On March 13, 2025, the launch of a large-scale research project—ProSkills2Work (Progressing Promising Skills to Work in Bulgaria)—was announced. The project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program with a budget of nearly 2.5 million euros, aims to increase the international scientific visibility of the institute and elevate its research in the sociology of education and labor to a global level.
The project will conduct in-depth research on the formation of professional skills, lifelong learning, the transition from education to employment, and workplace training. Special attention will be given to methodological challenges in studying these processes within the social and economic context of Bulgaria and the region.
Key Features of the Project
- Renowned Expertise
The project will bring on board Prof. Dr. Christian Imdorf from the University of Hanover, one of Europe’s leading sociologists in the field of education and labor. Prof. Imdorf will head the newly established research group “European Research Area (ERA)” at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology (IPS). - Strengthening Research and Innovation Capacity
The project will enhance the research, communication, and management skills of scientists, including early-career researchers. - Structural Reforms for Sustainable Scientific Achievements
Reforms will be introduced to improve the competitiveness of the institute at the international level. - Establishment of the Bulgarian Observatory on Education and Labor
A research hub will be created to facilitate analysis and dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, promoting effective strategies for professional skills development. - Enhanced International Collaboration
The project will foster partnerships with research institutes, universities, and stakeholders from Bulgaria, Europe, and the Western Balkans.
Project Team
The project coordinator is Prof. Dr. Vasil Kirov.
Prof. Christian Imdorf is the ERA lead under ProSkills2Work.
The research team includes:
- Prof. Rumyana Zheleva
- Prof. Emilia Chengelova
- Assoc. Prof. Petya Ilieva-Trichkova
- Dr. Svetlomir Zdravkov
- Dr. Bagryan Malamin
The research team is expected to expand further.
The Supervisory Board from IPS includes:
- Prof. Rumyana Stoilova
- Prof. Emeritus Veselin Petrov
- Prof. Pepka Boyadjieva
- Assoc. Prof. Lyuba Spasova
Project Management Office:
- Prof. Vassil Kirov,
- Ms. Ogniana Glavoussanova-Mereteva,
- Ms. Diana Nenkova.
Impact of the Project
With the implementation of ProSkills2Work, the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology will establish itself as a leading research center in Europe for studying the relationship between education and labor. Beyond scientific advancements, the project will facilitate knowledge transfer into policymaking and help address the shortage of skilled labor in Bulgaria and the region—an EU priority. As a result, the number of successful grant applications by IPS research teams for national and international funding is expected to increase significantly. A special focus will also be placed on improving the research, communication, and management skills of early-career scientists at the institute.
