site.btaBulgarian Physicist Involved in NASA's Artemis Missions Visits Bulgaria

Dr Petko Dinev, a pioneer in advanced imaging and photonics technology, whose developments have been used in NASA's Artemis I and Artemis II missions, is visiting Bulgaria on April 27 and 28 at the invitation of caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky. On Monday, they toured Sofia Tech Park.

She described the scientist's outstanding achievements as "an example of Bulgaria's contribution to modern space projects. 

Neynsky highlighted Dinev's valuable contribution to Bulgarian-US. His visit to Bulgaria comes in the context of important anniversaries in Bulgaria-US relations that both countries will celebrate this year, namely the 250th anniversary of the United States, the fifth anniversary of the renewal of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, and 20 years since the signing of the Agreement on Defence Cooperation, the Foreign Minister said. "These key agreements cover priority areas of cooperation and provide a solid foundation for the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the US," she added.

Dinev's visit to Bulgaria begins precisely at Sofia Tech Park, which is centre of innovation in Bulgaria with global significance, the Neynsky said. She highlighted the country's enormous opportunities in high technologies, such as the Discoverer+ supercomputer, the Bulgarian artificial intelligence factory BRAIN++, the micro- and nanotechnology laboratory, and intelligent and communication infrastructures.

"It is exactly at Sofia Tech Park where many of the fastest-developing Bulgarian technologies begin," Neynsky said.

All these facts are clear evidence that Bulgaria has substantial potential to strengthen its role in innovation and establish itself as an active technological partner and global factor in these processes. The country has strong traditions in engineering sciences, a competitive IT sector, well-trained professionals, and a growing innovation ecosystem, the Foreign Minister pointed out.

She noted the solid basis for further cooperation with the US in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, automation, microelectronics and dual-use technologies, space technologies, research, and development, and expressed Bulgaria's desire to pursue its close relations and cooperation with the US in new technologies and innovation.

"Availing ourselves of these opportunities, we are ready to work toward implementing joint initiatives that will enhance technological resilience," Neynsky said.