Iliana Iotova: Bulgarian mathematical school knows no geographical boundaries

“The Bulgarian mathematical school is alive and knows no geographical boundaries”, President Iliana Iotova said at the opening of the international conference “Days of Mathematics in Sofia”. More than 200 scientists from over 30 countries are taking part in the event, which is organized by the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, and the Union of Bulgarian Mathematicians, under the patronage of the head of state.

According to Iliana Iotova, the conference offers an alternative to concerns about brain drain by building bridges between Bulgarian scientists at home and abroad. “It is the state’s role to ensure that these bridges are not one-way by supporting joint research, visiting professorships, and the return of researchers to Bulgaria”, she emphasized.

The president also highlighted the importance of mathematics in the modern world: “A country that aspires to be technologically advanced must first and foremost be a country of mathematics – with good teachers, strong universities, and scientific institutes, which are regarded not as an expense, but as an investment with the highest return”, President Iotova said and added that in this global competition, Bulgaria has much to offer.

“We also have a generation that does not wait to grow up before winning. It is already among the winners”, the head of state said, referring to the success of Nikola Veselinov from the Sofia High School of Mathematics, who recently won first place at a prestigious international forum for young researchers in the United States.

Edited by Diana Tsankova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov