Vasil Georgiev Tsunizhev is a Professor of Computer Informatics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Sofia University, with office hours Monday and Wednesday 13:00-14:00 in room FMI-110. Contact: v.georgiev@fmi.uni-sofia.bg, +359 2 8161-594. His research spans cloud computing, distributed systems, and grid technologies with emphasis on resource management, load balancing, and service modeling. Key contributions include numerical solutions for cloud servicing, distributed coordination mechanisms, and fault-tolerant information services. His work integrates open-source components and addresses scalability challenges in cloud environments. Analysis of his 2009-2015 publications reveals consistent focus on cloud infrastructure optimization, with recurring themes in resource frameworks, quality-of-service models, and distributed coordination. His research demonstrates strong technical depth in numerical modeling and system architecture while addressing real-world scalability and fault tolerance requirements. Professor Tsunizhev collaborates internationally through projects like CoreGRID (contributing to grid security white papers) and works with researchers including R. Zhelev and L. Kirchev. His laboratory work focuses on commodity grid platforms and lightweight resource management systems for distributed computing environments.
Assoc. Prof. Boyan Zhekov, PhD is an active faculty member at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (UNIBIT) in Sofia, Bulgaria, where he serves in the Department of Computer Science under the Faculty of Information Sciences. He teaches courses including Case Studies in Digital Transformation (SHEB609) and holds academic appointments at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and New Bulgarian University as a visiting lecturer. MSc in Information Technologies from Technical University - Sofia Specialized in IT and Economics across UK, France, Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan His research focuses on the intersection of digital governance and emerging technologies, with significant contributions to Internet of Things applications in public administration, smart city ecosystems, and open data frameworks. His work demonstrates a consistent emphasis on practical implementations of ICT solutions for governmental modernization, particularly through EU-funded projects and national initiatives. Current projects examine IoT business models and startup ecosystems within smart city contexts. Prof. Zhekov actively contributes to European research policy as a Horizon 2020 National Contact Point for Future and Emerging Technologies, ICT, and Secure Societies, while serving on the Programme Committee for ICT. His professional engagement extends to leadership roles in Japanese-Bulgarian academic networks including JICA Alumni Bulgaria and Nihon Tomono Kai. Member of Horizon 2020 National Contact Network Board member of Union of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Communications (SEES) President of JICA Alumni Bulgaria Vice President of JSPS Alumni Bulgaria His advisory work includes technical ICT audits for EU-funded projects under Operational Program RCBIS (2007-2013) and development of sectoral information strategies for regional governance (2014-2020). Recent projects for the Ministry of Education analyze national research infrastructure roadmaps and map Bulgaria's scientific infrastructure landscape.
Bruce Sterling is a Professor of New Media and Science Fiction at The European Graduate School (EGS), where he has taught intensive summer seminars since 2003. He also served as "visionary in residence" at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles starting in 2005. Sterling is internationally recognized as a science fiction writer, net critic, and cyberspace theorist, with significant influence in the cyberpunk movement. Sterling graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Texas, Austin, in 1976. His academic journey was followed by a prolific writing career that began with the publication of Involution Ocean in 1977. Sterling's research interests span the intersection of technology, culture, and narrative. He is particularly known for his work on cyberpunk literature, new media theory, and futurism. His concept of "design fiction" has influenced how designers and technologists think about future scenarios. Sterling's Viridian Design Movement promoted environmental awareness through design, while his Dead Media Project documented obsolete communication technologies. His writings consistently explore how technological change reshapes human experience, society, and our understanding of the future. Sterling's recent publications reveal a continued focus on the cultural implications of emerging technologies. His articles examine topics ranging from wearable computing and hyperlocal media to sustainable design and energy transitions. A recurring theme is the relationship between technological progress and environmental sustainability. Sterling frequently employs speculative approaches, using science fiction techniques to explore possible futures and challenge current assumptions about technology's trajectory. Sterling's scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Campbell Award (1989) for Islands in the Net Hugo Award (1997) for Bicycle Repairman Hugo Award (1999) for Taklamakan Hayakawa Award (1999) for Taklamakan Clarke Award (2000) for Distraction Sterling has been instrumental in shaping digital culture discourse through his teaching, writing, and activism. As a co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, he has advocated for digital rights and freedoms. His work bridges academic theory, creative practice, and public engagement, making complex technological issues accessible to diverse audiences. Sterling founded both the Dead Media Project, an archive of obsolete media technologies, and the Viridian Design Movement, an environmental aesthetic initiative. These projects reflect his unique approach to understanding technology through both historical and future-oriented perspectives. His work often explores the lifecycle of technologies, from emergence to obsolescence, and considers how design choices today shape possible futures.
