A new biomedical research centre bringing together the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Max Planck Institute and Institut Curie has been officially launched in Sofia. The initiative aims to strengthen biomedical research in Bulgaria, support young scientists and advance research into cancer and rare diseases.
The official launch of BioMedRTC – Biomedical Research and Technology Center took place at the Concert Hall of the Central Military Club in Sofia. The initiative brings together scientific expertise, international partnerships and modern technologies to support the development of biomedical research and innovation in Bulgaria.
BioMedRTC is a joint initiative of the Institute of Molecular Biology “Acad. Rumen Tsanev” at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IMB-BAS), the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden and Institut Curie in Paris.
The centre aims to establish a world-class scientific environment for interdisciplinary research, focusing on rare diseases and cancer. By combining advanced technologies in molecular and cell biology with quantitative approaches from physics and mathematics, researchers will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. The fundamental knowledge generated is expected to contribute to better prevention and the development of new and more effective therapeutic approaches.
Supporting a new generation of independent researchers
The launch programme opened with a presentation of the Institute of Molecular Biology by its Director, Dr Anastas Gospodinov. He highlighted the importance of the centre for IMB-BAS, the development of Bulgarian science and the country’s full participation in the European Research Area.
The vision, objectives and future development of BioMedRTC were presented by Dr Stoyno Stoynov, project manager.
A key element of the initiative is the establishment of five scientific groups led by young group leaders. The model is designed to give promising researchers the opportunity to build their own teams, develop independent research directions and access the resources needed to conduct independent scientific work earlier in their careers.
This is particularly significant for Bulgaria’s research environment, where scientific independence traditionally comes at a relatively late stage in a researcher’s professional development.
BioMedRTC will also establish five technology groups, providing access to advanced technologies and specialised expertise. Their services will be available not only to the centre’s research teams but also to the wider scientific community, with opportunities for cooperation with businesses.
“Our ambition is for BioMedRTC to become a leading center for biomedical research in Southeast Europe, promoting scientific achievements, international cooperation and the transformation of fundamental scientific discoveries into real benefits for society,” said Dr Stoyno Stoynov.
International cooperation is a central part of the BioMedRTC concept, with two leading European scientific organisations contributing their expertise to the initiative.
Dr Mikhail Sarov, member of the BioMedRTC Steering Committee and group leader of the technology development group at MPI-CBG, presented the Max Planck Institute and the experience that the Dresden-based partner will contribute to the centre’s establishment and development.
He highlighted how successful practices from MPI-CBG have informed the BioMedRTC model, including the development of a critical mass of young scientists who will drive future progress in biomedical research.
Support for the initiative was also expressed online by Prof Stefan Grill, Managing Director of MPI-CBG and member of the Project Steering Committee.
The other international partner, Institut Curie in Paris, was represented by Prof Genevieve Almouzni, Honorary Chair of the Institute’s Research Department and member of the Project Steering Committee. She welcomed the team and guests and highlighted the importance of international scientific cooperation for the initiative.
The launch also received messages of support from representatives of the international research community.
Among them were Dr Krastan Blagoev, Program Director in Physics and Life Sciences at the US National Science Foundation and scientist in the Department of Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University, and Plamena Markova, Head of the International Department of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
A greeting on behalf of the Minister of Education and Science, Prof Dr Georgi Valchev, was delivered by a representative of the Ministry of Education and Science.
The official programme concluded with a speech by the President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Corresponding Member Prof Evelina Slavcheva, who emphasised the importance of IMB-BAS, young researchers and support for the project’s implementation..
BioMedRTC aims to become a sustainable research environment where scientific talent, advanced technologies and international expertise come together to turn research ideas into knowledge, innovation and benefits for society.
Project BG16RFPR002-1.008-0001, “Biomedical Research Technology Center (BioMedRTC): An Environment for Excellent Scientific Achievements Towards an Innovation-Oriented Economy in Bulgaria”, is funded under the Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union.
