 MU-Varna initiates partnership with one of the oldest universities in Europe – the University of Catania
Medical University – Varna is taking a significant step towards expanding its international academic cooperation by establishing relations with one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe – the University of Catania, Italy. The initiative was inspired by Prof. Isidorio Di Carlo after his meeting with the Rector of MU-Varna, Prof. Dimitar Raikov, during his visit to Varna on the occasion of the XIX International Congress on Coloproctology. The initial discussions laid a solid foundation for future academic and scientific partnership between the two institutions. Interest in cooperation was further strengthened in November 2025, when Prof. Mario Milkov, Vice-Rector for International Relations at MU-Varna, participated as a lecturer in the 47th Congress of the Conventus Societas ORL Latina, held in Catania. During his visit, Prof. Milkov held a working meeting with the newly elected Rector of the University of Catania, Prof. Enrico Foti. They discussed future exchange programs, joint scientific forums, and opportunities for expanding academic initiatives between the universities. The new collaboration is expected to create new prospects for students, academic staff and scientific teams from both countries.
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The academic collaboration between MU–Varna and Bezmialem Vakıf University in Istanbul has been developing successfully
The academic collaboration between the Medical University of Varna and Bezmialem Vakıf University in Istanbul, officially established in June 2024 through the signing of a bilateral agreement, has been developing successfully and is already demonstrating its first significant results.
At the invitation of Prof. Dr. Svetlana Georgieva, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at MU–Varna, Assoc. Prof. Halil Şenol – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and lecturer at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Bezmialem Vakıf University – visited Bulgaria in November 2024. He participated in the Tenth Pharmaceutical Business Forum and the scientific-practical conference “New Horizons Between Science and Business,” held at the “Sunny Day” resort. During the forum, Assoc. Prof. Şenol presented the structure, research areas, and scientific infrastructure of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Istanbul, as well as opportunities for joint scientific projects.
In February 2025, the Medical University of Varna welcomed the Rector of Bezmialem Vakıf University, Prof. Rumeyza Kazancıoğlu. She visited University Hospital “St. Marina” and delivered a public lecture at MU–Varna titled “New KDIGO Guideline on Chronic Kidney Disease Management: What is New?”.
Later in 2025, Assoc. Prof. Halil Şenol visited the Faculty of Pharmacy once again, this time as a speaker at the scientific conference “New Horizons in Technology Transfer in Pharmacy,” held in Varna. His presentation focused on “Bioisosteric Design of Bicalutamide Analogues Targeting Prostate Cancer: Synthesis, Molecular Modeling and Biological Evaluations.”
In 2026, the partnership between the two institutions is expected to deepen through a long-term training mobility under the Erasmus+ programme. The collaboration will focus on developing expertise in computer modelling of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drug molecules. Planned training activities include work with advanced software such as Schrödinger Suite and integrated in silico platforms for ADME/Tox evaluation, QSAR modelling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.
Assoc. Prof. Şenol has significant experience in the synthesis of new biologically active compounds and the application of computational methods to analyse their mechanisms of action. His expertise will support the training and professional development of the team at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at MU–Varna and will contribute to the implementation of modern standards in drug design.
The partnership between the two universities is expected to expand opportunities for joint scientific publications, project initiatives, and the development of a sustainable network for scientific and methodological collaboration.
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 The Vice-Rector of MU-Varna Prof. Mario Milkov on a working visit to Timisoara, Romania
The Vice-Rector for International Relations at Medical University – Varna, Prof. Mario Milkov, participated in the 8th Congress of the Romanian Rhinologic Society with International Participation, which took place in Timisoara, Romania, from September 10-13, 2025.
During the event, Prof. Milkov held a working meeting with the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Prof. Dr. Nicolae Constantin Balica. The meeting focused on opportunities for joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges and the organization of joint scientific events and publications.
The Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara is one of the most prestigious medical universities in Romania. It was founded in 1945 and offers high-quality education in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The university is known for its research achievements and active international activities. |
 30 years of sustainable and fruitful cooperation with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)
Medical University "Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov" - Varna and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) have maintained excellent academic ties for more than 30 years. The first bilateral academic cooperation agreement, signed on September 16, 1994, has been periodically renewed throughout the years of successful cooperation.
