Empowering the Next Generation of Climate Innovators through Scientific Excellence and Research Recognition

Climate Engine is proud to highlight a success story that reflects its contribution to strengthening the research capacity, scientific visibility, and innovation potential of young researchers at the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM).

One of the most important achievements resulting from the Climate Engine project has been the increased scientific engagement of students and PhD candidates working within the Virtual Laboratory for Climate Change and Technological Innovations at UCTM.

During 2025, young researchers supervised within the Virtual Laboratory actively participated in national and international scientific conferences and poster sessions. Their research addressed key sustainability and climate-related priorities, including climate change mitigation, circular economy, sustainable industrial development, environmental technologies, carbon footprint assessment, waste valorisation, green adsorbents, soil remediation, and sustainable manufacturing.

A total of eight students and PhD candidates successfully presented their scientific work at recognised scientific events. Two of them received awards for outstanding poster presentations, demonstrating the high scientific quality, practical relevance, and societal value of their research.

Climate Engine’s Contribution

Climate Engine played a key role in strengthening the scientific, innovation, and communication competencies of young researchers through the activities of the Virtual Laboratory for Climate Change and Technological Innovations.

The project created an innovation-oriented research environment in which students and PhD candidates received mentoring, participated in interdisciplinary research, developed scientific presentation and communication skills, and were encouraged to disseminate their findings at national and international scientific forums.

Through this supportive ecosystem, young researchers were able to improve the quality and visibility of their scientific outputs, engage with broader academic and professional communities, and receive recognition for their achievements. Climate Engine also strengthened UCTM’s institutional capacity to educate future researchers capable of developing innovative solutions to climate and sustainability challenges.

Outcomes and Impact

This achievement demonstrates Climate Engine’s contribution to developing the next generation of climate innovators, sustainability professionals, and future research leaders.

During 2025, eight students and PhD candidates presented research at national and international scientific conferences. Their work addressed major Climate Engine priorities, including climate change mitigation, circular economy, carbon footprint reduction, industrial sustainability, waste management, green technologies, soil restoration, and environmental protection.

Two young researchers received awards for outstanding scientific poster presentations during the XXII Scientific Poster Session for Young Scientists, PhD Students and Students at UCTM, confirming the high quality and applied relevance of the research conducted within the Virtual Laboratory.

The success also contributed to improved scientific communication, presentation, and dissemination skills among students and doctoral researchers. It increased the research capacity of the Virtual Laboratory for Climate Change and Technological Innovations and supported stronger connections between academia and industry through research addressing real industrial and environmental challenges.

Scientific Contributions Presented by Young Researchers

The following scientific contributions were presented by students and PhD candidates supported through the activities of the Virtual Laboratory for Climate Change and Technological Innovations:

• Galina Hristova presented the topic “Synthesis and Application of Reactive Dye with High Photostability” at the XXII Scientific Poster Session for Young Scientists, PhD Students and Students, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria, 20 June 2025.

• Dimitar Ilkov presented the topic “SWOT Analysis of Sustainability Strategies and Measures at ‘BEHR-HELLA TERMOCONTROL’ Ltd.” at the XXII Scientific Poster Session for Young Scientists, PhD Students and Students, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria, 20 June 2025.

• Vladislav Mihalkov presented the topic “Design of an Absorption Reactor for CO₂ Capture and Carbon Footprint Assessment for Emissions Utilization in the Cement Industry” at the XXII Scientific Poster Session for Young Scientists, PhD Students and Students, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria, 20 June 2025. He received an Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation.

• Valentin Tabakov presented the topic “Waste Management Generated from Production at ‘BEHR-HELLA TERMOCONTROL’ Ltd.” at the XXII Scientific Poster Session for Young Scientists, PhD Students and Students, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria, 20 June 2025. He received an Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation.

• Mina Boneva presented the topic “Utilization of Phragmites australis Waste Biomass as a Green Adsorbent” at the 64th Scientific Conference of the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” and the Union of Scientists – Ruse, 17–18 October 2025.

• Sabka Atanasova presented the topic “Factors Affecting Product Quality” at the scientific conference with international participation “Ecology and Agrotechnologies – Fundamental Science and Practical Implementation”, Sofia, Bulgaria, 5–6 December 2025.

• Dafinka Pangarova presented the topic “Assessment of Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Sunflower Cultivated on Agricultural Roadside Soil” at the Jubilee Scientific Conference “Geosciences 2025” with international participation, dedicated to 100 Years of the Bulgarian Geological Society, Sofia, Bulgaria, 10–12 December 2025.

• Veneta Petkova presented the topic “The Potential for Integrated Utilization of Industrial Wastes as Soil Improvers” at the Jubilee Scientific Conference “Geosciences 2025” with international participation, dedicated to 100 Years of the Bulgarian Geological Society, Sofia, Bulgaria, 10–12 December 2025.

Building Future Research Leadership

This success story illustrates how Climate Engine contributes not only to scientific output, but also to human capacity development. By supporting young researchers in producing, presenting, and communicating high-quality research, the project helps prepare a new generation of experts equipped to address climate change, industrial sustainability, and environmental transformation.

The achievements of these students and PhD candidates demonstrate the value of combining scientific excellence with mentoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and an innovation-oriented research culture.