Research Lab to Be Built on Bulgarian Antarctic Base

Construction of a research laboratory on the Bulgarian St. Kliment Ohridski Antarctic base will start as part of the 28th Bulgarian Antarctic expedition. The lab is expected to be completed in three years and will allow scientists to study valuable geological specimens, expedition leader and head of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute Prof. Hristo Pimpirev told journalists here.

On Monday, President Rumen Radev presented the national flag to the participants in the 28th Antarctic expedition during a ceremony before the scientists' departure for Livngston Island.

The first group of eleven people will depart on their journey to Antarctica on November 13. Another ten people will leave in December, followed by a group of eight in January. There will be seven foreigners working on the Bulgarian base this season.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Bulgarian scientific research on the earth's coldest continent.

President Radev said that there are no doubts that the research and observations conducted by scientists on Antarctica are of key importance for the environment, the fight against climate change and the future of this planet. Bulgaria is actively participating in these initiatives, which are important for all of humanity, he said. During its 30 years of scientific presence in Antarctica, Bulgaria has established itself as one of the leading researchers and explorers of the southernmost continent, ranking next to global powers.

The President further said that building a modern research laboratory will be a huge achievement for Bulgarian science and will clearly show that this country continues to be among the most developed nations currently studying Antarctica.

Prof. Pimpirev noted that this year, the Bulgarian scientists will be working on eight scientific projects in the fields of biology, geology and medicine.

Source: BTA