Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” hosts the international conference “Clean technologies for sustainable environment and circular economy”. The event was solemnly opened by the Sofia University rector, Prof. Dr. Anastas Gerdjikov, and congratulatory addresses were sent by the Ministry of Education, the Municipality of Sofia, the Representation of the European Commission, the Agricultural Academy etc.

The conference is part of the project BG05M2OP001-1.002-0019–C07 “Clean technologies for sustainable environment – waters, waste, energy for circular economy”, funded by the Operational programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth” 2014-2020, and is co-financed by the European Union through the European structural and investment funds.

The aim of the conference is to disseminate and promote the achievements of the team in scientific-technological and investment aspects, as well as to present the capabilities of the Center of Competence. Clean&Circle is a key player in the development of deep clean technologies and bio-technologies that are offered for business commercialization. 
The conference started with a plenary report of Prof. Yana Topalova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, who highlighted the achievements of the Center over the last years and outlined the important challenges that need to be addressed over the coming years. The last year of the project financed under OP “Science and Education for Smart Growth” is just the beginning of the work of the Clean&Circle Center of Competence. The major challenge over the coming years will be exactly the deployment of the activities of the center in the real business.

Vasil Trenev, Executive Director of Sofiyska Voda, part of Veolia, was an official guest at the opening of the conference. He congratulated and thanked the interdisciplinary team of Clean&Circle and highlighted the key contribution of Prof. Topalova to the success of the project: “Sofiyska Voda is part of the large international Veolia Group and together with all other Veolia companies worldwide, we have committed to the big goal to be a benchmark for ecological transformation by seeking, fostering and, of course, implementing new technological solutions in our daily activities. We see in you partners, collaborators and researchers and practitioners devoted to the cause.” 
The conference is aimed at representatives of the scientific circles, businesses, industry, administrative structures and other stakeholders dealing with clean technologies for sustainable environment and circular economy. On the second day of the event, a possibility will be provided to the representatives of the different stakeholders to hold meetings and discussions on topics of mutual interest in the Conference Hall of Sofia University.  

Find out more about the event and the activity of Clean&Circle from the project website: www.clean-circle.eu. 

Project BG05M2OP001-1.002-0019 – C07 “Clean technologies for sustainable environment – waters, waste, energy for circular economy“ is financed by the Operational Programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth” 2014-2020, and is co-financed by the European Union through the European structural and investment funds.