site.btaEvaluation and Accreditation Agency Holds First Awards for Good Practices Linking Science, Education, Business and Society

The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) has presented for the first time its annual awards for good practices entitled “Science – Higher Education – Business and Society.” The ceremony took place at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia on Tuesday evening.

Through these awards, the NEAA aims to encourage interaction between the academic community, research organizations, business, and society. The Agency plans to create a catalogue of good practices showcasing sustainable models of cooperation and exchange between education, science, and the real sector. The goal is to publicize successful examples, promote innovation in teaching, and support the active involvement of students, doctoral candidates, and young researchers in practical and scientific activities.

The inaugural edition of the initiative brought together 14 higher education institutions and four research organizations, which presented a total of 137 practices. Evaluation was carried out by the NEAA’s Advisory Council based on criteria such as social relevance, innovativeness, sustainability, and the involvement of business and students in the processes.

Awards were presented in six categories, each recognizing a specific aspect of the connection between science, education, and society.

In the category “Partnership between Higher Education Institution and Business,” the winner was Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski” for the “Bio-Business” practice.

In the category “Implementation of Scientific Results for the Benefit of Business and Society,” the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology was recognised for “ARDAFORECAST,” an integrated early warning system for floods.

The University of National and World Economy received the award in the “Lifelong Learning Initiative” category for its training programme “Teacher Training in Logistics,” which promotes the use of case-based learning in vocational education.

In the “Socially Significant Practice” category, the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” was honoured for the “Consortium of Art and Education” project, which unites cultural and educational organisations.

The South-West University “Neofit Rilski” received the award for “Practice for Engaging Students and Young Researchers” for its “Bulgarian Grammar Forum” and the competition “Language Masters.”

In the “Institutional Initiative for Sustainable Development” category, Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” took first place for introducing a systematic policy on gender equality.

The NEAA also presented the award for Best Practice “Science – Higher Education – Business and Society” 2025, which went to Plovdiv Medical University for its initiative “Social Partnership for Dental Treatment of Elderly People.” The practice combines education, social responsibility, and healthcare by providing free dental treatment for elderly people while offering dental students real-world clinical experience.

The event was held ahead of National Awakeners' Day (November 1) and in the year of the 30th anniversary of the NEAA’s founding.