- Written by Ivan Dulgerov
Researchers in the Triangle of Knowledge · K-TRIO
European Researchers’ Night2026 · Plovdiv
A night of science, art and discovery, organised together by the Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology and the ‘Prof. Asen Diamandiev’ Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts.
Funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA & Citizens), Grant Agreement No 101305404. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.
About the project
Researchers in the Triangle of Knowledge
The Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) is, for yet another year, a partner in the European Researchers’ Night as part of the ‘Researchers in the Triangle of Knowledge’ project – K-TRIO.
At regional level, the Centre’s team is partnering with the ‘Prof. Asen Diamandiev’ Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv, with the two institutions jointly organising initiatives that bring together science, the arts and the public. The events involve scientists and young researchers, artists, school pupils, university students and members of the general public.
The K-TRIO project aligns with the key priorities of the European MSCA & Citizens initiative, which aims to bring scientific research and researchers closer to society. Key objectives include raising awareness of research and innovation activities, strengthening public recognition of science and science education, and presenting more clearly the role of researchers in the development of the economy and society.
Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of scientific achievements on people’s daily lives and on encouraging young people’s interest in science and research careers. The project is also in line with the ‘Researchers in Schools’ initiative, which aims to strengthen the link between scientific research and education and to give pupils the opportunity to meet researchers face-to-face and learn about the latest scientific achievements.
Investing in young talent and a culture of innovation
K-TRIO’s long-term strategic objectives are linked to the development of a sustainable culture of science and innovation. The project encourages young people’s interest in STEAM subjects – science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics – as well as in career opportunities in the field of scientific research.
Other key priorities include the development of creative and critical thinking, scientific curiosity and an innovative spirit, as well as fostering a responsible attitude towards environmental protection. An important part of the initiatives is also to increase the public’s readiness to actively participate in activities related to citizen science, open science and open innovation.
Science as a driving force behind European transformation
The project consortium, of which the Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology is a member, places particular emphasis on the importance of the European Research Area (ERA) and the European Education Area (EEA).
Through preliminary initiatives and events organised as part of the European Researchers’ Night, the project highlights their interconnection and their contribution to Europe’s dual – green and digital – transformation, as well as to the development of a knowledge-based economy and society.
Through its participation in K-TRIO, the Centre for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology continues its consistent efforts to forge closer links between science, education, the arts, innovation and society, transforming scientific knowledge into an accessible and shared value for people of different generations.
The project on CORDIS: cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101305404
Programme 2026
Two programmes, one venue
Both hosts welcome visitors at the same address in Plovdiv. Choose a programme below, then tap an event to see the full description.
17:00Competition‘The Universe Around Us’ photography competition
Sometimes the cosmos is above us, and sometimes it appears in a reflection, a natural form, city lights or a small detail from everyday life. The competition invites participants to discover and showcase their sense of space, time, matter, energy and boundlessness.
Moderators: Prof. Dr. Vesela Kazashka, Ivan Dyulgerov, Hristina Vancheva
13:00 – 13:30For everyoneOfficial opening of Moon Village Centre Bulgaria
The first European ‘Moon Village’ centre and the second of its kind worldwide — an interdisciplinary centre for space culture, governance and scientific research, based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Moderator: Dr. Ivelina Kadiri
13:30 – 14:00For everyoneBook presentation: ‘In the Arms of Chronos: Stories of Timelessness. Tales from the Watchmakers of the South Central Region’
A presentation on the craft of watchmaking and its significance for the development of human civilisation.
Moderator: Dr. Ivelina Kadiri
14:00 – 16:00For childrenWorkshop for young and old: ‘‘The Moon – the First Mother of Time’’
The event will present the Moon as the archetype of the calendar and the ‘mother’ of time, with a focus on its influence on natural processes and the human body. Participants will take part in a hands-on workshop with a master watchmaker and assemble their own watch.
Moderator: Dr. Ivelina Kadiri
14:00 – 16:00For everyoneCreative workshop ‘Tinkering with Time’ with a master watchmaker
In this workshop, we will have the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the watchmaker’s craft and the significance of time for human civilisation.
Moderator: Dr. Ivelina Kadiri
14:00 – 16:00For everyoneCreate your own social micro-innovation
Interactive ‘create your own micro-innovation’ tasks, presentations, examples and discussions with experts.
