The annual Pythagoras national awards for contribution to science will be presented today at 5pm at the Central Military Club, the Ministry of Education and Science press office said.

Education and science minister Prof Georgi Valchev will open the event. Prime minister Rumen Radev has also been invited.

The contest is now in its 18th year. Awards go to established and young scientists in natural and engineering sciences, life sciences and medicine, and social sciences and the humanities. A separate award is given for science communication.

The top Pythagoras prize traditionally honours a scientist's overall contribution to research. The ministry calls the contest one of the most prestigious events in Bulgaria for recognising scientific achievement.

Last year's ceremony took place on 14 October 2025 at the National History Museum, and the prizes were for the previous year. It was the 17th edition, and 52 scientists applied in eight categories. Prof Radostina Stoyanova of the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences won the top prize for overall contribution.

Krasimir Valchev, then education minister, opened the ceremony. He said the prize had gone to leading researchers over the years, and that he was glad of it. "We need more days like this one, when we present the Pythagoras award, to show our appreciation for our scientists," Valchev said.