Since May 10, 2016, the annual competition for the presentation of the Award of the President of the Republic in the name of the world-famous inventor of Bulgarian origin John Atanasov, who created the first digital electronic computer, has started.
The "John Atanasov" Award has been presented since 2003 to young Bulgarian researchers who have distinguished themselves in the field of computer science on a global scale. Among the laureates of the presidential award are current heads of research departments at leading research institutes and global private companies in various areas of computer science, including cryptography, computational linguistics, and robotics.
In response to the growing importance of computer science, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, the "John Atanasov" awards were supplemented in 2012 with the "John Atanasov – Students and Their Teachers" Certificates category, for students who achieved the highest results in international student competitions in informatics and information technology and their teachers.
In 2016, for the second time, "John Atanasov" awards will be presented in two new categories:
"First Steps in Computer Science" Certificates, aimed at students and students in the age group 12-22, who have achieved high results with their own projects in national and international scientific competitions;
"John Atanasov – for Projects with Significant Social Contribution" Certificateswhich distinguish startups and independent projects in the private, non-governmental, and academic sectors, whose creators are under 35 years of age and who address issues of public significance through computer technologies.
The recipients of the John Atanasov Awards and Certificates are determined by a commission with the participation of leading scientists and professionals in the field of computer science. As in 2015, the laureates of the Atanasov awards for 2016 will receive additional awards in support of their further professional development.
Additional information can be obtained by phone at 02/9239 106 and by email: nagradajohnatanasoff@president.bg.
