The Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria visited CPSBB

The Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria – Ms. Yordanka Chobanova and her Deputy – Mrs. Zornitsa Venkova, were welcomed at the scientific complex of CPSBB in Plovdiv by the Administrative Director of the Center – Prof. Vessela Kazashka, the Scientific Secretary of CPSBB, Mrs. Marina Mircheva and the Molecular Biologist – Dr. Nikola Staykov. The purpose of Mrs. Chobanova’s visit was to get acquainted with the research activities of CPSBB, as well as with the technological equipment, laboratories, infrastructure and experiments with economically important crops in the laboratories and greenhouse complex.

Prof. Vessela Kazashka presented CPSBB and the contribution of the EU financial support for the establishment and sustainable development of CPSBB as a Center for Excellence in Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology in Bulgaria. The main fundamental and applied research, strategic goals for sustainable development, scientific developments for smart agriculture and human health, as well as the expert potential of the team at the CPSBB were main highlights of the presentation.

During the visit, Mrs. Chobanova and her team met with scientists from the research team and PhD students at CPSBB, who demonstrated the technological equipment, as well as ongoing projects and experiments at the Center. The guests were introduced to some of the high technologies, such as UPLC-MS for mass spectrometric analysis of plant metabolites and ICP-MS for analysis of metal content in plant samples, also to the research on resurrection plants, development of new vegetable varieties, developments for longevity, obesity and photoaging, as well as experiments with economically important crops to increase their resistance to abiotic and biotic stress (tomatoes, peppers, maize, raspberries, etc.).

Earlier in July 2025, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary since the establishment of CPSBB, Mrs. Yordanka Chobanova sent a congratulatory address to the Director of the CPSBB, Prof. Tsanko Gechev:

“CPSBB is a pioneer and leader in the development of international teams of researchers who do top-notch science at a world level. Through your modern scientific complex in Plovdiv, achievements, innovations and patents are born that serve as inspiration. 83% of Europeans believe that science and technology have a positive impact on society – and your personal contribution to maintaining this public trust is undeniable. Your success is the best confirmation of the meaning of European investments in science and innovation,” declares Ms. Chobanova’s in her congratulatory address to Prof. Gechev and CPSBB’s team.