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THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE PARTICIPATES IN TRANSNATIONAL SEMINAR AND TWO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES IN THAILAND

On February 4th , 2026, representatives of the University of Ruse participated in an international scientific seminar on Future CONNECT - 6G, XR, AI, and Tactile Internet Technologies for Next-Generation Applications, held at the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the Faculty of Arts, Multimedia, and Technology at Chiang Mai University in Thailand.

The event was jointly organized by the research complexes of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev",  Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov", Technical University - Sofia in cooperation with the Institute of Mechanics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the University of Nantes in France, Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and the hosts from Chiang Mai University. The conference was attended by 150 participants from 13 countries, including 100 students and 50 lecturers.

During the seminar, eight presentations were given on the main research developments and results of the scientific centers at the universities in Ruse, Burgas, and Sofia, as well as the latest research and activities of their partner institutions in Bulgaria, France, and Thailand.

Within the framework of the "Ruse Research University" project, which is funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, under contract BG-RRP-2.013-0001, the activities and developments of scientific group 3.1.3. "Intelligent cyber-physical systems and technologies for generating and visualizing spatial objects and processes" led by Prof. Georgi Hristov, PhD from the Department of Telecommunications and scientific group 3.1.2. "Sustainable Transport Mobility," led by Prof. Ivan Beloev, PhD, from the Department of Transport.

The programme focused on building a sustainable international research network between scientific institutions in Europe and Asia. The goal is to create long-term partnerships for joint research, publications, and participation in scientific and educational projects.

The seminar marked the beginning of the international scientific conferences ECTI DAMT & NCON 2026 (The 11th International Conference on Digital Arts, Media and Technology (DAMT) and 9th ECTI Northern Section Conference on Electrical, Electronics, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering (NCON)), which took place in Chiang Mai from February 4th to 7th , 2026.

During the two conferences, over 200 scientific publications from around the world were presented, including 17 publications produced by the scientific teams of the university of Ruse "Angel Kanchev", Technical University - Sofia, Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" and the Institute of Mechanics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

The seminar and conferences also focused on the joint activities of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"  and  Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" as partners in the BLUE CRYSTAL project – "Blue Innovative and Sustainable Management of Coastal Marine and River Environment and Resources," which is implemented under contract BG16RFPR002-1.014-0016 and is funded by the "Scientific Research, Innovation, and Digitization for Smart Transformation" programme (PRIDST) and co-financed by the European Union.

The participation in the transnational seminar and subsequent conferences expanded the international network of contacts of the project participants, created opportunities for future joint research with partners from Europe and Asia, and contributed to establishing BLUE CRYSTAL as a platform for the exchange of innovative solutions in the field of sustainable coastal and river environment management.


AN ACROSS CONFERENCE ON APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND SIMULATIONS

 UPVD and UCV are jointly organizing a conference on Applied Mathematics and Simulations. The deadline for abstract submission is May 1st.

You can find more information here:
[ https://www.across-alliance.eu/events/perpignan-craiova-conference-on-physics-applied-mathematics-and-simulations-pc2-pams/ | https://www.across-alliance.eu/events/perpignan-craiova-conference-on-physics-applied-mathematics-and-simulations-pc2-pams/ ]


ACROSS AWARD 2026 FOR STUDENT THESIS ON ISSUES OF EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

 In accordance with the implementation plan for the Across-European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing project, in which the university of Ruse participates as a full member of a consortium of eight universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia, the Across'2026 Award for student theses on issues of equality, diversity, and social inclusion is hereby announced.

This year, the award is being presented as part of a special section of the Silvia Gobatto Memorial Prize at the University of Udine, Italy. The aim of the award is to recognize and promote bachelor's and master's theses on one of the following topics: gender equality, gender-based violence, non-discrimination in education or the workplace, diversity and inclusion, protection of vulnerable individuals and groups, equal opportunities policy, and others.

Candidates from universities in the Across alliance who have defended their bachelor's or master's theses on one of the above topics during the 2024/2025 academic year are eligible to participate in the competition.

Applicants must submit:

  • A digital copy of your bachelor's or master's thesis.
  • A summary in English (max. 2000 characters) describing the main objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions of the work.
  • Certificate issued by the university confirming the date of defense of the thesis and the degree awarded.
  • Short CV (max. 2 pages).
  • Copy of a valid identity document.

All documents must be submitted in PDF format.

Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee consisting of representatives from all universities in the Across alliance.

The criteria for evaluating the works are as follows:

  • Relevance to the thematic scope of the award;
  • Quality and originality of the research;
  • Clarity of argumentation and methodological soundness;
  • Potential impact and contribution to the academic debate on gender equality and inclusion.

The maximum number of points for each criterion is 10, and the minimum threshold for admission to the selection process is 28 points out of a total of 40. The award will be given to the work that receives the most points.

The financial value of the award is €1,000 gross, including taxes and fees, in accordance with current Italian legislation.

