists of several separate units, connected among each other, pursuing development of innovations, technologies, science and entrepreneurship.
135 New technologies in creative and re-creative industries
Laboratory Complex Description of infrastructure and activities: at Sofia Tech Park The mission of Sofia Tech Park is to become a prestigious location for world, regional and national researchers and innovatory companies from Bulgaria and the Balkans, to finalise the system for the support Webpage: of innovations and new technologies by supporting enterprises which https://sofiatech.bg/laboratory-complex/?lang=bg strengthen the economy of knowledge in the country, to join the ef- forts of business and science, focusing mainly on the development Coordinator, contact address: and implementation of projects in the three focal areas of the Park: Association for Research and Development, information and communication technologies, life-sciences and clean Sofia, Mladost District, energy. 111 Tsarigradsko Shosse, SOFIA TECH PARK The laboratory complex is one of the main elements of the techno- logical park. It consists of 11 high-tech laboratories, built up by leading Bulgarian consortium: experts from academic institutions. The laboratories of the complex Financial coordinator: carry out independent and joint research work, and the results are Sofia Tech Park AD widely publicised. Scientific units offer capacity to develop projects Ministry of Education and Science (for the support for private companies, which produce goods and services, pursuing of science organisations and higher education future market realisation. institutions, members of the ARD) BioInfoTech laboratory of bio-informatics; Laboratory for 3D creativity and Prompt Prototyping of New Prod- Consortium member-organizations: ucts; »» St. Kliment of Ochrid, Sofia University Artificial Intelligence and CAD Systems laboratory; »» Technical University, Sofia Micro Nano Lab (MINOLab); »» Joint Genome Centre OOD Cybersecurity lab; Virtual and Extended Reality Lab; Области на дейност: High-Output Calculations Lab; Health and foods Intelligent Communications Infrastructures Lab; Physics and engineering sciences In vitro Laboratory for the Assessment of Biological Activity and Electronic infrastructure Toxicity; Laboratory for the Development and Characterisation of Pharma- Type of infrastructure: ceutical Forms and In Silico Design; Independently structured Extractions of Natural Products ant Bio-Active Compounds Syn- Lab complex consisting of 11 laboratory units thesis Lab. Participation in European infrastructures: Associated member of IASP (International Associa- Impact/ Benefits: tion of Science Parks) The laboratories provide an opportunity to the academic communi- ty and businesses to develop their own scientific projects, as well as goods and services assisted by the teams of the respective labs, in view of their market realisation. The complex provides opportunities for the enhancement and support of the research capacity in Bul- garia; stimulates innovatory culture and competitiveness of knowl- edge-based enterprises and organisations, as well as the introduction of efficient work environment for research and innovatory activities.
136 New technologies in creative and re-creative industries
137 7.5. E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
National Centre for High-Output and Distributed Computing 140
Big Data for Smart Society (GATE) 142
Universities for Science, Informatics and Technologies in the E-Society (USTE) Centre of 144 Excellence
Digitisation of the Economy in Big Data Environment Centre of Competence (DEBDE) 146
Informatics and Communication Technologies Centre of Excellence 147
138 ontemporary ICT are among the most important drivers of innovations and growth of economies. Their expansion into all spheres of life has Cbrought about significant social innovations both in public and private sectors, but also in people’s private lives. Over the last decade, Bulgaria was established as one of the preferred outsourcing destinations globally, in- cluding in respect to the ICT sector. One of the main reasons for that was that, in this country, the ICT sector established itself as a successful model not just for the production of software and hardware components at low costs, but also for its capacity for research and innovatory works meeting the highest standards of world ICT companies.
