2. December 2009 10:18
International peer review of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences published
The first comprehensive international scientific review of the research units of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), coordinated by the European Science Foundation (ESF) together with the All European Academies (ALLEA), is published this week. International peer review support to European organisations is one of the core activities of ESF.
The independent evaluation found that most BAS institutes perform valuable research by international standards and in some cases research groups operate at the forefront worldwide. The review gives proposals for BAS to further improve performance and sustain its current national and international position, highlighting three priority areas:
- create better conditions for young researchers
- improve access to European networks for all fields of research
- develop a long-term vision on the goals and tasks of the research units, based on their strengths
“Our hope is that our findings and recommendations will enable research units to contribute to joint strategy development in BAS and perhaps even across research organizations in the country,” commented Dr Reinder van Duinen, Chair of the review monitoring committee. “We expect that Bulgarian authorities and stakeholders will recognize this external international review as a bold first step that is aimed at preparing Bulgarian science for its rightful place in Europe.”
The committee reviewed 69 institutes, centres, laboratories and other relevant facilities. Forty leading researchers from Academies, research performing organizations and universities in 17 countries, working in four panels, committed themselves to the assessment of the quality of research of BAS.
“We commissioned ESF and ALLEA to organise this assessment against international competitiveness standards. Both organisations have a reputation for independent, international scientific evaluation and a strong support for promoting the European Research Area,” said Professor Nikola Sabotinov, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Notes to editors
The evaluation, published on 30 November, 2009 is in the public domain and electronic copies may be obtained from BAS as well as by writing to peerreview[at]esf.org or secretariat[at]allea.org
For more information please contact Chloe Kembery, ESF communications officer Tel +33 (0) 388-762-158 Cell +33 (0) 643-172-382
The European Science Foundation (ESF) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that promotes collaboration in scientific research, funding of research and science policy across Europe. Established in 1974, its members are 80 national funding bodies, research-performing agencies, academies and learned societies from 30 countries. Through its activities and influential membership the foundation has enabled cross-border cooperation in Europe and made major contributions to science globally. The ESF covers humanities, social sciences, life, earth and environmental sciences, medical sciences, physical and engineering sciences. www.esf.org
Media contact:
- Ms. Chloe KemberyE-Mail
