Students from the Faculty of Physics and Technology at Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv meet with experts from the Nuclear Industry

On March 6 and 7, 2026, students from both campuses of the Faculty of Physics and Technology at Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv took part in meetings with leading experts from Kozloduy NPP – New Build, Westinghouse, and Hyundai E&C. The initiative was organized in cooperation with the non-governmental organization Bulgarian Atomic Forum.

The faculty coordinators of the event were Assoc. Prof. Mariana Shopova, PhD (Plovdiv campus), and Prof. Slavi Lyubomirov, PhD (Smolyan campus).

“I am extremely grateful to Mr. Stanislav Georgiev, Executive Secretary of Bulatom, for providing our students with the opportunity to meet representatives of leading global companies in the field of nuclear energy. This allows us to show the younger generation how science moves beyond the academic environment and becomes real-world solutions. I hope these meetings will mark the beginning of fruitful cooperation between us and the participating companies,” said Prof. Nadezhda Kafadarova, PhD, Eng., Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Technology.

During the meetings, the companies presented their activities, as well as the future project for the construction of Units 7 and 8 at Kozloduy NPP.

Boris Chirenski, Chief Expert in Nuclear Equipment and Engineering, presented the strategy of ozloduy NPP – New Build for effective process management — from pre-project studies and design to construction and commissioning. He emphasized that a key priority is the preparation and development of highly qualified personnel who will form the backbone of the future nuclear project.

From Westinghouse, Mr. Oscar Pratt, Senior Director of the project for the construction of the new power units, presented the company’s mission to provide sustainable and reliable energy solutions, as well as its vision for the development of the project in Bulgaria.

The South Korean company Hyundai E&C was represented by Mr. Dongjin Seo and Mr. Yong Suk Oh, who shared the opportunities for professional development for Bulgarian specialists and highlighted the importance of the new nuclear capacity project for the country.

The students showed strong interest in the companies’ activities and the prospects for future professional realization in the nuclear and energy industries.

“Engineers are the backbone of nuclear energy. These companies are here so you can see that there is a future in what you are studying,” concluded Assoc. Prof. Mariana Shopova, PhD.

Source: Press release of the Faculty of Physics and Technology at Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv