INSTITUTE OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY WITH CENTRE OF PHYTOCHEMISTRY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Their core work

This institute specializes in organic chemistry and phytochemistry — the science of extracting, identifying, and applying useful compounds from plants. Their H2020 work focuses on turning plant-derived materials into practical products: cosmeceuticals from aromatic plant by-products, herbal extracts for skin disorders, and sustainable chemical processes using biomass feedstocks. They also contribute expertise in catalysis and energy-related chemistry, particularly bimetallic catalysts for hydrogen production and water electrolysis.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early H2020 participation (2016–2019) combined two distinct tracks: plant-based natural product chemistry (EXANDAS) and energy catalysis (BIKE), reflecting the institute's broad organic chemistry capabilities. From 2019 onward, the focus sharpened toward ethnobotany, pharmacognosy, and sustainable synthetic chemistry (EthnoHERBS, Biomass4Synthons), signaling a clear shift toward bio-based valorization and green chemistry training. The energy catalysis work appears to be a one-off contribution rather than a sustained direction.

Moving firmly toward bio-renewable chemistry and plant-derived product development, with increasing emphasis on training and capacity building — a strong fit for future Horizon Europe partnerships in bioeconomy and green chemistry.

How they like to work

Exclusively a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, suggesting they contribute specialist knowledge rather than manage consortia. With 41 unique partners across 18 countries from just 4 projects, they join large, internationally diverse consortia (averaging ~10 partners per project). This makes them an accessible, well-networked partner that integrates easily into multinational teams without demanding a leadership role.

Despite only 4 projects, they have built a remarkably broad network of 41 partners spanning 18 countries — a testament to the large MSCA consortia they join. Their geographic reach covers much of Europe with no apparent single-country dependency.

What sets them apart

As part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, this institute brings deep phytochemistry expertise rooted in Bulgaria's rich tradition of aromatic and medicinal plants — a region with significant biodiversity and ethnobotanical heritage that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Their ability to bridge traditional plant knowledge with modern sustainable chemistry and cosmeceutical applications makes them a distinctive partner for bioeconomy projects. For consortium builders, they offer a Widening country partner with genuine scientific depth, not just a flag-of-convenience.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EXANDAS
  Largest single grant (EUR 288,000) and the project most central to the institute's identity — turning aromatic plant waste into cosmeceuticals and food supplements.
• EthnoHERBS
  Longest-running project (2019–2025) combining ethnobotany with modern pharmacognosy, directly linking traditional herbal knowledge to dermatological product development.
• Biomass4Synthons
  Represents a strategic pivot toward training and capacity building in sustainable organic chemistry, broadening the institute's role beyond pure research.