The prestigious ranking of Stanford University, which annually evaluates the scientometric indicators of over 11 million researchers, once again highlights Bulgarian scientists among the most influential in the world. In the 2025 edition, 91 Bulgarian researchers are listed among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, 57 of whom are affiliated with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). Twenty of these scholars are full and corresponding members of BAS, while the rest are professors at the Academy’s institutes.
We are proud to note that among them are two representatives of the Institute of Solid State Physics – BAS: Academician Alexander Petrov (1942–2022) and Prof. Krassimir Panajotov, professor at the “Optics and Spectroscopy” Laboratory, ISSP-BAS.
Academician Alexander Petrov (1942–2022) was an internationally recognized Bulgarian physicist whose research laid the foundations of new directions in liquid crystal physics and the physics of living matter. He authored numerous highly influential scientific publications, widely cited in international literature. His contributions are related to clarifying the fundamental properties of liquid crystals and their applications in biophysics and medicine. Academician Petrov was one of the scientists who made Bulgaria a recognizable center in this field of research. He established a lasting scientific school and inspired many students and followers who continue his work today.
Prof. Krassimir Panajotov is among the leading figures in the field of optoelectronics and photonics. In Stanford’s 2025 ranking, he is recognized not only among the top 2% but also within the top 1% of scientists worldwide in his scientific field based on scientometric indicators. His research covers nonlinear optics and optical solitons, fiber optics, semiconductor laser physics, photonic crystals, and the nonlinear spatio-temporal dynamics of optoelectronic systems. His publications are highly cited and internationally acknowledged. Prof. Panajotov is also deeply engaged in training young researchers, combining scientific activity with teaching and project work.
The recognition of Academician Alexander Petrov and Prof. Krassimir Panajotov is a testament to the strong tradition and high level of scientific research at the Institute of Solid State Physics. It also serves as an inspiration for young scientists who continue to develop new directions in physics and technology.
The significance of the Stanford ranking
The ranking is compiled annually based on an analysis of scientometric indicators of about 11,000,000 researchers (including citation count, h-index, co-authorship, authorship positions, etc.) with publications indexed in Scopus. It reflects the influence that individual researchers have had on the advancement of science. Published annually, it is among the most prestigious global assessments of scientific impact and productivity.
The full list of Bulgarian scientists affiliated with BAS included in the 2025 Stanford ranking can be found on the Academy’s website: Fifty-seven researchers affiliated with BAS included in global ranking of top scientists – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