The initial connection was made through the collaboration of the Departments of Anatomy and Biology. The two departments had joint developments and publications. Later, after the meeting of the then Rector of MU – Varna, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Kamburov, with Prof. Dr. Achileas Turkantonis (Rector of the University of Thessaloniki), the idea of signing an agreement for bilateral academic cooperation was born, and the first such agreement signed at MU – Varna in 1994. Years of very intensive collaboration in the field of teaching and research followed between many different departments, as well as between our university hospitals. Three bilateral scientific meetings were organized between MU – Varna and the University of Thessaloniki. In 1996, 28 lecturers and habilitated persons, representatives of over 20 departments from MU – Varna participated in a bilateral scientific conference in Thessaloniki.
Prof. Dr. Achilleas Tourkantonis became an honorary doctor (doctor honoris causa) of MU - Varna at the first official ceremony for the awarding of this highest university title.
At that time, the joint project for the creation of a university computer network began, which was initiated with the active participation of Prof. Dr. George Anogianakis. Thanks to this project, the Information Center (IC) at MU - Varna was equipped with computers. The first telecommunication connection was also made - a teleconference between Prof. Dr. T. Temelkov and his colleague from Aristotle University.
At the initiative and invitation of Prof. George Anoyanakis, Medical University - Varna also participated in other joint projects under the INTERREG interregional cooperation program. Throughout the partnership, visits and exchanges of guest lecturers and specialists took place.
Later, Prof. Dr. Anelia Klisarova twice re-signed the academic cooperation agreement, which expanded to include lecturers from the University of Thessaloniki in the English language medical programme since 2004 and to the opportunity for students of MU - Varna to conduct their clinical internships at the University Hospital of Thessaloniki. Two doctoral dissertations by alumni and currently lecturers at the University of Thessaloniki were defended at the Medical University of Varna (Dr. Antonia Anogianaki in the field of physiology and Dr. Nikolaos Kozeis - in the field of ophthalmology).
Aristotle University was one of our first partners in the exchange of students under the ERASMUS program, which continues to this day with great interest from students of both universities. Throughout the establishment, development and maintenance of stable academic relations, the international cooperation departments play a key role in all these activities, continuing to work with consistency and initiative.
On July 8, 2025, during his visit to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov met with Prof. Dr. Stefanos Triaridis - Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. Both shared their satisfaction with the sustainable results of many years of collaboration, especially in the fields of anatomy, biology, physiology, imaging diagnostics, nuclear medicine, etc. Scientists from both universities participate in joint scientific forums, exchange valuable professional experience and participate in joint scientific projects.
Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov extended an invitation to Prof. Triaridis to participate in the 8th International Symposium on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring in September 2025, as well as to give an honorary lecture to the academic community of the Varna Medical University.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the largest university in Greece. It consists of 10 faculties, which include 40 schools and 1 faculty with one school.
Aristotle University has approximately 88,283 students, 77,198 in bachelor's programs, 6,588 in master's programs and 3,952 at doctoral level. The university employs 1,682 faculty members.
The Faculty of Medicine was recently ranked as the best medical faculty in Greece out of seven. It is the largest faculty at Aristotle University not only in Greece but also in the whole of Southeastern Europe. Since 1942, over 30,000 graduates have pursued brilliant careers, actively improving health standards in societies around the world.
The Faculty of Medicine has 82 medical departments and laboratories, 60 clinics in 7 city hospitals, 1 university hospital, 6 branches, 22 laboratories and 10 amphitheaters. |
 Old friendship and new horizons ahead of the partnership with the University of Rostock (Germany)
On June 26, 2026, the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov, visited the University of Rostock. He conveyed the greetings of Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov to the rector of the German university, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Prommer, and expressed his satisfaction with the successful exchange of students within the framework of the Erasmus+ program over the past more than ten years. The Rector of MU - Varna also shared his confidence that the intensity of our academic ties can be enriched with activities within the framework of a bilateral academic cooperation agreement. Prof. Milkov was received extremely warmly by his colleagues and personally by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation Dr. Sibil Bachmann and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Berndt Krause. He was familiar with the modern educational and research facilities of the medical faculty at the German university. The following possible areas of cooperation were discussed at the working meeting - robotic surgery, bioimplants in the field of medicine and dentistry, nutrition, ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology.