The deadline for applications is April 30th , 2026, and the documents must be sent in a sealed envelope to the General Protocol Office of the University of Udine, Palazzo Florio, Via Palladio 8, 33100 Udine. The envelope must be marked: "Università degli Studi di Udine – Area Servizi agli Studenti ufficio diritto allo studio e servizi integrati - Concorso premio di laurea in memoria di Silvia Gobbato, sezione Across Award".




THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION  WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF VALACHIA  – TARGOVIȘTE, ROMANIA

 Today, February 12th , 2026, at the university of Valachia in Targoviste, Romania, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the University of Ruse and the Romanian higher education institution. The document was signed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD, and the Rector of Valachia University, Professor Ioan Corneliu Salisteanu, PhD.

The ceremony was attended by Professor Teodor Iliev, PhD Vice-Rector of the University of Ruse, Lily Gancheva, Executive Director of Euro-Region Danubius, Professor Claudia Gilia, PhD, Chair of the Senate of Valachia University, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Dragos Panagorez, PhD and Associate Professor Ioana Panagorez, PhD ,lecturer at the same faculty.

The memorandum provides for the expansion of cooperation through: mobility of students in bachelor's and master's degree programmes; mobility of academic and administrative staff; joint scientific research and publications; preparation and implementation of international projects; participation in seminars, conferences, and academic forums; short-term training programmes in the field of technical education and e-learning; development of joint and dual educational programmes.

The specific activities will be implemented through additional agreements between the faculties and academic units of the two institutions, with resources and funding secured.

The agreement is for a period of five years and creates a sustainable framework for the development of academic exchange and scientific cooperation. It builds on the partnership between the two universities, which began in March 2015 when the first agreement was signed, leading to a series of joint conferences, exchanges of lecturers and students, and joint research initiatives.

By signing the document, the university of Ruse confirms its strategic policy for developing international partnerships and expanding opportunities for its students and lecturers in the European educational space.

Associate Professor Atanasova, PhD emphasized that Romanian universities are among the most important and sustainable international partners of the University of Ruse, with which a number of joint projects, student and faculty exchanges, as well as participation in international forums and research initiatives have been implemented over the years.

The university of Valachia was founded in 1992 and has about 7,100 students in 10 departments. Nine of them are in Targoviste, and the engineering department in Alexandria is the newest. The university also has a modern research centre built with €15 million in EU funding. The university also has a modern research centre, built with EU funds worth €15 million.



THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION WIH "TIKSABER INTERNATIONAL"

 Today, February 4th, 2026, an agreement was signed between the University of Ruse and ThinkCyber International Ltd. (ThinkCyber International), one of the world's leading cyber academies, originating from Israel's defense sector and a long-standing partner of more than 15 countries, including the US, UK, Spain, and others.

The agreement was signed by the Rector of the University of Ruse, Associate Professor Desislava Atanasova, PhD and Chief Assistant Professor Ivan Blagoev, representing ThinkCyber Bulgaria.

The signing was attended by Academician Hristo Beloev, DscEng, honourary rector and chairman of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, Vice-Rector Professor Teodor Iliev, and Senior Assistant Professor Yuri Tsenkov.

The agreement is valid for three years and aims to develop a sustainable partnership in the field of cybersecurity, education, and practical training for students and professionals.

 The memorandum provides for: informing and involving students in internships, training, and public initiatives; developing and implementing joint projects; involving ThinkCyber experts in lectures, seminars, and academic events at the university; the inclusion of lecturers from the University of Ruse in training, expertise and consultations organised by ThinkCyber; assistance with training in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes; the launch of a master's programme focused on cybersecurity.

Further cooperation is planned in organizing academies, conferences, and other initiatives of mutual interest.

 TinkCyber International is one of the world's leading cyber academies and actively works with government, private, and academic organizations. The company also operates in Bulgaria through partnerships with universities and participation in the development of cybersecurity education programmes.



AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE IS INCLUDED IN THE SECOND BROCHURE OF THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY ACROSS

 In January, the second communication brochure containing news about events organized or supported by the nine universities in the alliance was published on the website of the European University ACROSS. The brochure includes one event involving the University of Ruse: the International Scientific Conference Language, Culture and the Future of Communication in the Digital Age, held on November 10th  in a hybrid format as part of the European University ACROSS.

The conference was co-organized by the University of Ruse and the University of Craiova, Romania. Twenty-two researchers from partner universities in the Across alliance participated in the conference with their reports – Technical University of Chemnitz, Germany; University of Perpignan Via Domitia, France; University of Udine, Italy; University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bialystok University of Technology, Poland; Ivan Franko University, Lviv, Ukraine, as well as a wide range of participants from the organizing universities in Craiova and Ruse.

The programme included four panels: "Language in the Digital Age"; "Culture and Identity in the Digital World"; "Communication and Media in the Digital Age"; and "Technology and Language Learning." The discussions addressed issues related to language development, identities, and media discourse in the digital age, with a special focus on artificial intelligence applications.

At the opening of the conference, greetings were delivered by the Rector of the university of Ruse, Assoc. Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Sorin Cazacu, PhD on behalf of the Rector of the University of Craiova, Prof. Cezar Ionut Spin, PhD, and Ariane Korn from the Across management team, who gave a lecture on the topic: Across – Identities in Dialogue: Communication Without Borders.

