On June 24, 2025, scientific teams from the University of Library Science and Information Technologies (UniBIT) presented two of their leading research projects, funded by the “Scientific Research“ Fund in the framework of the 2024 competition session for fundamental scientific research, in the city of Kazanlak.
The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Stoyan Denchev, Prof. Dr. Vanya Dobreva, Prof. Dr. Ventsislav Velev, Prof. Dr. Boryana Bujashka, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Grudi Angelov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Steliana Yordanova and Prof. Dr. Rumen Draganov.
The first presented project – – “New scientific paradigm: A model for academic cooperation in the field of science, strategic planning and innovation, aimed at preserving cultural identity and developing capacity“ (No. KP-06-N85/5 of 05.12.2024) – explores current issues related to the development of scientific research in the academic and real environment, the development of national and regional strategic documents, as well as the creation of a scientific and educational university hub. At its core is the idea of integrating the efforts of various institutions – with a particular emphasis on cooperation with local authorities. Among the main goals of the project are the formulation of a new interdisciplinary research framework, the introduction of modern models for academic partnership, as well as capacity building through the development of applicable scientific products. The project envisages the creation of a digital knowledge base, pilot training formats, scientific publications and thematic forums to ensure practical application of the results in various social and educational contexts.
The second project – – “Bulgarian Communities Abroad after 1989: Return to the Roots“ (No. KP-06-N90/3 of 10.12.2024) – establishes UniBIT as a leading national research center for studying the contemporary state of Bulgarian communities abroad. The project includes a series of empirical and documentary studies aimed at analyzing cultural transformations and identification processes in the contemporary Bulgarian diaspora, formed after the end of the 20th century. The team's ambition is to track the latest changes in the identity of Bulgarians abroad, provoked by the globalization processes of the 21st century.
The main goals of the project include creating a scientifically based model for the typology of the contemporary Bulgarian diaspora, mapping the communities, analyzing their cultural practices, as well as building a database with documents, interviews and visual materials. The expected results include a digital portal DiasporaBG, collections of articles, educational resources and recommendations for cultural and educational policies aimed at the diaspora and the institutions working with it.
During the official presentation in the building of the Kazanlak municipality, in the presence of the mayor Mrs. Galina Stoyanova, Prof. D.Sc. Stoyan Denchev – member of the scientific teams and chairman of the board of trustees of UniBIT – emphasized the importance of the set goals and the prospects for sustainable development through the unification of efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
On behalf of UniBIT, Prof. Denchev presented the mayor Mrs. Galina Stoyanova with an honorary diploma for her contribution to the preservation of the regional cultural heritage and for promoting inter-institutional cooperation between UniBIT and the Kazanlak municipality. In addition, she was awarded the honorary sign “75 years of UniBIT – honor and glory“, as a sign of gratitude and future partnership. In turn, Ms. Stoyanova presented Prof. Denchev with a rose placed in a glass and a gram of the famous rose oil.
During the event, not only the project teams were presented, but also the main scientific goals, hypotheses, specific tasks and work packages. Special attention was paid to the expected results and the possibilities for their testing in a real environment, including in partnership with local institutions.
The Municipality of Kazanlak undertook to participate as a partner of UniBIT in testing the results of the two projects, as well as in planning future joint initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting cultural identity, cultural memory and intangible heritage.
During their visit to Kazanlak, the teams of both projects also organized workshops, during which specific steps were identified for the implementation of the planned activities, in close cooperation with local cultural and educational structures. The workshops were held in a hybrid form – with the presence of part of the team in Kazanlak and the inclusion of all other members of the scientific teams via an online connection, which allowed the active remote participation of all researchers in the discussions and planning.