On July 14-15, 2025, the first partner meeting for Project BG16RFPR002-1.014-0004 – Center of Excellence “Universities for Science, Informatics, and Technologies in the e-Society” (UNITe) was held at the CoE UNITe at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The project is funded by the “Research, Innovation, and Digitalization for Intelligent Transformation” program (PNIIDIT) 2021-2027, co-funded by the European Union.
Project Background:
This project is a continuation of the previous project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0004 UNITe, implemented from 2018-2023 under the Operational Program Science and Education for Intelligent Growth, with the financial support of the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The project consortium includes Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (leading partner), Sofia University of Technology, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov”, and Shumen University “Episkop Konstantin Preslavski”, with the addition of the newly established UNITe Association for the second phase.
About the UNITe Project:
The project BG16RFPR002-1.014-0004 is aimed at scientific excellence in the fields of informatics, ICT, and cybersecurity. It includes seven main work packages, as follows:
- WP1: Innovative Mathematical Methods and Models to Support Digital Transformation
- WP2: Data-driven Artificial Intelligence Applications
- WP3: Innovative Methods, Technologies, and Tools for Modern Technological Support of Education
- WP4: Bioinformatics and Crisis Prevention
- WP5: 3D Technologies for an Innovative and Sustainable Future
- WP6: Intelligent and Sustainable Systems
- WP7: Cybersecurity: Vulnerability Analysis, Prevention, and Protection Against Cyberattacks
The Role of University of Ruse:
As part of the project, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” will receive a budget of BGN 2,620,240, which will be used to:
- Upgrade the existing facilities at the CoE UNITe in Ruse.
- Purchase new research equipment.
- Conduct scientific research and publish results.
- Support mobility for scientists and their participation in various academic events in Bulgaria and abroad.
Key Personnel at University of Ruse:
- Prof. Georgi Hristov, Director of the Center for Information and Computer Services and faculty member at the Department of Telecommunications, will lead the CoE UNITe Ruse and represent the university in the project consortium.
- Prof. Plamen Zahariev, Head of the Department of Telecommunications, will coordinate activities in Work Package 5 (“3D Technologies for an Innovative and Sustainable Future”).
- Assoc. Prof. Nina Bencheva, Deputy Head of the Department of Telecommunications, will oversee the Dissemination and Communication Activities related to the project.
Future Activities:
The second phase of the project, which will run until December 31, 2029, will involve over 30 researchers from various faculties and departments at University of Ruse, as well as researchers from the project consortium and numerous doctoral students and undergraduates.
Meeting Highlights:
During the meeting, team members from all the consortium partners and representatives from the PNIIDIT Intermediate Body discussed:
- The scientific program of the UNITe Project, its objectives, and specific research activities.
- The progress and achievements of each partner in their respective work packages.
- The strategic planning for the dissemination of results and ensuring the sustainability of the project outcomes.
