BioMedRTC Broadens Its International Outreach: EMBL
Dr. Stoyno Stoynov visited EMBL in Heidelberg
In September 2026, Dr. Stoyno Stoynov, coordinator of project BG16RFPR002-1.008-0001 "BioMedRTC," participated in a two-day visit by a Bulgarian scientific delegation to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany.
Dr. Stoynov also participated in the visit in his capacity as Bulgaria’s representative to the EMBL Council. The Bulgarian delegation included scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Medical University – Varna, Medical University – Pleven, and Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," as well as Mikaela Stancheva from the Ministry of Education and Science.
Science, Technology, and Opportunities for Cooperation
Science, Technology, and Opportunities for Cooperation
The primary objective of the visit was for Bulgarian scientists to gain firsthand insight into EMBL’s research, technological capabilities, and infrastructure, and to discuss prospects for closer scientific collaboration.
The program placed special emphasis on genomics, molecular systems biology, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The Bulgarian scientists met with EMBL research group leaders, exchanged expertise, and discussed opportunities for future joint initiatives.
The delegation also explored EMBL’s capabilities in advanced light and electron microscopy – including the EMBL Imaging Centre – as well as infrastructure and services related to omics technologies and the capabilities of EMBL’s mobile laboratories.
EMBL’s experience – a valuable benchmark for the development of BioMedRTC
For BioMedRTC, the visit holds particular significance in the context of establishing the Center as a modern, open, and internationally connected research infrastructure.
First-hand insight into the organization of scientific work at EMBL, access to high-tech infrastructure, and the interaction between various scientific disciplines provide valuable experience for the future development of BioMedRTC.
The opportunities to establish direct contacts with scientists and research groups at EMBL are also of significant importance. They pave the way for future scientific collaboration, the exchange of expertise and best practices, the training of young researchers, and access to specialized technologies and scientific infrastructure.
These opportunities align directly with BioMedRTC’s ambition to create a competitive scientific environment in Bulgaria that integrates biomedical research with modern technological approaches and fosters collaboration with leading European research centers.
Bulgaria on the path to full membership in EMBL
The visit takes place at a pivotal junction for relations between Bulgaria and EMBL. As of 2024, Bulgaria is a prospect member of EMBL, granting access to the organization's programs and services and marking a step towards full membership.
This status opens up additional opportunities for Bulgarian researchers to utilize EMBL’s scientific infrastructure and expertise, participate in training and international scientific networks, and develop new partnerships.
For BioMedRTC, strengthening ties between the Bulgarian scientific community and EMBL creates a favorable environment for building international partnerships and integrating the Center into the European life sciences research ecosystem.
Dr. Stoyno Stoynov's participation in the visit is part of BioMedRTC's efforts to develop connections with leading European scientific organizations while still in the process of its establishment, and to lay the groundwork for future joint scientific initiatives, knowledge exchange, and the development of research capacity.
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