Bulgaria has joined the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), the intergovernmental funding body of EMBO. The country is the 32nd member state of EMBC. Life scientists in Bulgaria can now benefit from all EMBO Programmes and activities.
“Scientific research and innovation in molecular biology are key pillars of progress in life sciences. Recognizing the strategic importance of integrating Bulgaria into leading international research frameworks, we remain firmly committed to enhancing the competitiveness of Bulgarian researchers on the world stage, strengthening our national scientific capacity and promoting global collaboration,” says Krasimir Valchev, Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria. “Bulgaria’s accession to full membership in the European Molecular Biology Conference marks a significant milestone in our scientific journey and aligns seamlessly with Bulgaria’s commitment to open, responsible research and the exchange of knowledge across borders. It also fosters collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers—driving economic growth, technological advancement and societal well-being, while further elevating Bulgaria’s role in the international scientific arena.”
Bulgaria’s accession as an EMBC Member State had been agreed unanimously by EMBC in 2024 following a presentation by Mikaela Stancheva, Chief Expert in the Science Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Science, and now EMBC Delegate. This was followed by a ratification process of the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, which has been completed on 30 May 2025. The accession of Bulgaria concluded on 9 July 2025.
“The EMBC family is expanding, with Bulgaria becoming it’s 32nd member state! As a Greek, I am particularly happy with the accession of neighbouring Bulgaria, as it signifies the strategic strengthening of the mission of EMBC and activities in the Balkans and southeast Europe. I am looking forward to working closely together with my Bulgarian colleagues, to foster cooperation and engage with the country’s life sciences research community,” says EMBC President Nektarios Tavernarakis.
The 32 countries that have ratified the EMBC Agreement and have become EMBC Member States until today are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
Leading life scientists in all EMBC Member States including Bulgaria can be elected as EMBO Members, who shape the direction of European science and strengthen research communities across Europe. Active researchers from Bulgaria are now eligible to apply to the EMBO Programmes, such as postdoctoral fellowships, courses and workshops, or the young investigator programme.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Bulgaria into the EMBC,” comments EMBO Director Fiona Watt. “Access to EMBO Programmes and activities will enhance the careers of Bulgarian researchers, and facilitate international exchanges and collaborations.”
Information about EMBC, its delegates, officers and processes is available at embc.embo.org. For information about the Ministry of Education and Science and Bulgaria visit their webpages.
