Rumen Petrov

Rumen Petrov is a Senior Lecturer in the Health and Social Work Department at New Bulgarian University (NBU). His academic roles include teaching, research, and administrative contributions to social work programs. He holds a PhD from the University of the West of England, specializing in psychosocial research.

Affiliations:

• New Bulgarian University (NBU)
• Bulgarian Institute for Human Relations
• Clinical affiliation with Alexandrovska Hospital’s Psychiatry Department

Education:

• Medical Doctorate, Medical University of Sofia
• Psychodrama Therapist Certification, Psychodrama Institute, Germany (1992–1997)
• PhD in Psychosocial Research, University of the West of England (UK)

Research Interests: Dr. Petrov focuses on social trauma, community development, restorative justice, and disability studies. His work explores the intersections of mental health, institutional reform, and civil society engagement. Key themes include social participation, post-socialist transitions, and ethical governance.

Professional Projects: He has led projects on psychosocial rehabilitation, community policing evaluations, and organizational development in Bulgaria. Notable initiatives include developing training programs for Roma communities and piloting day care centers for individuals with mental health needs.

Awards and Recognition: While no specific awards are listed, his contributions to social work education and mental health advocacy are widely recognized in Bulgarian academic circles.

Grants and Funding: Projects include EU-funded initiatives on prison mental health (AWARE) and ERASMUS+ programs for youth development. He has collaborated with international organizations like the Open Society Foundations and the Swiss Development Agency.

Labs and Teams: Active in the Bulgarian Institute for Human Relations and the Center for Urban Studies. His research group focuses on institutional reform, social trauma, and applied psycho-social interventions.