Silvia Bakalova and Emmy Haladzhova are the two Bulgarian young women scientists who were granted fellowships for extraordinary contribution in the field of science. The fellowships, worth EUR 5 000, are given to support their research and professional development.

Emmy Haladzhovawas awarded for her project on controlled transfer of DNA.

Silvia Bakalova was recognized for her research into laser deposited nanostructures.

The World Programme L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science celebrates its 15th anniversary. The partnership was established in 1998, when L'Oréal and UNESCO join efforts to support women in the field of science. Today the programme is a global initiative, supporting more than 1700 women in 108 countries.

The ceremony was hosted by Sofia University this year. The initiative is under the patronage of the Bulgarian Ministry of Education Youth and Science.

The Rector, Prof. Ilchev, noted the great importance of the competition to prove the relation between business and science. He also noted that the impressive awards are but part of the many different types of grants given by the business to scientists.

Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, said in a written address to the ceremony "The high quality of the projects that applied this year comes to prove the importance of the program not only for young women scientists in Bulgaria, but also for the entire scientific community in the country."

Emmy Haladzhova and Silvia Bakalova were distinguished among a number of quality candidates. The were chosen by the jury of renowned professionals and scientists: Prof. Rumen Pankov, Vice-Rector and Chair, Prof. Alexander Dreischuh - Dean of the Faculty of Physics, Assoc. Prof. Mariela Odjakova, Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Assoc. Prof. Marin Ivanov, Dean of the Faculty of Geology and Geography and Assoc. Prof. Ivaila Pancheva, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy.