English
Български 
- Monday, 28 March 2022
On March 23, 2022, the Center of Competence ‘Clean & Circle’ held a groundbreaking ceremony for its technology building, located on the campus in the “Lozenets” district of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” the leading partner in the project, next to the Faculty of Physics, the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, as well as two other Centers of Competence.
“This project has the potential to become an example of the benefits that can come from uniting science with the needs of business and society,” noted the Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Prof. DSc Anastas Gerdjikov in his speech.
At the Center of Competence, more than 100 researchers and young scientists are already developing technologies ready for real-world application. It was with a view to them that the Deputy Minister of Education and Science – Academician Konstantin Hadjiivanov – addressed his words: “The generation after us will grow and develop under conditions that are at a European level.”
The symbolic groundbreaking was carried out by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science – Academician Konstantin Hadjiivanov, the Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Prof. DSc Anastas Gerdjikov, the project coordinator – Prof. DSc Yana Topalova, and the Mayor of the Lozenets District – Dr. Konstantin Pavlov.
“For us, the symbolic groundbreaking of the building above all means setting aside a special place for clean technologies on the agenda of our country. This building, with its scientific infrastructure, the experts who are already part of the Center of Competence ‘Clean&Circle,’ and the technologies we are working on, represent our faith and confidence in a better future, despite the difficult times in which the project is being carried out and in which we currently live. It is the belief that with professionalism, will, and resilience, we will make people’s lives, the economy, and the environment better,” said the project coordinator Prof. DSc Yana Topalova.
Among the guests at the event were the rectors of the partner universities (University of Forestry and the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy), the directors of the partner institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the deans of the natural sciences faculties of Sofia University, as well as representatives of the business partners in the project: Mr. Vasil Trenev – Director of “Sofiyska Voda” AD, part of Veolia; Ms. Nevena Lazarova – Deputy Director of the Sofia Waste Treatment Company; and representatives of the Operational Programme “Science and Education.”
The design of the future building was created by the architectural studio “Amfion,” the contractor is the company “Stroitel,” and the supervision will be carried out by “VML Consult.”
The construction of the building is part of the project “Clean Technologies for Sustainable Environment – Water, Waste, Energy for a Circular Economy,” grant agreement BG05M2OP001-1.002-0019. The project is implemented with the financial support of the Operational Programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth,” co-financed by the European Union through the European Structural and Investment Funds.
