Sad news

On 8 June 2020, at the age of 75, Academician Stefan Vodenicharov passed away. He was President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 2012 – 2016, Minister of Education and Science (2013), Director of the Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technologies with Hydro- and Aerodynamics Centre "Acad. A. Balevski" at the BAS (2007 – 2012), and Chair of the General Assembly of the BAS (2008 – 2012). In 2008 he was elected Chair of the Economic Policy Council of the Bulgarian Industrial Association.

He graduated in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Sofia (1968), specialising in "Technology of Metals". After defending a dissertation he was awarded the scientific degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences (now PhD) in 1974 and Doctor of Technical Sciences in 1998. He became Associate Professor (1989) and Professor (1991). He was elected Corresponding Member of the BAS (2004) and Academician (2012). From 1969 he worked at the Institute of Metal Science at the BAS.

Acad. Vodenicharov was Chair of the Organising Committee and host of nine international conferences; a member of organising and programme committees and head of sections at 36 Bulgarian and international scientific forums. He is the author of more than 70 patents and over 160 publications. He has led 207 research projects and 21 scientific developments in the fields of energy and defence.

Acad. Vodenicharov took part in a number of expert bodies in Bulgaria and abroad: he was Bulgaria's representative in the activities of the NATO Research and Technology Organization; a participant in the activities of the NATO Industrial Advisory Group; and a member of the R&T Commission, AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe.

He received numerous awards and distinctions, among them the Order of Stara Planina, the Honorary Medal "St. George" of the Ministry of Defence, the honorary badge "Marin Drinov" for significant services to the BAS, and membership of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts. He received a certificate of entry in the Golden Book of Inventors of the Patent Office; the honorary title "Follower of the National Revivalists" from the Union of the National Community Centres (Chitalishta); the honorary badge for leadership contribution to spirituality from the Stefan Stambolov Institute for Theory and Practice of Leadership; the Cross of Grand Officer of the Sovereign Order of Malta, and many others. Academician Vodenicharov was an honorary citizen of Sofia and Doctor Honoris Causa of the Technical University of Varna.

The memorial service will take place on 11 June (Thursday) at 11.00 in the Great Hall of the BAS.

The Institute for the State and the Law at the BAS expresses its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Acad. Vodenicharov!

Peace and light to his soul!