2nd National Forum on Contemporary Space Research (NaFSKI 2021), October 7-9, 2021, Sofia TechPark, Bulgaria

Abstract

The National Forum on Contemporary Space Research is an initiative of the “Cosmos” Branch of the Union of Physicists in Bulgaria. The scientists from several scientific institutions working in the space research field gathered and identified the main problems facing the community in the country: insufficient awareness of the scientific community about the activities carried out in Bulgaria related to space research; poor communication with the general public; lack of science-business connection; underdeveloped training related to the space research conducted in the country, which in turn leads to a shortage of staff in the sector. To address these problems, the “Cosmos” Branch started several initiatives directed to different target groups to promote research networking both on national and international levels, to facilitate discussions with the business in Bulgaria and to connect research groups with state administration, to enhance competition, and create a healthy environment that would boost the Space sector development in Bulgaria. The ultimate goal of “Cosmos” branch is to create a vibrant society of researchers, entrepreneurs, teachers, administration, and everyone who is interested in having Bulgaria into the international space elite. Thus, the National Forum on Contemporary Space Research was shaped as a platforms where the Bulgarian researchers meet, discuss, and collaborate. The first edition of the Forum took place in 2020 and it proved the idea is timely and successful. That is why the second edition of the Forum was organized as a 3 days event in Sofia TechPark “Incubator” Hall in the period 7-9 October 2021. There was also a possibility to participate on-line due to the COVID-19 restriction on the number of on-site participants. The event was held under the auspices of the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy with the financial support of the Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, “America for Bulgaria” Foundation and “Evrika” Foundation. List of Programme Committee, Local Organizing Committee are available in this pdf.