Bulgarian science might be on the slower end of productivity at the moment, and it is so for objective, although not excusable reasons. But it has not always been so. In the 20th century many bulgarian scientists were on the top of their game and since today is one of the most important national holidays in Bulgaria, I thought of sharing with you some of the names of scientists we take pride of being Bulgarian along with their contribution to science.

First in my list, as a biologist, comes Dr. Stamen Grigorov who was a physician and microbiologist, creator of anti-tuberculosis vaccine. He also discovered the Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacillus, which is the true cause for the existence of natural yoghurt – you are welcome humanity! 🙂

Next is Peter Petroff – a Bulgarian-American inventor, engineer, and NASA scientist. He was involved in the development of one of the earliest computerized pollution monitoring systems and telemetry devices for early weather and communications satellites. He’s also involved in the development of components of one of the world’s first digital watches and early wireless heart monitors.

Then comes Prof. Georgi Bliznakov. His area of research was crystallization. He was the first to introduce adsorption as a thermodynamic factor in crystal growth, and studied catalysis, the preparation of pure substances, and the effect of impurities on the linear crystallization rate.

Prof. Christo Pimpirev is “the father” of the Bulgarian Antarctic Program. He took part in the first Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition during 1987/88. The discovery of the Upper Tithonian ammonite in 2003, in the vicinity of the Bulgarian Antarctic base, is one of his most satisfying scientific career achievements. That breakthrough changed the established knowledge of the evolution of the Gondwana continent.

One of the most often talked about is Prof. John Vincent Atanasoff. He was an American physicist and inventor, of Bulgarian descent, best known for inventing the first electronic digital computer in the 1930s at the Iowa State College.

This is obviously a non-exhaustive list. I am proud of my origin and nationality and am hoping that the numerous bulgarian scientists scattered around the world are also. Remember that however though it is to be a scientist in Bulgaria now – some are still trying and succeeding! As a closing remark – Happy Liberation Day to all and to the researchers – good luck with your experiments!