14:30 – 16:00For everyone‘Photography Without Sight’ exhibition
Opening of a solo exhibition by Dilyan Manolov – psychologist, artist and photographer. The exhibition is accessible to blind people.
Moderator: Dilyan Manolov
16:00 – 16:30For everyoneOfficial opening of European Researchers’ Night 2026
Moderators: Prof. Dr. Tsanko Gechev, Director of the CPSBB; Prof. Dr. Vesela Kazashka
16:30 – 17:00CompetitionAward ceremony – ‘The Universe Around Us’ photography competition
Presentation of the photographs of the top 20 winners. Introduction of the winners and award ceremony for the top three participants in the ‘The Universe Around Us’ photography competition.
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Vesela Kazashka
16:30 – 22:00For everyoneEuropean stand – CPSBB projects
Foreign researchers in Bulgaria; research careers at the CPSBB; EURAXESS – the European network for researchers’ careers and mobility; Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the Horizon Europe programme. Presentation of projects awarded and developed at the CPSBB. Short presentations by project leaders, sharing of best practices and partnerships.
Moderators: Dr. Aneta Roicheva, Petar Kazakov
16:30 – 22:00For everyoneExhibition of paintings by Dr. Aakansha Kanodjia – ‘The World Within Us and Beyond’
The exhibition features works by biologist Dr. Aakansha Kanodjia and reflects the inner world of the human being and their surrounding environment – botany, creativity and art.
Moderator: Dr. Aakansha Kanodjia
16:30 – 22:00For everyonePoster exhibitions by the CPSBB and the Regional Centre for Social Economy and Social Innovation – Plovdiv
A poster exhibition showcasing the activities of both organisations – science, inclusion and innovation in action.
Moderators: Prof. Dr. Vesela Kazashka, Stoyanka Kuzmanova
16:30 – 17:00For everyoneSocial innovation in action: how science is changing communities
We present social innovation as ‘science for people’, bringing together research, creativity and application. Interactive tasks such as ‘create your own micro-innovation’, presentations, examples and discussions with the expert.
Moderator: Stoyanka Kuzmanova
17:00 – 18:00For everyoneLiving business – how cells, science and biotechnology are changing the world
What do a successful company and a human cell have in common? We’ll seek the answer by linking the world of science with entrepreneurial thinking. We’ll begin with the story of an extraordinary ‘company’ that has withstood all the global changes and crises in the history of the Earth — life. We’ll take a peek into the amazing world of cells and discover how complex, dynamic and precisely organised processes are constantly taking place within them. We’ll see why the cell resembles a well-managed system, in which every element has its own role, and good coordination is the key to success.
Moderators: Petar Neftilimov, Yana Byalkova
17:30 – 18:00For everyoneCreate your own social micro-innovation
Interactive ‘create your own micro-innovation’ tasks, presentations, examples and discussions with experts.
Moderators: Nadezhda Todeva, Gergana Ivanova
17:30 – 19:00For everyoneStand of the ‘Maritsa’ Vegetable Crops Research Institute – Plovdiv
How are peppers and tomatoes grown? Why do vegetables come in different colours? Can we grow our own tasty vegetables?
Moderators: Prof. Dr. Daniela Ganeva, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivanka Tringovska
17:30 – 19:00For childrenLittle Big Talents – Art Class painting workshop
Young artists paint with their fingers, brushes and boundless imagination. It’s not professional painting, but it’s full of enthusiasm and smiles.
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Vesela Kazashka
18:00 – 19:00For everyoneSocial innovation – ‘Ask the Expert’
A motivational event designed to encourage young people to develop sustainable and practical solutions to current problems in their communities. Participants will learn about real-life regional innovations and successful social enterprises that turn good ideas into initiatives of public significance.
Moderators: Radena Puncheva, Diana Dimova, Plamen Nazarov
18:00 – 19:00For childrenCreative workshop for children – drawing with Dr. Kanodjia
When the artist’s talent meets the researcher’s curiosity, the result is a symbiosis that is both inspiring and well worth seeing.
Moderators: Dr. Aakansha Kanodjia, Hristina Vancheva
18:00 – 19:00For everyoneFrom idea to realisation – 3D printing
How does an idea become a real object? We’ll explore the exciting world of 3D printing and together we’ll follow the journey from digital design to the finished product. We’ll create a unique component and print it to see how imagination takes on a tangible form.
