Nikolay Manchev Petrov

Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Manchev Petrov serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Program Council for Biological Sciences in the Department of Natural Sciences at New Bulgarian University (NBU), where he has held academic positions since 2016. His career spans plant virology research, molecular biology instruction, and leadership in biological sciences education.

Education:

• 1990-1995: Language Gymnasium G.P.C.H.E. "Romain Rolland" (Stara Zagora) - English, Russian, French
• 1998-2002: BSc Molecular Biology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"
• 2002-2004: MSc Virology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"
• 2012: PhD Plant Protection (Phytopathology - Plant Virology), Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection "Nikola Pushkarov"
• 2016: PhD Biological Sciences (Virology), Institute of Microbiology "Stefan Angelov" (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences)

Research Focus: Dr. Petrov's work centers on viral pathogenesis in both plant (Potato virus Y, Pepper viruses) and animal systems (Coxsackievirus), employing RNA interference and gene silencing techniques for disease control. His research integrates molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and ecological management strategies to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. Recent publications demonstrate increasing emphasis on computational virology and CRISPR applications.

Publication Trends: His 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a strategic shift toward RNAi-based crop protection, virus biodiversity characterization, and next-generation sequencing applications. Key themes include silencing viral genes (HC-Pro, NIa, VP1), managing Solanaceae crop viruses, and developing computational analysis frameworks - reflecting convergence of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and sustainable agriculture.

Research Leadership: Dr. Petrov has directed 21 scientific projects including EU Framework Programme initiatives (6th/7th FP), bilateral collaborations (India, Vietnam, Ukraine), and national projects. His work bridges fundamental virology with practical agricultural applications through COST Actions and local research programs at NBU.