On 13 May, the Bulgarian National Science Fund awarded 22 projects in 11 scientific fields at an official ceremony held at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Among the 11 most successfully implemented scientific projects of BAS for 2025, selected by the scientific expert committees, is the project of Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Vani Tankova from the Institute of Solid State Physics – BAS.
The project of Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Vani Tankova, awarded in the scientific field of “Physical Sciences”, is entitled: “Spectroscopic Analysis of Pigments Used for the Decoration of Neolithic and Chalcolithic Pottery by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)”. The study of prehistoric pigments through micro-invasive analytical techniques enables an in-depth analysis of the raw materials used and provides valuable information about the technologies applied in the production of ancient decorated pottery. The interpretation of the results in an archaeological context allows for the transfer of knowledge regarding production, trade relations in the Bulgarian lands, and the development of technologies across different historical periods. This determines the significant contribution of this interdisciplinary research to a deeper understanding and preservation of our country’s cultural and historical heritage.
The ceremony was officially opened by the Manager of the Bulgarian National Science Fund, Prof. DSc Yuri Kalvachev, who presented the Fund’s activities over the past year. He expressed his satisfaction with the fact that in 2025 more than 69% of the reported articles were published in journals with a high impact factor, and around 30 percent of the awarded projects were led by young postdoctoral researchers.
A welcoming address was also delivered by the Vice President of BAS, Prof. Emanuel Mutafov, who stated that the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, especially in recent years, has been a very serious player in the field of knowledge and, more specifically, science.
The management of the Institute of Solid State Physics – BAS congratulates Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Vani Tankova and the project’s research team on the distinction received and wishes them further future success.
Photo credit: BAS