139 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
National Centre for Description of infrastructure and activities: High-Output and The National Centre for High-Output and Distributed Computing (NCHODC) is an electronic infrastructure which guarantees stable Distributed Computing and reliable computing services to solve big problems in a reliable manner, long-term, at maximum flexibility, training and support for users from different scientific areas. The NCHODC features a highly qualified team, capable of managing and operating various resources – supercomputer and clusters of various hardware architecture, grid- sites, clouds allowing the start of virtual machines for services and distributed calculations, data storage resources allowing long- and short-term storage. The main groups of activities of the NCHODC are: Providing transparent and open access to Bulgarian researchers to powerful computing resources and software, of central role for research and innovations. Providing sustainable and operatively compatible services using state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, incentives for flexible and open approach, whereby user communities are entitled to choose services that best meet their demands and the scale of their research. Performance of innovatory activities aiming at the continuous development of the computing infrastructure, in order to meet the dynamic needs of user communities and opportunity to apply appropriate new technologies, if mature enough. Training courses are organised and consulting is offered for the op- Webpage: timal use of the unique capabilities of the system. Digital certificates www.nchdc.acad.bg are issued by the BG. ACAD CA, which are recognised in Europe and the world, because of our membership in the EUGRID PMA. Coordinator, contact address: More than 250 scientists and 300 students have been using the re- Institute of Information and Communication sources and services provided by the NCHODC. Most numerous are the Technologies, BAS users of the Avitohol supercomputer – besides individual users, Avito- Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 25A, Sofia 1113 hol has been used by various national research programmes (Infor- mation and Communication Technologies for Unified Digital Market in Bulgarian consortium: Science, Education and Security, environment protection, BioActivMed Financial coordinator: etc.), other research structures from the National Roadmap for Re- Ministry of Education and Science search Infrastructure (ClaDA BG, National Geoinformation Centre etc.), numerous European projects, as well as centres being built up under Scientific coordinator: the Science and Education for Smart Growth Operational Programme. Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, BAS Impact/ Benefits: The NCHODC integrates computing and data storage systems, soft- ware, middleware and services, and offers to Bulgarian researchers transparent and open access to these to develop and work on new, computing-intensive scientific applications, and implement new and important scientific results. The expertise of the NCHODC team and the great resource capacity al- lows tackling both complex scientific problems and practical problems of great social impact.
140 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
Consortium member-organizations: »» Sofia University The application of state-of-the-art electronic infrastructures for sci- »» TU, Sofia entific research has become a quality standard nationally, regionally »» Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, BAS and in the EU, and it has been established as a priority in a number »» Institute of Mechanics, BAS of EC documents, aiming for the member-countries to obtain maxi- »» National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and mum effects from the development of the information technologies Geography, BAS in the computing sector. Joining the resources of the three largest »» Medical University, Sofia resource centres (the Institute of ICT, BAS, Sofia University, Technical »» Plovdiv University University, Sofia) and the model used for access and management »» UniBIT makes for a considerably more adequate maintenance than with the parceled out approach of the local provision of resources, economy Area of impact: of resources due to scale and creates a more attractive work envi- Applied research and innovations ronment for young researchers, comparable with the environment of leading competitive scientific centres and superior to what is available Type of infrastructure: in the countries of the region. Horizontal Especially important are the benefits of the infrastructure for staff training in operating the latest generation technologies, which en- Participation in European infrastructures: sures a great competitive advantage to the researchers using or de- EOSC, EGI.eu, PRACE, NI4OS-Europe veloping information technologies.
141 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
Big Data for Smart Description of infrastructure and activities: Society (GATE) The goal of Big Data for Smart Society Centre of Excellence (CE) is to carry out state-of-the-art research and achieve sustainable growth in scientific work in the area of big data and artificial intelligence, offering attractive research environment, modern infrastructure, sup- portive of open innovations and viable ecosystem to result in inno- vative solutions to the best interest of society. The research carried out at GATE focus on issues of great social significance: future cities, smart government, smart industry and digital healthcare. Within the framework of the projected activities, the construction and finalising of a new, efficient in terms of ecology, economy and power consump- tion building has been planned, to contribute to the establishing of a Science Park at the University of Sofia, and hosting state-of-the-art technological laboratories and equipment: Specialised equipment for big data (Big Data Appliance) includes both open code technologies plus integration in public cloud plat- forms, and industrial platforms and big data technologies from specialised suppliers, maintained locally and/or in cloud environ- ment; Laboratory for interdisciplinary cooperation with the industry (Dig- ital Twin Lab). A unique environment will be created within the lab- oratory, utilising state-of-the-art technologies for simulation and Webpage: demonstration of the industrial applications of big data and AI. https://www.gate-ai.eu Data analysis and the creation of 3D simulation models will facili- tate the overall optimisation of the production processes and will Coordinator, contact address: increase the efficiency and quality of the products designed; St. Kliment of Ochrid, Sofia University, Laboratory in city environment (City Living Lab). To the big data and 15 Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd. Sofia AI technologies, this lab will add up research works in the area of the Internet of Things. The use of numerous and varied sensors Bulgarian consortium: and watching devices will allow to collect data in real time, and Financial coordinator: this will in turn allow to analyse and visualise the processes and Science and Education for Smart Growth OP phenomena occurring in the city, which will facilitate data-based decision making; Scientific coordinator: Laboratory for virtual reality and big data visualisation (Visuali- Sofia University sation Lab). This laboratory will be structured as open space for collaboration, demonstrations and work with topological (2D), spa- Асоциирани партньори: tial (3D) and interactive (VR) data using specialised equipment for »» Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden virtual and augmented reality. This lab will be used for the devel- »» Chalmers Industry Technique, Sweden opment and visual presentation of digital models, including the digital model of the city, based on data collected by the City Living Area of impact: Lab. It will allow to study the sensual perceptions when perceiving Informatics, ICT data. Thus, the labs of the complex will mutually complement each other; Training laboratory. This laboratory will provide modern environ- ment for interactive and personalised training of future scientists and experts in the field. Young researchers will have the opportu- nity to learn and acquire practical experience for the application of big data and AI, by experimenting with the latest technologies;
142 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
The GATE platform. Integrated with European structures, expand- able technological environment, facilitating scientific research through the integrated space for big data and AI, offering a wide range of components and tools for control, analysis and visualisa- tion of data. The platform is founded on open standards and this is makes it widely accessible and operatively compatible, the ob- jective being to provide symbiosis between the established state- of-the-art hardware and software technologies, independently of their supplier. The open applied programme interfaces and open data, provided as a service, will facilitate the conception and de- velopment of the GATE ecosystem. This will speed up the process of application of the big data and AI technologies in scientific re- search, and will facilitate the development of innovative solutions and their commercialisation.
