04.03.2026
Between 23–27 February 2026, a Consultative Meeting of the International Nuclear Management Academy (INMA) was held in a hybrid format at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. The event brought together representatives of universities that maintain or are developing master’s programs in nuclear technologies and management, coordinated by the IAEA within the INMA framework.
Universities – members or candidate members of the Academy – from the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Armenia, and Russia participated actively in the meeting. This once again confirmed the global scope of the initiative and the growing interest in preparing a new generation of nuclear managers.
The “Nuclear Technologies, Management, and Innovations” program of Sofia University continues to strengthen its position within the International Nuclear Management Academy network. The program was presented on site by Assoc. Prof. Plamen Petkov, PhD (Director representing the Faculty of Physics), and remotely by Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. During the meeting, a report was delivered on the current state and development of the master’s program “Nuclear Technologies, Management, and Innovations”, as well as on its integration into the INMA network.
The program has been part of INMA since 2024, following a strategic partnership between the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Faculty of Physics at Sofia University. It is among a limited group—approximately ten worldwide—that meet the IAEA requirements for integrated education combining technical, managerial, economic, and leadership competencies for the nuclear industry.
The program is managed by a joint team including the Deans of the two faculties—Prof. Georgi Raynovski, DSc, and Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev, PhD—as well as Assoc. Prof. Plamen Petkov, PhD (Faculty of Physics) and Chief Assist. Prof. Ivaylo Naydenov, PhD (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration).
In his presentation, Assoc. Prof. Petkov outlined the Bulgarian model for nuclear education in the context of the dynamic technological and managerial challenges facing the sector.
Following the presentations from all participating universities, the consultative meeting proceeded to formulate a joint development plan for INMA for the period 2026–2027. The main focus areas included:
- Deepening academic cooperation;
- Exchange of teaching materials and best practices;
- Development of shared digital resources;
- Strengthening links between universities and the nuclear industry.
In this context, Sofia University’s participation was recognized as active and substantive, and the “Nuclear Technologies, Management, and Innovations” program was highlighted as a strong example of an interdisciplinary model in nuclear education.
Alongside its international recognition, the program has also reported successful admissions for the current academic year. Ten students have been admitted to the third cohort, including, for the first time, an international student receiving full IAEA funding covering tuition and related expenses. This confirms the Agency’s confidence in the quality of the program and its potential for international appeal.
The official opening of the academic year for the new cohort will take place on 30 March, when students will begin their studies.
Sofia University’s participation in the INMA consultative meeting in Vienna once again demonstrates that the joint initiative of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Faculty of Physics goes beyond the framework of traditional university education. It represents a strategic instrument for preparing future leaders in nuclear energy, both for Bulgaria and for the Southeast European region.
Through its active participation in the INMA network and partnership with the IAEA, Sofia University further strengthens its role as a reliable academic partner in the global efforts toward the sustainable development of nuclear energy and the effective management of nuclear technologies.