site.btaBulgaria’s Largest Public Science Event Kicks Off in Sofia Tech Park

The 15th edition of the Sofia Science Festival opened at Sofia Tech Park Thursday. The event was officially opened outside the John Atanasoff Forum building by Ivaylo Slavov, Chair of the Beautiful Science Foundation. “The festival has been and continues to be the largest mass science event in the country – a place where the public meets scientists from Bulgaria and abroad. Thanks to this, Sofia stands alongside other capitals that host their own science festivals. It also increases the transparency of public investment in scientific infrastructure and technologies,” said Slavov in his welcome speech. He added that this year, some of the lectures are being recorded by a BBC team.

A congratulatory message was also delivered on behalf of the Minister of Education and Science, Krassimir Valchev. “Events like this play a vital role in building connections between the scientific community, schools, institutions, businesses, and citizens, fostering trust in science. When knowledge moves beyond textbooks and lecture halls and is presented clearly, engagingly, and in accessible language, it becomes a tool for understanding the world, personal development, and making better-informed decisions,” said Minister Valchev.

The forum brought together members of the academic community, business representatives, state institutions, many students, experts, and scientists from both Bulgaria and abroad. Official guests included Sofia Deputy Mayor Ivan Vasilev and Vasil Karaivanov, Chair of the Sofia Tech Park Board of Directors, who also greeted attendees.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, attend lectures by experts across various scientific fields, and participate in hands-on workshops to create their own small science projects.

The festival’s final event, on May 11, will be the National Final of FameLab Bulgaria 2025, featuring 12 scientists - 11 from Bulgaria and 1 from Romania - selected through five preliminary rounds held in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, and even at the Bulgarian base on Livingston Island, Antarctica.