Research and Scholarly Communication in Bulgaria

Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kostadinov,

Advisor at the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science

Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kostadinov is a professor at the Institute of Mechanics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and former Deputy Minister of Education and Science responsible for science, European and national funds and programs for research and innovation. His scientific interests are in the field of robotics and automation with application of micro and nanotechnology in biology. He works on major international research, innovative and educational projects. For 2011, he was awarded the Pythagoras Prize, and in 2015 he was awarded as the Inventor of the Year. Author and co-author with over 100 publications, 16 patents and 2 patent applications.

Presentation:

Science Challenges Politics

Abstract:

Quick thoughts on the political landscape that frames current stage of the development of Bulgarian science shows that politics should follow science, as it is obvious that science and technology impact in a completely new way governance. We should talk about tolerance towards science and work to build a new contract between science and society. Some constraints of current situation and experience would be shared. What are the challenges that Bulgarian science is facing and how young scientists are attracted are also among the major points of the discussion. The presentation aims to raise a dialogue on options for society, government and science to cooperate and coordinate for the benefit of all.

Nabil Khelifi, Senior Editor

Springer Nature, Heidelberg, Germany

Senior Editor, Manager of Springer MENA programme, a part of Springer Nature, Germany

Dr. Nabil Khélifi holds a B.Sc. in Natural Sciences (2001) and an M.Sc. in Earth & Environmental Sciences (2004) from the University of Sfax (Tunisia). He received fellowships from the global change System for Analysis, Research and Training (START) in 2005 and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) from 2006 to 2010 to continue with his Ph.D. studies in Marine Geosciences (Specialty: Paleo-oceanography and Paleoclimatology) at the University of Kiel in Germany. After completing his Ph.D. in 2010, Dr. Khélifi received a postdoctoral research grant from the German Science Foundation (DFG) to pursue his self-designed research projects at the GEOMAR Ocean Research Centre in Kiel, Germany, which involved reconstructing past changes in oceanography and climate in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea using marine sediment samples retrieved by the International Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) and applying foraminiferal and geochemical proxy methods. He subsequently published his research findings in prominent scientific journals. Dr. Khélifi also received funding from the European Science Foundation (ESF) and some European universities to co-organize with colleagues from Kiel, Bordeaux and Bristol two Workshops on Pliocene climate in Bordeaux, France (2009) and Bristol, UK (2013). In early 2014 he received the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (SGES) to continue with his research projects at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland. Although his interest in scientific research remained strong, in March 2014 he decided to pursue his career as a Senior Publishing Editor with Springer (a part of Springer Nature) in Heidelberg, Germany. He is mainly responsible for developing Springer’s publishing program in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA). The program currently consists of developing 18 academic journals from the Arab World and publishing numerous scientific books each year. Dr. Khélifi also helps researchers in MENA countries publish their work by delivering educational seminars for authors, reviewers, and journal editors to help improve their publication output and quality. He is also a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Carthage, Tunisia and King Saud University, KSA, where he offers M.Sc./Ph.D. courses on geo-communication/presentations and techniques for publishing papers, and career professional development workshops. Most recently, Dr. Khélifi was awarded the 2016 Africa Green Future Leadership Award in recognition of work contributing to sustainable development by advancing science and promoting publications in Africa and the Middle East. In 2017 Dr. Khélifi launched the first Springer conference dedicated to promoting the Euro-Mediterranean integration process, stressing the vulnerability and need for proactive remediation of the Euro-Mediterranean environment (www.emcei.net).

Presentation:

How to get published in a scientific journal: Tips from a Springer Editor

Abstract: 

Publication must be seen as an important, if not the most important, part of the research process. However, writing research papers for academic journals is not easy and is also very competitive. After producing data and generating ideas from your research, how do you write a clear and concise paper that attracts the attention of journal editors? How should you prepare a cover letter? How should you respond to reviewer reports? A Senior Publishing Editor from Springer Nature in Heidelberg, Germany shares his advice on how to effectively write and structure your paper, prepare a cover page and respond to reviewers’ comments

Asdaa Kotani, Vice President Institutional Sales (EEMEA)

Springer Nature, United Arab Emirates

Mr. Asdaa Kotani, Vice President of the EEMEA Sales teams, has been successfully working at Springer Nature since 2008. Prior to joining Springer Nature, Mr. Kotani held various positions in sales and financial services.

He has been involved in the publishing world for over 10 years. Mr. Kotani is very excited to be part of the scientific discovery process and to add value to the scientific community around the world.

Presentation:

Opening Notes and Conclusion

Sergio Gonzalez, Sales Director Eastern Europe, Israel and Africa

Springer Nature, United Kingdom

Sales Director for Eastern Europe, Israel and Africa at Springer Nature with an Engineering in Telecommunications background, Mr. Sergio Gonzales is working for Springer Nature for over 10 years and he has gained a valuable experience within different territories and market segments

Presentation:

Bulgaria in the Research Landscape

Abstract

Springer Nature will present Bulgaria in the international research space showing some key metrics to understand the current situation and the key areas to highlight and for improvement to be able to show how a partnership with Springer Nature as a leading publisher can benefit the international presence and visibility of Bulgaria.

Cem Üzüm, Licensing Manager Central Europe

Springer Nature, Germany

Presentation:

Bulgaria in the Research Landscape

Abstract

Springer Nature will present Bulgaria in the international research space showing some key metrics to understand the current situation and the key areas to highlight and for improvement to be able to show how a partnership with Springer Nature as a leading publisher can benefit the international presence and visibility of Bulgaria.