Prof. Minko Balkanski

Honorary Chairman of the “Minu Balkanski” Foundation

Prof. Minko Balkanski is one of the most distinguished Bulgarian scientists with international recognition.

Born in 1927 in the village of Oriahovitsa, Stara Zagora region, he began his studies at Sofia University at the age of 15, and at 16 he left for France, where he realized his dream of becoming a world-class scientist. At 28, he was already a professor of physics, and his academic path led him through elite universities such as “Pierre and Marie Curie”, the University of California at Irvine, and MIT – Massachusetts.

He is the author of 28 books and over 600 scientific publications, a member of international academies, and a recipient of prestigious honors such as the Order of Merit and the Order of the Legion of Honor of France, as well as the Order of Stara Planina from the Republic of Bulgaria.

Parallel to his scientific career, Prof. Balkanski is Bulgaria’s greatest contemporary donor in education. He established the “Minu Balkanski” Foundation in his father’s name and developed a unique educational and cultural center in his native village. He founded the Higher Institute for the Development of Culture, Science and Technology, opened an academic center at the American University in Blagoevgrad, and created the National Institute for Education with training in scientific disciplines and morality. He has restored schools, theater halls, and nursing homes, donated computers to over 140 schools, and organized humanitarian missions.

The Professional High School of Computer Science and Mathematical Analysis in Stara Zagora bears the name of the great scientist and donor dedicated to the cause of quality education – Prof. Minko Balkanski. The school prepares future innovators and specialists in the field of information technology and mathematics, inspired by the example of their patron.

A national competition in mathematics, physics, and computer science is held in Prof. Balkanski’s name for all students from across Bulgaria with the aim of selecting gifted talents and supporting them for education in France.

Prof. Balkanski is an enlightener not only with ideas but also with actions. Every year he returns to Bulgaria to award talented students, to speak about morality, culture, and knowledge. To this day, even at an advanced age, he continues to support young people, believing that through science, ethics, and education, the world can become a better place.