site.btaRuse University Exceeds Research Targets, Expands International Partnerships

Ruse University has strengthened its position as one of Bulgaria’s leading research institutions, Honorary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly Hristo Beloev said here on Wednesday. He was speaking at a news conference presenting the results of the Ruse Research University project.

Ruse University Rector Prof. Desislava Atanasova pointed out that the university is one of ten Bulgarian universities participating in the national network of research universities. Funded through Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, the project aims to boost research activity and increase the international visibility of scientific results.

Despite starting later than other institutions and receiving funding only in autumn 2024, Ruse University has successfully met nearly all project objectives, Atanasova emphasized, adding that seven interdisciplinary research groups and seven advanced laboratories have been established.

According to Beloev, key performance indicators have been exceeded by 200–300%, noting that a total of 169 researchers participated in the project, which enabled them to publish in prestigious international journals and expand their scientific teams. Twenty-four early-career researchers, 12 postdoctoral fellows, and 18 leading experts participated as well, with the university producing more than 1,200 publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus between 2024 and 2026, far surpassing initial targets.

International cooperation also expanded significantly, Beloev pointed out, stating that 22 new partnerships have been signed with universities, research institutes, and industry representatives. He highlighted the collaboration with Kobe University in Japan, and Ruse's hosting of Bulgaria’s first International Aquaphotomics Conference in September.

Beloev emphasized that the project generated 27 initiatives seeking external funding and industrial support, and strengthened partnerships with technology and innovation organisations, including Huawei, the AI Cluster in Bulgaria and the Biotechnology and Health Cluster. Progress was also achieved in technology transfer and intellectual property, with six international patent applications prepared and numerous innovations developed for potential industrial implementation.

More than EUR 2 million were invested in new research infrastructure, including advanced computing systems, thermal imaging cameras, intelligent analytics systems, renewable energy research equipment, robotic CNC machines, and industrial 3D printers. The facilities support both research and the education of students, doctoral candidates, and young scientists.

The Ruse Research University project, worth EUR 6.1 million and funded through the EU’s NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility, aims to establish Ruse University as an internationally recognized research centre while supporting innovation in Northern Bulgaria and the Danube region.