The Center of Excellence UNITe participated in the Final Conference of the AURA Project at Sofia University
On December 11, 2025, the concluding conference SCIENCE. EVALUATION. IMPACT. was held in Hall 1 of the Rectorate of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, dedicated to global, European, and national trends in the evaluation of scientific research and the development of open science.
This was the final event of Sofia University’s AURA project, funded by the Coalition for Advancement in Research Assessment (CoARA) in partnership with the Science Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Science. The project is being carried out under the scientific guidance of Assoc. Prof. Milena Dobreva from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland.
The conference was opened by Acad. Prof. Tony Spasov, Deputy Rector for Research and Scientific Project Activities at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Prof. Todor Chobanov, Deputy Minister of Culture, and Yanita Zherkova from the Science Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Science.
The forum was organized by Prof. Krassen Stefanov (Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”), Teodora Gandova (NGO Links), and Assoc. Prof. Milena Dobreva (University of Strathclyde).
The Center of Excellence UNITe was represented by Executive Director Marin Barzakov and Pavlina Dimitrova.
The participants had the opportunity to meet key representatives of the open science ecosystem in Bulgaria and learn about the results of the AURA project, which aims to exchange good practices and build sustainable networks for wider application of open science principles in the evaluation of scientific research.
The forum brought together researchers, heads of universities and scientific organizations, as well as representatives of national institutions, who discussed European and national policies, standards, and practices in this field. Special emphasis was placed on the human dimension of scientific evaluation – ethics, recognition and motivation of researchers, evaluation of individual contributions, digital identity, and opportunities for the development of young scientists.
Leading European, national, and individual dimensions of reform in research evaluation were examined, with a focus on the principles of open science and fair scientific evaluation.
Dr. Alex Rushforth from Leiden University, Netherlands, leader of the AGORRA project at the Research on Research Institute (RoRI), participated in the conference with a keynote speech via video conference.
European perspectives in the evaluation of scientific research
The first thematic panel was devoted to the transition “from policies to practices”, discussing models and standards for open and fair evaluation of scientific results. Among the main highlights were the presentation of the results of the AURA project, and the discussion on whether open science and evaluation reform are a temporary trend, regulatory pressure, or a real opportunity for profound transformation of the scientific system.
National policies and practices
The second panel focused on how national systems are adapting the principles of open science and new approaches to research evaluation. The regulatory framework for evaluating and funding scientific achievements, the role of scientific agencies, universities, and academies, as well as the need to measure impact and quality beyond quantitative indicators were discussed.
Individual and institutional dimensions
The third thematic block placed the researcher at the center of change, with an emphasis on ethics, recognition, and motivation in the new model of scientific evaluation. Approaches for assessing individual contribution and teamwork, alternative forms of presenting scientific activity, as well as opportunities for professional development of scientists at the beginning of their careers were discussed.
Leading experts from the academic and institutional community participated in the panel discussions, including Assoc. Prof. Milena Dobreva (University of Strathclyde), Vladimir Manolov (Liaison Office of Bulgaria in Brussels), Prof. Eliza Stefanova (NEAA), Dr. Anna Lazarova (Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”), Dr. Yordan Iliev (NACID), Assoc. Prof. Kaloyan Haralampiev (Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”), Assoc. Prof. Boyan Zhekov (National Coordinator of the Horizon Europe Program), and Senior Ass. Prof. Dr. Meggy Dakova from Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” – winner of the 2025 Pythagoras Award for young scientists.
The discussions were moderated by Prof. Anna Proykova from the Sofia University and Assoc. Prof. Krasimira Ivanova from the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics – BAS.
The conference finished with a summary of the main conclusions and an outline of future steps towards a more open, ethical, and sustainable scientific environment in Bulgaria and Europe.
