On 8 October 2026, Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre – part of the Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technology “Acad. Angel Balevski” at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, hosted an international scientific forum entitled The Role of Modern Hydro- and Aerodynamic Research in the Development of the Bulgarian Economy and the Contribution of BSHC to This Process. The event marked the Centre’s 50th anniversary and was held under the patronage of Corr. Mem. Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
The forum brought together Dr Mattias Liefvendahl, Head of Computational Hydrodynamics at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden and Chairman of the European Council for Applied Marine Research (ECMAR), and partners from Belgium, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Greece. Participants also included representatives of the BAS, the Regional Governor of Varna, the Deputy Mayor of Varna responsible for Culture and Education, representatives of universities in Varna, Turkey and Taiwan, as well as representatives of the maritime industry.
The forum was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr Nikolay Markov, Head of BSHC, who outlined the Centre’s development and future priorities. He emphasised that its high-quality experimental facilities, highly qualified specialists and international partnerships had enabled the Centre to preserve its capabilities following the changes of 1989. The next stage of development will require greater efficiency, automation and continuous professional training. Particular emphasis was also placed on cooperation with ECMAR, the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, the Technical University of Varna and the Institute of Oceanology at the BAS.
Prof. Dr Margarita Popova, Scientific Secretary of the BAS Division of Nanosciences, New Materials and Technologies, delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of Corr. Mem. Evelina Slavcheva. In her message, she described the Centre’s half-century history as “an inspiring example of the successful combination of bold scientific visions, ambitious thinking and advanced technologies”. She also highlighted the high level of professionalism demonstrated by generations of Bulgarian and international researchers and engineers “whose expertise has made it possible to implement complex and innovative projects benefiting industry, environmental protection, defence and national security”.
“The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is proud of the achievements of the team at the Centre for Hydro- and Aerodynamics in Varna, its contribution to modern applied science, and its role as a respected Centre for the training of young specialists”, Corr. Mem. Evelina Slavcheva further noted in her congratulatory address. In recognition of its “remarkable achievements”, BSHC received an Honorary Gold Plaque from the leadership of the BAS.