Prof. Velislava Lyubenova | Online Monitoring Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Velislava Lyubenova, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Bulgaria

Professor Velislava Noreva Lyubenova is a distinguished Bulgarian researcher in the field of biotechnological systems and process control. Currently serving as the Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Robotics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IR-BAS), she also leads the Section of Mechatronic Bio/Technological Systems. With over three decades of research experience, she holds two doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Technical Sciences, and has developed innovative methodologies for the monitoring and adaptive control of biotechnological processes. Professor Lyubenova has led or participated in more than 30 national and international research projects, including EU-funded Erasmus and Structural Fund programs. She has supervised multiple PhD students, delivered invited lectures at prestigious institutions globally, and published over 200 papers in high-impact journals. Her notable accolades include the “Marin Drinov” Young Scientist Award from BAS and memberships in international scientific organizations. A skilled communicator and academic leader, she continues to advance interdisciplinary research in bioengineering and control systems.

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Prof. Velislava Noreva Lyubenova

Prof. Velislava Noreva Lyubenova exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with over three decades of sustained excellence in biotechnological process monitoring and control, and a robust leadership profile in national and international R&D projects. With dual doctoral degrees (Ph.D. and Doctor of Technical Sciences) and a long-standing affiliation with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, she has led or participated in over 29 major research projects—spanning EU programs, Structural Funds, and academic exchanges.

🎓 Education & Qualifications

🧠 Doctor of Technical Sciences, Institute of Robotics – BAS (2016)
🎓 Ph.D. in Technical Sciences, TU-Sofia (1988–1993) – Dissertation on parameter estimation and state variables in biotechnological processes
📡 Radio Electronics Engineer, TU-Sofia, Faculty of Radioelectronics (1982–1987)

💼 Work Experience

👩‍🔬 Scientific Secretary, Institute of Robotics – BAS & Member of PNEC Technical Sciences (2022–present)
👩‍🏫 Professor & Head, Section “Mechatronic Bio/technological Systems”, IR-BAS (2017–present)
🧪 Associate Professor, Bioengineering, ISRI-BAS (2015–2016)
🧬 Associate Professor, Section “Bioengineering”, ISIR-BAS (2010–2015)
🤖 Associate Professor, Adaptive & Robust Control Section, IUSI-BAS (2005–2010)
🧠 Associate Professor, Knowledge-Based Management Systems, IUSI-BAS (2000–2005)
🔬 Research Fellow, Adaptive Control & Knowledge-Based Systems, IUSI-BAS (1994–2000)
👩‍💻 Research Fellow, Adaptive Control Section, Bioprocessing & Automation, BAS (1992–1994)

🏆 Achievements

🧪 Developed innovative technologies for monitoring and control of biotechnological processes
📊 Led and participated in over 29 projects (15 international, 14 national)
🧑‍🏫 Supervised 3 Ph.D. students (2 completed, 1 ongoing)
🖥️ Expert in MATLAB, LABVIEW, and Microsoft Office for biotechnological control systems
🌍 Delivered 21 invited lectures (15 abroad, 6 in Bulgaria)
📚 Published 200+ papers, many in high-impact journals like AIMS Bioengineering and Engineering in Life Sciences

🥇 Awards & Honors

🏅 Marin Drinov Young Scientist Award, General Assembly of BAS (1998)
🧬 Reviewer for major journals: Journal of Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, Processes, etc.
📝 Editorial Board Member of multiple peer-reviewed journals
🧑‍🔬 Member of multiple scientific and expert committees at BAS (including examination and academic jury panels)
🌐 Member of 2 international and 1 national scientific organizations