MEDICAL UNIVERSITY SOFIA

Their core work

Medical University Sofia is Bulgaria's leading medical higher education institution, combining clinical training with biomedical research. Their H2020 portfolio reveals two distinct tracks: fundamental cancer biology research — specifically Src family kinase signaling and targeted therapy development — and health policy work focused on closing the innovation gap between Western and Central/Eastern European research systems. They also contribute to science outreach and public engagement in Bulgaria through Researchers' Night events.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early participation (2018-2019) centered on science communication and public engagement through Researchers' Night events, with keywords around heritage, culture, entrepreneurship, and hands-on science. From 2020 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward biomedical research (cancer biology, Src kinases, targeted therapy) and health system strategy (innovation gaps in EU-13 countries, HTA). This marks a transition from outreach-oriented involvement to substantive research and health policy contributions.

Moving from peripheral science communication roles toward core biomedical research and EU health system reform — expect deeper involvement in cancer therapeutics and CEE health innovation projects.

How they like to work

Predominantly a participant (4 of 5 projects), with one coordinator role on their most research-intensive project (Src dimerization, an MSCA Individual Fellowship). They work across diverse consortia — 48 unique partners in 20 countries from just 5 projects — indicating they join large, well-connected networks rather than leading them. This profile suggests a reliable contributing partner who brings regional expertise and clinical/biomedical knowledge to broader European consortia.

Broad European network spanning 48 partners across 20 countries, built primarily through participation in large CSA and RIA consortia like HTx and A4L_ACTIONS. Strong connections to Central and Eastern European health research institutions.

What sets them apart

As Bulgaria's principal medical university, they offer a rare combination: active biomedical research capability (cancer kinase biology) paired with deep understanding of CEE health system challenges and innovation barriers. For consortium builders targeting Widening or EU-13 inclusion requirements, they provide genuine research capacity — not just a flag-of-convenience partner. Their dual track in lab science and health policy makes them valuable for projects that need both bench research and system-level perspective from an underrepresented Member State.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Src dimerization
  Their only coordinator role — an MSCA Individual Fellowship on cancer kinase biology, representing their strongest independent research capability (EUR 182,722).
• HTx
  Largest funding (EUR 313,688) and most ambitious project — next-generation health technology assessment with real-world data, signaling serious HTA competence.
• A4L_ACTIONS
  Strategic positioning project addressing the EU-13 innovation gap, reflecting their role as a voice for Central and Eastern European health research reform.