The University of Rostock is a public university located in Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Founded in 1419, it is the third oldest university in Germany.
It is the oldest university in continental Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region, and the eighth oldest in Central Europe. It is the fifth university founded in the Holy Roman Empire.
The university is associated with three Nobel laureates: Albrecht Kossel, Karl von Frisch and Otto Stern. It is a member of the European University Association. According to a ranking published by Times Higher Education in 2018, it is the most beautiful university in Germany and the fourth most beautiful university in all of Europe. Today, with around 14,000 students and nearly 3,000 employees in the healthcare sector, the University of Rostock offers fascinating perspectives in almost all scientific fields.
It has excellent interdisciplinary research areas in the natural and technological sciences, medicine, life sciences, humanities and cultural studies. |
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 Scientific achievements and new partnership opportunities with a prestigious Italian university
The Vice-Rector for International Relations of Medical University - Varna, Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov, took part in the prestigious
“5th course on surgical innovations and new technologies for sleep breathing disorders in the era of precision medicine", held in Rome, Italy (12-15 June 2025). The event, organized by Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, brought together world leading experts in the field of precision medicine. The congress featured lectures by world authorities, demonstrations of innovative surgical techniques and specialized simulation sessions, with a focus on personalized therapeutic approaches in modern medicine. As a member of the scientific group 3.2.2. "Obstructive sleep apnea and comorbidity" of the MUVE-TEAM project (No. BG-RRP-2.004-0009-C02), Prof. Milkov presented a scientific report, demonstrating the research achievements of the Bulgarian University to the international academic community. Participation in this forum confirms the leading role of MU-Varna in innovative sleep disorders research. Within the congress, Prof. Milkov held a meeting with the Rector of the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma - Prof. Eugenio Guglielmelli, where they discussed the possibility of signing an afreement for academic cooperation between the two institutions. The Italian Rector expressed his willingness to develop bilateral collaboration, with the main focus on the exchange of students, trainees and lecturers, joint scientific projects and participation in international congresses and symposia.
The Biomedical University of Rome was established in 1993. It offers the student an educational experience aimed at his cultural, professional and human growth, conferring the acquisition of skills in a spirit of service. It promotes knowledge and the interdisciplinary of sciences and research in all areas that contribute to the good of the whole person.
An integral part of the structure of the university is the collaboration with the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital. The University is organized into three faculties: Medicine and Surgery, Engineering and Science and Human and Environmental Technology.
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 New opportunities for cooperation with Semmelweis University in Budapest
On April 3, 2025, Prof. Mario Milkov visited Semmelweis University in Budapest, where he met with the then acting Director of the International Cooperation Directorate, Dr. Marcel Pop, and Prof. Peter Hermann - Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. At the meeting, a letter was presented by the Rector of MU-Varna, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov, and a presentation of our university was made to the leadership of the Hungarian university. As result of the meeting, a process was launched to sign an academic cooperation agreement.
On 23.06.2025, an online meeting was held between the international relations departments of Semmelweis University in Budapest and the Medical University - Varna. The main goal of the meeting was to discuss the possibilities for expanding the partnership between the two institutions. Ideas were shared for implementing joint activities in the following areas: robotic surgery, transplantology, cardiology and cardiac surgery, sleep medicine and dentistry, as well as academic exchange of doctoral students and young scientists.
The Hungarian colleagues proposed that the Medical University of Varna join the symposia and summer schools organized by Semmelweis University with the universities of Heidelberg and Freiburg.
The two countries have agreed to expand the partnership under the Erasmus+ program. It is planned to start cooperation in the fields of dentistry and public health, in addition to medicine.
At the end of the meeting, colleagues from Semmelweis University extended an invitation to the rector and academic leadership to join the official opening ceremony of the academic year in August 2025.
Semmelweis University in Budapest is a leading institution in the field of medicine and health sciences in Hungary and the Central European region. It was founded in 1769.
It has 6 faculties and a doctoral school. The students number over 16,000, and education is offered in 3 languages – Hungarian, English and German.
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