site.btaSofia's Medical University Reaffirms Leading Role in Science and Education, Rector Says

Sofia's Medical University has reaffirmed its position as a leading scientific and educational centre with strong public impact, Rector Prof. Boycho Landzhov said at a ceremony marking the university's research and teaching activities on International Health Day.

He noted that the university ranked first in all five of its academic fields in Bulgaria’s 2025 higher education rankings, while five of its researchers are among the top 2% most influential scientists globally, according to a Stanford ranking based on publication output and citations.

Landzhov said these achievements are particularly important amid growing competition between universities and a declining number of students. He added that the university’s leadership continues to support researchers through participation in national and international projects and partnerships.

He also highlighted efforts to increase the international visibility of the university’s scientific journals and to improve the academic environment through renovation of teaching facilities and investment in modern infrastructure.

During the ceremony, the university presented its annual awards for research and teaching and conferred honorary doctorates on distinguished scientists from Italy and Poland.

Prof. Stefano Del Prato of the University of Pisa is an internationally recognised expert in diabetes research, with significant contributions to clinical practice and the training of Bulgarian endocrinologists.

Prof. Marcin Czech of Poland is a leading scholar in medicine, health sciences and economics, known for his interdisciplinary work in pharmacoeconomics and health technology assessment, including teaching in international programmes involving Bulgarian students.

The event was attended by National Health Insurance Fund Governor Petko Stefanovski, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences President Evelina Slavcheva, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria Yordanka Chobanova, Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Director Prof. Iva Hristova, as well as hospital directors, representatives of professional organizations, and academic staff and students from the Medical University.