Assen Ivanov Bojilov is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of Sofia University , Bulgaria. He holds a PhD and serves as Vice-dean for Economic Affairs at his faculty. His research focuses on algebraic coding theory and graph theory , particularly in generalized residue codes, cyclic codes, and graph partitioning problems. Position: Associate Professor, Department of Algebra University: Sofia University Email: bojilov@fmi.uni-sofia.bg Bojilov has co-authored numerous publications in coding theory and discrete mathematics , including peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports from institutions like Tilburg University. His work explores algebraic structures in coding, such as idempotent generators, and graph-theoretic problems like chromatic inequalities and small/large set partitions. Recent publications highlight trends in error-correcting codes , algebraic combinatorics , and discrete optimization .
Valeriya Nikolaeva Simeonova is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Sofia, specializing in Information Technologies . Her research focuses on interdisciplinary applications at the intersection of Bioinformatics , Machine Learning , and Parallel Computing , particularly for error discovery in metagenomics data and QSAR modeling in plant biology. Her work emphasizes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis, where she develops algorithms for error detection and correction. She has contributed to optimizing genome assembly techniques through soft computing approaches and explored distributed computing for financial time series forecasting. Notable publications include studies on Golden Root in vitro culture growth (2013) and metagenomics NGS error detection (2015) in journals like BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT . Her collaborations span institutions in Bulgaria, France, and Belgium.
Olga Ilieva Georgieva is a Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI) , Sofia University , specializing in Software Technologies . She has held academic positions at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Technical University of Sofia , and is actively involved in research, teaching, and national/EU-funded projects. Education: 1986 – Faculty of Automatics, TU-Sofia 1995 – PhD, Institute of Control and System Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 2000 – Associate Professor, Institute of Control and System Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 2008 – Associate Professor, Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Sofia University Research Interests: Her work spans Artificial Intelligence , Machine Learning , Data Mining , and Soft Computing Methods . She applies these to domains such as emotion recognition from EEG , QoS in web services , educational data mining , and industrial energy modeling . Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award, IEEE 8th International Conference on Intelligent Systems (2016) Teaching & Projects: She teaches courses including Requirements Engineering , Models of Software Systems , Fuzzy Sets and Applications , and Professional Ethics at Sofia University, and previously taught at TU-Sofia. She leads or co-leads multiple national and EU projects such as GATE: Big Data for Smart Society , ITDGate , and Modelling of Voluntary Saccadic Eye Movements .
Professor Georgi Dimitrov Mengov serves as a full-time faculty member at the Faculty of Economics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" since 2005, heading the Center for Modeling Socioeconomic Systems. His interdisciplinary work bridges computational neuroscience and economic decision-making through affiliations including the editorial board of the International Journal of Neural Networks and Advanced Applications and advisory roles at Swiss Innovation Valley. His research focuses on human-oriented decision science , examining neural correlates of economic choices, emotional memory dynamics, and socioeconomic forecasting. Mengov develops computational models predicting intuitive economic behavior using neural network architectures, with particular emphasis on Behavioral economics and risk analysis Neurocomputational modeling of social systems Mathematical-psychological frameworks for decision processes His publication trends reveal consistent interdisciplinary integration: neural network methodologies applied to socioeconomic problems (2006-2018), behavioral economics of digital networks (2021-2025), and foundational work in human decision theory through monographs like Decision Science: A Human-Oriented Perspective (Springer, 2015). Recent work increasingly addresses turbulent economic environments and virtual social networking impacts. Scientific contributions include editorial leadership for major journals and program committee participation in the International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (2013-2019). Notable recognitions include ORCID registration (0000-0001-8157-3246) and ResearchGate profile. As academic advisor and center director, Mengov mentors emerging researchers while leading projects on socioeconomic modeling. His work demonstrates strong integration of theoretical neuroscience with practical economic applications, securing consistent publication output in high-impact journals including Neural Networks and Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics . Mengov maintains active research laboratories focused on neuroeconomic modeling and socioeconomic forecasting, with recent work exploring fractal social structures and virtual network economics. Current projects examine motivation dynamics in turbulent economic environments through the ACCESS Press publications.
