Deputy education and science minister Senya Terzieva opened a conference in Sofia on developing science careers, organised by the European network Euraxess, the ministry said.

The forum runs until 30 October. Its topics are researchers moving between countries, how science careers develop and how to attract research talent.

Prof Eliza Stefanova, rector of Sofia University "St Kliment Ohridski", and Slaven Mishlenchevich, head of the research careers team at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, also took part in the opening.

Representatives of European institutions, heads of universities and research bodies, and partners from the network are attending.

Terzieva said changes in technology, the economy and society call for science that leads the way instead of reacting. She said the network's next steps should aim at more attractive research careers and a stronger European Research Area.

"In this fast-changing world, the Euraxess network is a bridge we cannot do without. It links talents, removes borders and backs the people who create the future today," Terzieva said.

Euraxess gives researchers free information and help with jobs, funding, moving abroad and career development. The network covers 43 European countries and has more than 600 support centres.

At the opening, Terzieva said the ministry backs a more open, modern and competitive science system. The Bulgarian network brings together 20 organisations, including universities, research institutes and research centres.