Impact/ Benefits: The GATE Centre of Excellence will contribute to the construction of a sustainable ecosystem university/government/industry/society and will establish itself as a national, regional and European hub for im- portant scientific achievement, education and innovations in the area of big data and AI. Accumulating significant research capacity will al- low excelling scientific work as well as the development, the applica- tion and commercialisation of innovations of impact to both the gen- eral public and the business circles. As a single Centre of Excellence in the area of Big Data and AI in Eastern Europe, the GATE institute will be playing a strategic role for the spreading of the best practices and innovative models in the countries included in the Widening Countries list, included in the Horizon 2020.
143 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
Universities for Description of infrastructure and activities: Science, Informatics Setting up an internationally recognised research complex, meeting the standards for state-of-the-art infrastructure and quality research and Technologies in the in the RIS3 priority area Informatics and information and communica- tion technologies. The USTE centre of excellence is of the distributed E-Society (USTE) research infrastructure type to further the opportunities of research- ers from different geographic areas in Bulgaria (Burgas, Russe, So- Centre of Excellence fia, Shumen) to cooperate with each other and with partners from all over Europe and the world. Thus, the communications and information streams among the participating organisations will be enhanced, us- ing computer information systems as an approach to the introduction Webpage: of a new work organisation, which will predominate during the 2020 https://unite-bg.eu/ – 2030 decade.
Coordinator, contact address: Main goals of the project: St, Kliment of Ochrid, Sofia University, Increased intensity of quality scientific research; Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Increased intensity of market-oriented scientific research; 5 James Bourchier Blvd., Sofia Improved territorial and topical distribution of research infra- structures. Bulgarian consortium: Financial coordinator: Science and Education for Smart Growth OP
Scientific coordinator: Sofia university, Department of Mathematics and Informatics
Consortium member-organizations: »» Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen »» Angel Kantchev University of Russe »» Prof. Assen Zlatarov University of Burgas »» Technical University, Sofia
Area of impact: Electronic infrastructure Informatics and ICT
144 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
Impact/ Benefits: The USTE will be contributing to all topical lines in the ICT area: manufacturing, especially Fabless, and new design and/or assembly approaches; 3D digitisation, visualisation and prototyping; big data, grid and cloud technologies; wireless sensor networks and wireless communication/control. The big data research in natural sciences have both short- and long-term impact on computational chemistry and nano-materials, nano-sciences, quantum informatics and quantum technologies; modeling of the earth/atmosphere system by high-output computer platform; bio-informatics; bio-medical processes. The USTE will impact the ICT approaches in machine-building and the creative industries. New approaches of modeling and simulation of systems in real time. Optimisation algorithms.
