On February 5, 2026, the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev, visited the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IMI-BAS) to receive an overview of the development and achievements of the International Center for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS-Sofia).
Minister Valchev was personally welcomed at IMI by Prof. Julian Revalski – Director of the International Center for Mathematical Sciences, Prof. Velichka Milousheva – Deputy Director of both IMI and ICMS-Sofia, Prof. Hristo Kostadinov – Deputy Director of IMI, and Assoc. Prof. Krassimira Ivanova – Scientific Secretary of the Institute. During the visit, the leadership presented the newly established research groups within ICMS, each led by a distinguished internationally recognized scientist in key areas of modern fundamental and applied mathematics.
Founded in 2019, the International Center for Mathematical Sciences was established as a result of the determined and visionary efforts of Prof. Blagovest Sendov, Prof. Julian Revalski, Minister Krasimir Valchev, and his deputy Karina Angelieva, as well as with the support of the Bulgarian mathematical community and diaspora. Its activities are made possible due to the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria and Simons Foundation International, one of the most prestigious foundations for funding scientific research in the USA. Although it is only six years old, the Center has already managed to establish itself as a leading scientific organization, not only in the Balkans but far beyond.
Highlights for the 2020–2025 Period:
- Scientific Events: A total of 37 international conferences and seminars have been organized.
- Hired Researchers: 32 postdocs, 3 leading researchers, 11 established researchers, and 2 displaced scientists from Ukraine have been funded.
- Collaboration with World-renowned Scientists: five Fields Medalists have been attracted to participate in the initiatives of ICMS-Sofia: Maxim Kontsevich, Andrei Okounkov, Terence Tao, Maryna Viazovska, and Caucher Birkar.
The Center plays a particularly significant role in the global mathematical network as a member of the IMSAC (Institute of the Mathematical Sciences of the Americas Consortium). This partnership brings together institutions from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, the USA, and Europe for joint research projects.
The Center maintains active collaboration with the Institute of the Mathematical Sciences of the Americas (IMSA) at the University of Miami, with which ICMS has jointly carried out a successful postdoctoral program since 2021. The Center also sustains active cooperation with the French Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHÉS), a symbol of excellence in mathematics and theoretical physics.
During his visit, Minister Valchev held a constructive discussion with the ICMS young researchers. He expressed his strong appreciation for the Center’s ability to attract such a large number of highly qualified international scientists who choose Bulgaria as a place for scientific development. The discussion also addressed opportunities for the sustainable advancement of mathematical research in Bulgaria and the importance of international mobility for integrating Bulgarian scientists into the global scientific community.