3D printing enables the rapid and precise production of prototypes, finished models and small batches using a variety of materials.
Moderator: PhD student Mihail Angelov
18:00 – 20:00For everyoneGardening – medicinal and aromatic plants
Can plants heal, nourish and surprise us? Discover medicinal herbs and edible flowers through hands-on experiments, liquid nitrogen ice cream, sensory challenges, and take a live herb home with you to continue your scientific journey.
Moderators: Dr. Alicia Viateska Georigeva, Plavena Nenkov
18:00 – 20:00For everyonePlant your own flower and look after it at home
How is a plant born? Can we grow a plant from a fig stone ourselves? The process is simple and enjoyable: first we eat, then we plant the stone, and with patience and care we grow a big palm tree… come and give it a go!
Host: Adriana Staykova
18:00 – 19:00For everyoneDNA in the kitchen
How do we extract DNA from an apple and a strawberry? We can do it! An entertaining, interesting and interactive presentation involving the audience.
Moderator: Dr. Nikola Staykov
19:00 – 20:00For children‘Young Electrical Engineer’ workshop for children aged 7–12
In this workshop, children will gain an understanding of what electricity is and how to read electrical diagrams. And perhaps someone will discover that they want to be an engineer when they grow up?!
Moderator: Ivaylo Ivanov
19:30 – 20:00For everyoneDemonstration of how enzymes work
Enzymes are molecules that catalyse biochemical processes within cells. You’ll see their effects demonstrated in an interesting and entertaining way.
Moderator: PhD student Manuela Stoyanova
20:00 – 20:30For everyoneQualitative detection of proteins in samples
Extraction of proteins from various types of plant tissues. Preparation for analysis and qualitative detection of proteins in samples.
Moderator: PhD student Lyudmil Tonchev
17:00Competition‘The Universe Around Us’ photography competition
Sometimes the cosmos is above us, and sometimes it appears in a reflection, a natural form, city lights or a small detail from everyday life. The competition invites participants to discover and showcase their sense of space, time, matter, energy and boundlessness.
Moderators: Prof. Dr. Vesela Kazashka, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Dafova, Ivan Dyulgerov, Hristina Vancheva
16:00 – 16:30For everyoneOfficial opening of European Researchers’ Night 2026
Moderators: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jean Pehlivanov, Rector of the ‘Prof. Asen Diamandiev’ Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv; Senior Lecturer Dr. Tsvetomira Kazashka
16:30 – 17:00CompetitionAward ceremony – ‘The Universe Around Us’ photography competition
Presentation of the photographs of the top 20 winners. Introduction of the winners and award ceremony for the top three participants in the ‘The Universe Around Us’ photography competition.
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Vesela Kazashka
16:30 – 22:00For everyoneEuropean stand of the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts
Research careers at the Academy; EURAXESS – the European network for researchers’ careers and mobility; presentation of projects won and developed at the Academy. Short presentations by project leaders, sharing of best practices and partnerships.
Moderator: Gina Kafedjian
16:30 – 22:00For everyoneScience, art and education – the academic publications of the Academy
A stand featuring the Academy’s academic publications will showcase books and anthologies published by the ‘Prof. Asen Diamandiev’ Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv.
Moderators: Maria Doncheva, Margarita Valchanova
16:30 – 21:00For everyoneEscape room – ‘Marie Curie’s Star Archive’
The ‘Curie’ spaceship is travelling through the universe, carrying the ‘Archive of Human Creativity’. The archive contains knowledge about music, dance, the visual arts and culture.
Moderators: Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Vodenicharov, Maria Doncheva, Margarita Valchanova
16:30 – 22:00For everyoneStudent exhibition – ‘Traditions and Perspectives’
Paintings by students of the ‘Prof. Asen Diamandiev’ Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Vodenicharov, PhD
17:00 – 18:00For everyone‘Cosmos’ fashion show
Fashion show presented by students from the ‘Fashion Design’ programme on the theme ‘Science and Art’.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dinka Kasabova, PhD
18:00 – 19:00For everyoneMusical Universe
Musical programme performed by the ‘Intro’ Quartet.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jean Pehlivanov
19:00 – 20:00For everyone‘Dance and Science’ folk programme
A dance programme showcasing the connection between dance and science, presented by the Academic Dance Ensemble of the ‘Prof. Asen Diamandiev’ Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stefan Yordanov
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