On Thursday, the Bulgarian Education and Science Ministry will host its 18th annual Pythagoras Science Contribution Awards at the Central Military Club in Sofia, a ceremony that will celebrate outstanding achievements across diverse fields of science and the humanities. The event, announced by the ministry’s press centre, will be opened by Minister Georgi Valchev, and Prime Minister Rumen Radev has been formally invited to attend, signalling high political interest in Bulgaria’s scientific community.
In a statement issued by the ministry, the awards will recognise contributions in natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medicine, and social sciences and humanities. A special prize for science communication will also be presented, continuing a tradition of encouraging public engagement with scientific research.
BTA reports that the awards have been held for eighteen consecutive years, positioning them as one of Bulgaria’s most prestigious recognitions for scientific excellence. The ceremony will award a grand prize for overall contributions to science, a practice that has highlighted some of the country’s most influential researchers over the years.
Last year’s ceremony, held on 14 October 2025 at the National History Museum, saw 52 scientists compete in eight categories. The grand prize was awarded to Prof. Radostina Stoyanova of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, a recognition that paralleled the breadth of fields represented in 2026.
The Central Military Club, chosen as the venue for 2026, offers a dignified setting for national honours. According to BTA, the club has historically hosted significant government and cultural events, making it an appropriate backdrop for the Ministry’s celebration of scientific achievement.
Minister Valchev, who will open the ceremony, has emphasized the importance of recognising scientific work that bridges the gap between research and public understanding. In his announcement, he highlighted the awards’ role in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within Bulgaria’s academic community.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s invitation underlines the award’s status as a key national event. While the Prime Minister’s presence has not been confirmed officially beyond the invitation, BTA’s report confirms that the ministry’s press centre has extended the formal invitation to the head of state.
Throughout its history, the Pythagoras Science Contribution Awards have expanded to cover a growing array of disciplines. Each year, the selection panel evaluates a broad spectrum of scientific work, from fundamental research to applied projects that impact industry and society.
Among the categories, the awards traditionally include natural and engineering sciences, life sciences and medicine, and social sciences and humanities. BTA notes that the inclusion of a science communication prize reflects an evolving understanding of the value of disseminating research to wider audiences.
Looking ahead, the 2026 ceremony will also highlight emerging researchers, ensuring that young scientists receive visibility alongside established figures. According to the ministry’s announcement, the awards will not only honour lifetime achievements but also encourage the next generation of Bulgarian scientists.
With the awards now in their eighteenth year, observers note that the event’s continuity demonstrates sustained governmental commitment to science and education. By holding the ceremony at a prominent venue like the Central Military Club, the Ministry signals its dedication to celebrating scientific excellence within a national context that underscores public support for research and innovation.
As the event approaches, stakeholders in the academic and research communities anticipate a ceremony that will reaffirm Bulgaria’s position as a hub for scientific inquiry and collaboration. The award’s continuation into its eighteenth cycle marks a milestone for the National Ministry and underscores the enduring value placed on scientific contribution across the country.
