Medical University–Varna presented the progress achieved under the project “Enhancement of Translational Excellence Achievement in Medicine (MUVE-TEAM)" during the Third Annual Conference held on 7-8 November in Sts. Constantine and Helena Resort. The forum brought together members of the Academic Management of the University, representatives of the Management Committee and the Advisory Board of the project, heads and participants in the scientific teams and partner organisations. The achievements of the scientific groups and the results of the implementation of the project success indicators for 2025 were on the agenda. Guests of the forum were representatives of the Network of Research Higher Education Institutions, MU-Plovdiv, MU-Sofia, MU-Pleven, Thracian University, the University of Ruse, etc.
The Conference was opened by the Rector of MU-Varna, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov, who underlined that the project consolidates the position of the University on the European map of Translational Medicine and added, “Today's forum is not only a continuation but also an elaboration of the vision we launched three years ago – to transform scientific discoveries into real-life solutions for patients, society, and the future of healthcare."
The Vice–Rector for Science and Research Prof. Dr. Violeta Yotova laid emphasis on the challenge that Bulgarian universities are facing to demonstrate their capacities and visible research outcomes at an international level within a short time frame. She expressed her belief that by the end of the project, the University will have exceeded its initially set targets.
Main results achieved:
- 289 scientific and administrative employees working on the project
- Scientific publications have increased substantially, and the trend for achieving the indicator of a 20% increase in their number compared to 2020 is being maintained.
- Four international patent applications have been filed – 100% fulfilment of the indicators.
- Twenty-two leading researchers have been recruited (against a target of four)
- Four contracts with industrial partners and four agreements with international scientific networks have been concluded
- International cooperation has been expanded through participation in conferences, specialisations, guest lecturers and joint initiatives
The project has significantly enhanced the research capacities of the University through the purchase of new equipment, laboratory apparatus, training, mobilities and cooperation with the business sector.
Special emphasis has been placed on the Intellectual Property Protection and raising awareness among scientists for the assessment of innovation potential and technology transfer. Five new developments are currently in the process of being patented.
Among the key achievements are the launch of a Register of the Research Equipment acquired under the project, which assists scientific teams and networks in accessing resources, and the creation of passports of the programmes of the respective teams.
The project also fosters the development of OTTI (Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation), uniting academia, business and innovation partners in support of innovative solutions in Medicine and Healthcare.
MU-Varna is expanding its presence in international scientific networks, including: TEDDY, USERN, EBTNA, E-BRAINS, Global Initiative for H₂S in Balneology, COST BenBedPhar project, two new agreements under the Horizon Programme, a new project under the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme, etc.
The third annual Conference was concluded with a meeting of the Management Committee with the Advisory Board. Project № BG-RRP-2.004-0009-C02 "Medical University–Varna: “Enhancement of Translational Excellence Achievement in Medicine (MUVE-TEAM)" is worth BGN 28 million and is funded by the European Union - Next Generation, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria under the procedure for the establishment of a network of research higher education institutions. The project was launched in January 2023 and will be completed at the end of June 2026.