The international conference was part of the festive programme celebrating the 80th anniversary of the University of Ruse.

Through its participation in the ACROSS alliance, the university of Ruse reaffirms its commitment to the values of equality, cooperation, and innovation by encouraging the active involvement of young people in processes of positive change. The theme of the conference is one of the unifying guidelines for the development of multilateral scientific cooperation within the ACROSS alliance, and the idea of turning the scientific forum into an annual event will add value to the mission of ACROSS as a European university for cross-border knowledge sharing.

The new communication brochure of the European University ACROSS is available at the following link:

https://www.across-alliance.eu/newsletter/across-newsletter-2/



THE UNIVERSITY OF RUSE GIVES AN INVITATION FOR A PARTICIPATION IN AN INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE LABOUR MARKET

 The university of Ruse gives an invitation for a participation in an international workshop on Generative Artificial Intelligence and its application in the labour market. The event will take place on February 11th  at 2:00 p.m.

 The link for a registration is the following:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jNyZmpLERE6220gQuy0zKA

The university of Ruse is an associate partner of the GenAISA European Workshop: Designing Training for Rapidly Changing Labour Markets.

In the generative artificial intelligence sector, traditional linear models often prove too slow to remain relevant. At GenAISA, we are shifting to a "skills-first" approach to ensure that curricula retain their practical value even as technologies evolve at lightning speed.

Leading experts will present applicable and proven frameworks:

  • Loredana B. (European DIGITAL SME Alliance / ARISA) will examine the key factors driving the AI market, as well as emerging professional profiles.
  • Spiros Soulias (RMIT Europe) will lead the "Training Design Lab," focusing on the Assessment-First approach and the principles of constructive alignment.

More about the event on the following link: https://genaisa.eu/designing-training-for-fast-changing-labour-markets-join-the-genaisa-european-workshop/


 


Designing Training for Fast-Changing Labour Markets: Join the GenAISA European Workshop


GenAISA_1st-European-Workshop_Event-page-image.jpg

How can training keep pace when skills evolve faster than curricula?

In fast-moving sectors such as artificial intelligence, technological change is rapid, skill requirements shift continuously, and innovation cycles are short. Yet many training programs are still designed using linear, content-heavy models that are slow to adapt and increasingly misaligned with labor market needs.

This interactive workshop invites training designers, educators, and decision-makers to explore how training can be redesigned to remain relevant, responsive, and impactful in fast-changing labor markets. Drawing on the experience of the Generative AI Skills Academy (GenAISA), the session showcases practical approaches to building training programs that deliver the right skills—at the right time.

Why participate?

Participants will gain first-hand insights into how modular curricula, assessment-first design, and strong industry alignment can be combined to create high-impact learning programs that adapt to change. Generative AI serves as a real-world case study, with lessons that are transferable across sectors facing rapid transformation.

What will you learn?

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

  • Understand the key trends shaping fast-changing labor markets and what they mean for training design
  • Learn how to apply skills- and assessment-first design frameworks in practice
  • Explore ways to integrate labor market and industry intelligence into curriculum design
  • Identify effective assessment and credentialing approaches for evolving skill sets

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for professionals involved in training, education, and skills development, including:

  • Training and instructional designers
  • VET practitioners
  • Higher education faculty and curriculum developers
  • Workforce development and reskilling program managers
  • Corporate learning and development professionals
    Policymakers and program officers working on digital skills and innovation
  • Managers of innovation hubs, accelerators, and skills academies

Agenda: 

14:00 (CET) Introduction: Fast-changing labour markets and the implications for training design
Key drivers of labor market change, with a focus on AI and digital technologies, and the resulting implications for skills demand and training relevance. This section can include a short presentation of the competences map and emerging job profiles we identified for genAI sector.

Loredana Bucseneanu, Project Manager European DIGITAL SME Alliance and engagement Coordinator of the ARISA Alliance

14:15 (CET) GenAISA Training Design Lab: Assessment-First Learning Design
This session will explore how to develop effective training materials using an assessment-first design approach, grounded in the learning sciences and strengthened through constructive alignment (Biggs & Tang, 2011). When we start by defining what we want learners to demonstrate, we can then design the right content, learning activities, and supports — ensuring learning is purposeful, measurable, and achievable.

Spiros Soulis, Senior Advisor, Education, RMIT Europe

15:00 (CET) Implications for institutions and programs
Key takeaways and guiding questions to help participants reflect on how these approaches can be applied within their own organizations.

Join us for this focused and practical workshop to explore how training design can evolve to meet the demands of fast-changing labor markets. By engaging with peers and learning from concrete experience drawn from the Generative AI Skills Academy, participants will gain actionable insights they can apply directly within their own organizations. This event is delivered in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Skills Alliance and the Digital Large-Scale Partnership, bringing together complementary expertise to support high-quality, future-ready training design.

Registration at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jNyZmpLERE6220gQuy0zKA