1. Introduction
1.1. The rules and principles of the procedure for awarding the honorary title "Doctor Honoris Causa" (Dr. h. c.) are based on the applicable legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria (The Higher Education Act), as well as the Statutes of Medical University – Varna, and have been approved by the Academic Council of MU–Varna (Protocol No.20/03.10.2005).
1.2. The honorary title Doctor Honoris Causa is awarded to distinguished Bulgarian and foreign scientists for their outstanding achievements in the fields of medical science and practice, medical education, and public health, for their contributions to the development and enhancement of the prestige of the Medical University of Varna.
2. Nominations
2.1. A nomination for the awarding of the title Doctor Honoris Causa may be submitted by the Rector, the Deans of the respective faculties, Heads of Departments, or members of the Academic Council of MU–Varna.
2.2. Each nomination must be submitted to the members of the Nomination Committee, accompanied by a written and well-reasoned statement, no later than April of the respective calendar year.
2.3. Faculty members with a primary employment contract with MU–Varna are not eligible to be nominated for the honorary title Doctor Honoris Causa.
2.4. Each faculty may submit only one nomination per calendar year.
2.5. As not all nominations may be successful, the proposals must remain strictly confidential and must not be discussed before the final decision of the Academic Council of MU–Varna.
2.6. Nominations will not be considered for active politicians (local or national) or current academic staff members of the nominating faculty.
3. Nomination Committee for Awarding the Honorary Title
3.1. The Committee is composed of the following members:
- Chairperson: The Rector of MU–Varna
- Deputy Chairperson: Vice-Rector
- Members: 5 members of the academic staff of the University with primary employment contracts
- Technical Secretary (non-voting)
3.2. The regular members of the Committee are rotated every four years, following a vote by the Academic Council of MU–Varna.
3.3. After thoroughly discussing the submitted nominations, the Committee ranks the candidates and presents the results to the Academic Council for a final vote.
3.4. The Committee's decisions are made through a secret ballot and require a simple majority.
4. Criteria
4.1. Nominations must be submitted using the official forms provided by the Secretary of the Committee. Missing or incomplete information may hinder the Committee members in their evaluation of the nominees.
4.2. For each nominee, the following must be submitted:
- A completed nomination form;
- A curriculum vitae (CV) outlining key academic achievements (academic degrees, titles, awards, etc.), main scientific fields of research and development, memberships in scientific organizations, information on creative activity, and other relevant accomplishments;
- Detailed information about the nominee's publications;
- Any other information that may be considered relevant.
5. Final Procedure
5.1. The Rector of MU–Varna sends an official congratulatory letter to the successful nominee for Doctor Honoris Causa of the Medical University of Varna. The letter specifies:
- The date of the formal awarding ceremony;
- The topic of the academic lecture, to be presented by Doctor Honoris Causa.
5.2. Once a confirmation letter is received from the nominee, the entire academic staff of MU–Varna, as well as the media, must be promptly notified to ensure public awareness.
5.3. Honorary degrees may not be conferred in the recipient's absence, except in cases where the awarding is posthumous.
5.4. Recipients of the honorary title Doctor Honoris Causa will be inscribed in the Honorary Book of MU–Varna.
