BULGARIAN SCIENTISTS STAGED A PROTEST

Scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences began a protest on 16th of November demanding adequate budget for science in Bulgaria. The protesters include meteorologists from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. One of their main problems is the insufficient funds for upgrading the computer systems and for regular participation in scientific forums.

The scientists believe that 78 million BGN allocated in the 2017 budget for science is insufficient and they demand an extra 12 million.

According to scientists from the Agriculture Academy, their remuneration is 200 BGN less than the average wage in the country and have said that young scholars are increasingly leaving the country.

Protesters will approach the national ombudsman for discrimination regarding the remuneration of the researchers from the BAS compared to other similar professions. They say they will approach the European Commissioner as well to seek support in relation to non-compliance with laws in the country and international commitments.