12.03.2025
The formal opening of the academic year for the second cohort of the English-language master’s program “Nuclear Technologies, Management, and Innovations” took place in Room 315 of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. The program was established jointly by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Faculty of Physics of Sofia University. The first cohort of the program includes 17 students, while 13 students have been admitted to the second cohort.
The event was attended by the Rector of Sofia University Prof. Georgi Valchev, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev, the Dean of the Faculty of Physics Prof. Georgi Rainovski, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, Tsanko Bachijski, Bogdan Dimitrov – Deputy Executive Director of Kozloduy NPP – New Build EAD, Ivan Marinov, Director of the “Energy Security and Crisis Management” Directorate at the Ministry of Energy, Assoc. Prof. Plamen Petkov – Co-Director of the program from the Faculty of Physics, as well as faculty members and master’s students.
Author: Alma Mater TV
Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev, who is also the Co-Director of the program from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, opened the event, stating that it marks the beginning of the second cohort of the master’s program, created jointly by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Faculty of Physics at Sofia University.
“This year is particularly special for us because we are also celebrating 35 years since the re-establishment of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration within Sofia University”. He also noted that teaching and research in economics and management at Sofia University have a history of over 120 years, and from the very beginning, courses were taught in four languages—Bulgarian, English, French, and German.
Assoc. Prof. Georgiev emphasized that this tradition continues today with two undergraduate programs entirely in English and nine master’s programs also taught fully in English. The Dean highlighted the special significance of this opening event, as in December 2024, the program received official accreditation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), classifying it under the International Nuclear Management Academy framework. All graduates will receive, along with their diploma, a certificate issued by the international agency.
Prof. Georgi Valchev pointed out that the program is perhaps the best illustration of possible synergies in teaching and scientific research—demonstrating how two faculties of Sofia University show that the future lies in sharing resources, infrastructure, and human capital. “I am extremely pleased that we have such a strong connection with businesses and institutions—something that must be further developed in the coming years. This will be of great benefit to the students in this master’s program and to Bulgaria’s economy”. According to him, Sofia University continues to maintain its leading position in this strategic sector, which requires further investment and effort. The Rector wished success to the program, hoping for even better results in the years to come.
Tsanko Bachijski noted that Bulgaria’s nuclear program is gaining momentum, which demands significant efforts from the state, universities, and students. “I congratulate you on your courage to enroll in this program. It is extremely interesting. I am pleased to say that some of the topics you will study include the agency’s standards, which are crucial for the development of nuclear energy”. He expressed admiration for the students, wishing them good health and encouraging them to dedicate themselves to their education.
Ivan Marinov read a congratulatory address from the Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov. In his message, Minister Stankov stated that the program, developed by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Faculty of Physics, has now received official accreditation from the International Atomic Energy Agency under the International Nuclear Management Academy model—proof of its high quality.
Minister Stankov emphasized that this recognition is well-deserved, given Bulgaria’s more than 50 years of experience in the safe operation of nuclear facilities, ensuring the security of the energy system. “This is a tremendous asset that should be further developed and enriched with new best practices and scientific research”.
The Minister also highlighted the strong partnership between the Ministry of Energy and Sofia University. “In the two cohorts of the program, there are a total of 30 students, whom we believe will actively contribute to the work on the two new planned nuclear units at Kozloduy NPP in the near future”. The Minister wished success to all faculty members and students in their academic endeavors.
Bogdan Dimitrov expressed his satisfaction that Sofia University, after years of dedicated efforts, has achieved this success, and now has a second consecutive cohort in a field that not only has a future but also requires highly qualified engineering professionals in Bulgaria. He was confident that the knowledge and skills acquired through the program would provide students with broad perspectives and new networking opportunities to support their personal and professional development.
Mrs. Milena Hristozkova, Chief Expert in Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning and an alumna of the Faculty of Physics, read a congratulatory address from the Executive Director of State Enterprise "Radioactive Waste" (SERAW) Dilyan Petrov. The message emphasized that it is an honor and a responsibility for SERAW to be a partner of Sofia University in the English-language master’s program “Nuclear Technologies, Management, and Innovations”—the first of its kind in Bulgaria to receive accreditation from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"Such recognition is undeniable proof not only of the international applicability of the program but also of the quality of education at Alma Mater, meeting the highest international standards. Maintaining such a high academic level is essential for the future direction of nuclear energy development in Bulgaria”. Dilyan Petrov also reaffirmed SERAW’s commitment to contributing to the training of skilled and trustworthy specialists, emphasizing the long-standing and fruitful partnership with Sofia University, which is highly valued.
Prof. Georgi Rainovski recalled that the program initially started as an experiment in many ways. On the one hand, it was a joint initiative of two different faculties, and he highlighted the high level of collaboration with colleagues from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, calling the experiment successful. On the other hand, he noted that the program’s content itself was experimental—it does not solve the main problem of Bulgarian nuclear energy, which is building a solid base of nuclear engineers. Instead, it addresses another issue—the need for managerial personnel. According to Prof. Rainovski, during the project planning stage, there is a demand for professionals who understand the business aspects of the field while also being well-educated in nuclear technology. He concluded that this aspect of the program has also proven successful, as evidenced by the accreditation from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Assoc. Prof. Plamen Petkov noted that the program is currently developing very well, with positive feedback from the first cohort. He and his colleagues actively address any arising challenges and continuously improve the curriculum. According to him, the program is critically needed in recent years, given the shortage of modern managers in the field. He expressed admiration for the young professionals who will gain valuable expertise synthesized from the past 20-25 years and use it as a solid foundation for their careers. He also mentioned that just three days ago, Sofia University became a full member of the European Nuclear Education Network.
Following the official opening, Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev introduced the faculty members of the program, and the official guests presented student record books to the newly admitted master's students. The program has now received official accreditation confirmation from the International Atomic Energy Agency under the International Nuclear Management Academy model.
About the Master's Program at Sofia University
The program receives strong support from employers in the nuclear sector, with some students receiving funding for their studies through this support. The Master's program "Nuclear Technologies, Management, and Innovations" falls under professional field 3.7 "Administration and Management", has a duration of four semesters, and is conducted entirely in English. The courses in the program are taught by full-time faculty members of Sofia University, adjunct lecturers from the industry, as well as guest lecturers from international and Bulgarian scientific organizations, institutions, and companies.
