In Sofia on October 29, 2026, the Education and Science Ministry hosted the 18th annual Pythagoras Science Contribution Awards at the Central Military Club, a venue that has become synonymous with the country’s most prestigious scientific recognitions. The ceremony opened with remarks from Minister Georgi Valchev, who announced that the event will be attended by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, according to the ministry’s press centre.
Over 50 scientists have competed this year in eight categories that include natural and engineering sciences, life sciences and medicine, and social sciences and humanities. The annual prize, a grand award for overall contributions to science, traditionally spotlights a single researcher whose career spans a wide array of fields. In 2025 the award went to Prof. Radostina Stoyanova of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, a record that was widely reported in the media.
In addition to the grand prize, the ceremony is designed to honour both established leaders and emerging talents across the scientific community. A special award for science communication is also presented each year, a recognition that has drawn increasing attention as the public engagement with research grows. BTA reporters noted that the event’s significance is reinforced by its location in the Central Military Club, a landmark with historical resonance for Bulgarian civic life.
For the first time in two decades, Prime Minister Rumen Radev has shown resumption of his participation at the Pythagoras Awards, a gesture that signals the government’s renewed interest in supporting scientific excellence. The ministry’s press office confirmed his invitation during a brief interview, though the Prime Minister has since refrained from commenting publicly on his attendance.
According to BNT’s online coverage, the ceremony concluded with the presentation of the special science communication prize, which was awarded to a researcher whose outreach efforts in high‑school science workshops have reached thousands of students. The ceremony also acknowledged a cohort of young scientists who are making visible strides in their respective disciplines.
While the awards cover a broad spectrum of scientific pursuits, the accompanying speeches highlighted apt themes such as interdisciplinary collaboration, the integration of emerging technologies, and the importance of public trust in research. Officers of the ministry concluded the event by announcing that the winners will be invited to speak at an international symposium slated for mid‑2027, a continuation of the award’s legacy of fostering global scientific dialogue.
The 18th annual Pythagoras Awards continue a long line of annual ceremonies that aim to bring the scientific community together with the public, and the recent event reinforced the importance of celebrating and supporting innovation across all fields of study.