Boyan Paskalev Bontchev is a Professor in the Department of Software Technologies at Sofia University's Faculty of Informatics. With a PhD in Computer Science from the Center of Informatics and Computer Technology - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, he has established himself as a prominent academic in software engineering and educational technology fields. His academic career includes teaching Java Server/Side Programming and OOAD-UML courses at Sofia University and New Bulgarian University since 2000. Professor Bontchev's research focuses on e-learning systems, adaptive hypermedia, and software architecture. His work centers around developing self-adaptive educational platforms, with significant contributions to the ARCADE e-learning platform that complies with IEEE LTSA standards. He has published extensively on topics including courseware composition, learning content interoperability, and assessment frameworks, demonstrating a consistent research trajectory in educational technology systems. His publications reveal a strong emphasis on practical applications of educational technology, particularly in self-adaptive hypermedia navigation, e-learning courseware delivery, and assessment interoperability. The research shows progression from foundational work on software architecture to increasingly sophisticated adaptive learning systems that incorporate learner modeling and personalized educational experiences. Professor Bontchev maintains active industry connections, having worked as a software engineer and project manager at companies including Rila Solutions, ESDI Ltd., and OBLOG Software Ltd. His international experience includes research stays at the University of Vienna and Technical University of Aachen, contributing to his broad perspective on educational technology development. With proficiency in multiple programming languages and environments including Java, JSP, Oracle, and web technologies, he bridges theoretical computer science with practical educational applications. His multilingual capabilities (English, Portuguese, German, Russian, Spanish) further enhance his international research collaborations and academic contributions.
Dessislava Georgieva Petrova-Antonova is a Professor at Sofia University's Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics , specializing in the Department of Software Technologies . Her work focuses on service-oriented architectures, web services, and big data systems for smart cities. She holds a PhD in Software Technologies from Technical University of Sofia (2007) and an MSc in Computer Systems and Control (2000). PhD: Technical University of Sofia, Faculty of Computer Systems and Control (2007) MSc: Technical University of Sofia, Faculty of Computer Systems and Control (2000) Research Interests: She pioneers methodologies for testing web service compositions (e.g., TASSA ), develops big data platforms for smart governance, and explores digital twin modeling for urban environments. Her projects integrate IoT, quality of service (QoS) frameworks, and data-driven policy tools. Projects: Leads initiatives like National CogniTwin (National Science Fund, 2019–2022) and Big4Smart (NSF, 2017–2020). Collaborates in EU programs such as Digital Twin Cities Centre (2020–2025) and People Network+ (FP7, 2012–2013). Labs & Collaborations: Affiliated with the GATE Center of Excellence and contributes to international teams in big data and smart city research. Her work bridges academia and industry through tools like TESSI (Web Service Testing Tool) and faultInjector (BPEL Fault Injection Tool).
Edgar Vadimovich Vatamanitsa serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Chernivtsi National University, specializing in cross-platform software development and cloud computing applications. His work bridges academic research with industry practice through active engagement in both university teaching and commercial software development. Education: Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University (2013): Systems Software, Software Engineer Dr. Vatamanitsa's research centers on Java/Android pattern development, client-server architectures, and distributed systems. He pioneers practical implementations of design patterns in cloud environments, with significant contributions to optical field simulation, semiconductor modeling, and intelligent transportation systems. His methodology emphasizes cross-platform efficiency and real-world applicability of theoretical computing concepts. Analysis of his 2022-2024 publications reveals dominant themes in cloud-based optical computation (AWS infrastructure), Java pattern implementation for Android, and cross-platform solutions for traffic management and semiconductor physics. His work consistently integrates distributed systems with domain-specific challenges in optics, printing technology, and educational analytics, demonstrating exceptional versatility across engineering disciplines. Professional Activities: Member of Bukovina Information Technology Cluster (since 2022) Senior Software Developer at EPAM SYSTEMS Certificate in Cross-platform Programming and Information Security (Ternopil National Technical University, 2023) Tech Summer Bootcamp for Teachers participant (2023)
Minka Miteva Yordanova serves as a Part-time Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences at Technical University - Gabrovo, actively contributing to academic and research activities since 2011 through multiple institutional projects. Her research focuses on the intersection of management theory and information technology applications, with primary expertise in: Organizational Management and Business Process Modeling Information Systems Design and Security Computer-Based Educational Methods and Web Accessibility Economic Growth Analysis in National Sectors Analysis of her 15 publications (2011-2016) reveals consistent emphasis on practical implementations of management models in Bulgarian academic and business contexts, particularly in IT project execution, organizational communication, and time management systems. Her work predominantly appears in UNITECH and INFOTEH conference proceedings, demonstrating strong institutional collaboration within Southeast European academic networks. Dr. Yordanova has participated in seven internal research projects at TU Gabrovo (2011-2018) as both researcher and team member, addressing critical areas including modern educational technologies, economic forecasting for EU structural funds, and computer-based research methodologies. These projects involved cross-functional teams of 5-10 specialists focused on translating theoretical models into operational frameworks for national economic development.