145 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
DEBDE
Digitisation of the Description of infrastructure and activities: Economy in Big Data The Centre is a complex ICT infrastructure of integrated research or- ganisational structures and special focus on the application of sci- Environment entific results in different business areas. The research complex will utilise state-of-the-art scientific and technological achievements in Centre of Competence the digitisation of the economy in big data environment with the ap- plication of international and industrial standards and best business (DEBDE) practices. Research services will be offered in the following areas: ac- counting and asset management; financial management; human re- sources; marketing; sales and order management; transportation and logistics with supply chains management; production management; Webpage: economics of construction and real estate management; manage- http://bigdatacc.bg/ ment and organisation of the IoТ, warehouse management etc. The DEBDE would be unique both in Bulgaria and across Europe. The Coordinator, contact address: research work offered to scientific community would be categorised University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in 52 services in the following groups: 8 December Str., Sofia, Studentski Grad 1700 Research services (services generating digitisation strategies; processes digitisation services; services to assist ICT services se- Bulgarian consortium: lection; and research services related to the use of the Centre of Financial coordinator: Competence resources by other research organisations). Science and Education for Smart Growth OP Applied-science services (design of hardware systems for man- aging big data processing; design of methods, models and algo- Scientific coordinator: rithms for big data processing; integration of big data into digi- UNWE tised business processes; design of computer components for big data processing). Consortium member-organizations: The research infrastructure of the DEBDE Centre of Competence will »» University of Economics, Varna provide opportunities for the research and application of 3 types of »» Institute of ICT, BAS corporate computer digitisation approaches: »» University of Plovdiv Development approach: based on the existing computer systems »» Angel Kantchev University of Russe in a company/organisation, upgrading and adding new functions »» Technical University, Gabrovo in the digitisation of economic activity would be offered; Differentiation approaches: design of new ICT components and sys- Area of impact: tems for digitisation, including also non-structured data processing; Electronic infrastructure Innovative approaches: design of new ICT digitisation solutions, Informatics and ICT based entirely on big data.
Impact/ Benefits: The applied research will address analysis of adaptability: processes of adaptation of contemporary enterprises to the changes in busi- ness and market environment by the application of new technologies; customer and staff satisfaction: main goal of any digital transforma- tion; pro-active innovations: one of the best ways to maintain com- petitiveness, demanding that the introduction of new technologies be performed more efficiently and promptly than ever. The Centre of Competence will offer new products: scientific, training and applied services, unique for Bulgarian scientific community and Bulgarian economic entities. New technologies will also be developed in the ICT sector addressing the digitisation of business processes and big data technologies. The use of such new products and technologies will re- sult in the implementation of innovations and considerable upgrading of competitive advantages of the respective companies.
146 E-infrastructures. Digital, calculations and computer research (E-research)
Informatics and Description of infrastructure and activities: The Centre will integrate state-of-the-art research infrastructure and Communication teams of qualified scientists and experts to carry out fundamental and applied science research in Informatics and ICT within the Smart Technologies Specialisation Strategy of Bulgaria. The research programme includes the following scientific projects Centre of Excellence (SP) of high social and scientific impact: SP1. Innovative computing and Big Data: algorithms, tools, services; Webpage: SP2. Network algorithms and software tools for large-scale simu- http://ict.acad.bg/ lations of high-tech materials and processes; SP3. Efficient methods and algorithms for Monte Carlo simulations Coordinator, contact address: and analysis of stochastic optimisations; Institute of ICT, BAS SP4. Linguistic technologies and content based technologies for Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 25A, Sofia 1113 application over big data; Bulgarian consortium: SP5. Variation and statistical methods in information sciences and Financial coordinator: technologies; Science and Education for Smart Growth OP SP6. ICT approaches to the modeling and simulation of dynamic processes in industry and web-based applications, new products Scientific coordinator: and services; Institute of ICT, BAS SP7. Mathematical models and numerical methods for processes in mechatronics and bio-medical applications; Consortium member-organizations: »» Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, BAS SP8. Innovative computing for analysis of climate changes im- »» Institute of Mechanics, BAS pacts; »» National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and SP9. Mathematical modeling in drug design and bio-informatics; geography, BAS SP10. Web and wireless technologies of the future, searching in »» University of Plovdiv data-bases and modeling of applications; »» Medical University, Sofia SP11. Conceptual modeling and simulation of smart ecosystems. »» University of Librarian Studies and Information Technologies
Impact/ Benefits: Area of impact: The direct impact of the research complex of the Informatics and ICT Electronic infrastructure Centre of Excellence would be determined by the high-significance Informatics and ICT scientific and applied scientific value of the research and applied proj- ects included in the programme. The CE will put in place the conditions to stimulate the building up of research capacity in line with the top European and World Standards and incentives for interdisciplinary re- search and approaches. The CE will put in place an infrastructure meeting the standards of the European technological platforms as well as of the EC conception of electronic infrastructures being the main building block of the Euro- pean research space. The open access policies to the CE infrastruc- ture will be in line with the open science principles. Much broader and all-encompassing would be the impact of the build- ing up of state-of-the-art electronic infrastructure to the develop- ment of science, education and innovations in Bulgaria. The synergism of quality scientific approaches and innovative computer technologies will directly facilitate the increasing of the capacity for transfer of the research results and the generation of innovations.
147 NATIONAL ROADMAP FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE (2020-2027)
REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA www.mon.bg MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE