The young researchers at CC Clean&Circle – Lyubomira Gelanova, Yoana Sofronieva, Yoana Petrova, and Kirilka Milcheva – successfully defended their master's theses in the Master's programs “Environmental Biotechnology”, “Biobusiness and Bioentrepreneurship”, and “Ecomanagement”. Their achievements are the result of in-depth research work, commitment to sustainable development, and active participation in the scientific and innovation activities of the center.

The thesis topics cover a wide range of the most current scientific, applied, and managerial fields. Among them are studies related to the optimization of biogas production through improvements in technological processes, analysis of the microbiological composition and efficiency of biofertilizers, as well as the development of a business plan for an innovative nanotechnology module for PFAS detoxification – a group of persistent pollutants of growing importance for environmental protection and human health.

Within the framework of the theses, the upgrading and implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and ESG practices in NEK: “Dams and Cascades” was also presented, with a focus on sustainable resource management, improvement of environmental performance, and the integration of modern management standards in the energy sector.

The topics are directly related to the priority areas of CC Clean&Circle and clearly demonstrate the role of young specialists and their academic supervisors in developing and implementing sustainable, innovative, and practically applicable solutions. Their research contributes both to the advancement of scientific knowledge and to identifying effective approaches for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

We wish the young specialists future professional success, inspiration for new scientific pursuits, and many more achievements on their path as researchers and experts in the field of sustainable development.

The research was carried out and financially supported by projects PNIIDIT №BG16RFPR002-1.014-0015 and № KP-06-IP China/4, funded by the National Science Fund.

Photo 1. The young specialists who successfully defended their theses – Yoana Petrova, Lyubomira Gelanova, and Yoana Sofronieva

Photo 2. The successful graduates together with their academic supervisors

At the end of January 2026, working meetings were held at the Competence Centre “Clean & Circle” for the strategic planning of a new series of studies focused on the development and evaluation of innovative eco-friendly construction materials. The focus is on bricks made from waste-derived products and natural components – hemp fibers, lime, and gypsum.

The long-standing partnership between Clean&Circle and the Sofia Municipal Enterprise for Waste Treatment (SMEWT) continues to deliver sustainable and increasingly visible results toward the innovative development of waste management technologies in Sofia. The joint work between science and practice proves that when expert potential and institutional commitment go hand in hand, the impact is significant for both the economy and the environment.

The teams from the University of Forestry and the “Plasma Technologies” Laboratory at the Clean&Circle Centre of Competence held a working meeting on 23 January 2026 at the Clean&Circle building, located on the campus in the Lozenets district of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” The meeting was part of the planned activities aimed at strengthening the partnership between the research organizations and coordinating their joint research efforts within the framework of the project.