Professor Krassen Stefanov Stefanov is a researcher at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI), Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", with over 30 publications and leadership roles in 15 European Commission RTD projects. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Sofia University and is a Cisco Certified Academy Instructor. 2003–2004: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Instructor, Birmingham, UK 2002: Euro Innovation Manager certification, Brno University of Technology 2000–2001: Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI and CCNA) 1996–1997: MSc in Educational and Training Systems Design, University of Twente 1977–1982: MSc in Mathematics and Computer Science, Sofia University His research focuses on Technology Enhanced Learning , Semantic Knowledge Systems , Mobile Applications , and Open Development Platforms . He specializes in designing educational programs, modeling social processes, and consulting SMEs on ICT adoption. His publications from 2010–2012 emphasize digital libraries , metadata repositories , serious games , and cloud-based learning networks , with a strong emphasis on lifelong competence development and ICT standardization . Scientific Awards Best Paper Award, 5th International ePortfolio 2007 Conference He has led projects like the Share.TEC portal and weSPOT cloud platform , contributing to teacher training, SME consulting, and European RTD initiatives. His work involves designing competence assessment models and service-oriented e-learning infrastructures . Labs & Teams Professor Stefanov is affiliated with FMI Researchers and has collaborated extensively in the TENCompetence network, developing open-source infrastructures for lifelong learning. He co-created the Share.TEC portal for educational resource sharing and contributed to the I*Teach methodology for teacher training.
Todor Nedev Todorov is a Senior Assistant at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Electronics at Technical University - Gabrovo, Bulgaria, holding a Doctor (scientific and educational) degree in Technical Sciences. He works in the Department of Automation, Information and Control Technology, with office location in cabinet 3411. Dr. Todorov's research focuses on sensor systems and electronic nose technology for food quality assessment and authentication. His work integrates artificial neural networks with gas sensor arrays to develop innovative solutions for monitoring food products during processing and aging. He has made significant contributions to applications in cheese classification, sunflower oil quality assessment, and bean origin identification. Analysis of Dr. Todorov's publication record from 2012-2023 reveals a consistent research trajectory centered on electronic nose systems and their applications in food science. His work shows progression from basic sensor development to sophisticated neural network implementations for food quality assessment. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between electrical engineering, food science, and artificial intelligence. Dr. Todorov has been actively involved in numerous research projects, primarily focusing on sensor systems for environmental monitoring and food quality control. His project portfolio includes both internal university research initiatives and international collaborations aimed at incorporating technology into educational curricula. His laboratory work appears centered around sensor development and integration, particularly gas sensor arrays for food quality monitoring applications. The research infrastructure likely includes electronic nose systems, neural network training environments, and food product testing facilities.
Dovgun Andriy Yaroslavovych is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. His academic profile includes a Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences degree (specialty 01.05.01 - Theoretical Foundations of Informatics and Cybernetics) and formal certification in computer science teaching methods. Research Focus : Stochastic dynamic systems, automatic control, biomedical optics, algorithms, and information technologies. Key Publications : Authored educational manuals on data structures (2024), algorithms (2022), and contributed to cross-platform decision support systems analysis (2023). Professional Affiliation : Member of the Chernivtsi IT Cluster since 2019.
Dr. Dmytro Uhryn is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. With a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree (2021) and specialization in Computer Science (12DC No. 029057, 2011), he actively contributes to research in swarm intelligence and geographic information systems . As a member of the Bukovina Information Technology Cluster since 2019, he focuses on intelligent forecasting systems , medical image analysis , and financial data modeling . Education: Applied Mathematics (2003, Chernivtsi National University) and Organizational Management (National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute") Research Interests: Information technologies for decision support, swarm intelligence systems, industry-specific GIS, medical image processing, and financial market algorithms. Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate expertise in swarm intelligence applications for migration forecasting, medical diagnostics using laser autofluorescence, and financial systems modeling. His 2021 dissertation established foundational methods for swarm intelligence in GIS . Professional development includes certifications in educational programming (Sigma Software University), NATO modeling , and international teaching methodologies (Lyublin Institute, 2023). He collaborates with researchers across Ukraine and Poland on biomedical optics, financial IT, and tourism technology projects.
