Scientific Collaboration Between China and Bulgaria Advances Nuclear Physics Research and Education

The recent visit of Peking University Professor Jie Meng to Bulgaria underscores the ongoing international collaboration in the field of nuclear physics and its impact on the development of young scientists. This partnership between Chinese and Bulgarian institutions, as highlighted by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), is a testament to the global nature of scientific inquiry. Professor Meng, a recipient of the 2022 Humboldt Research Award and a foreign member of the Academia Europaea, shared insights from Peking University and the Chinese Ministry of Education with BAS officials. His expertise in nuclear chiral symmetry and relativistic density functional theory, as well as his contributions to the establishment of covariant density functional theory for novel nuclear phenomena, have made him a leading figure in the field. This exchange of knowledge is crucial for the advancement of research and the training of the next generation of physicists. The visit included a lecture on nuclear chiral symmetry, delivered at the annual seminar on theoretical nuclear physics organized by Professor Dimitar Tonev. This event not only facilitated the sharing of cutting-edge research but also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in fostering innovation. The focus on the development of young scientists, as discussed during the meeting, ensures the future of nuclear physics research in both China and Bulgaria. The ongoing collaboration between Peking University and the BAS exemplifies the benefits of sharing expertise and resources across borders, contributing to the global progress of scientific understanding. This collaboration is particularly relevant today, as it showcases the importance of international scientific cooperation and the sharing of best practices in education and research, particularly in a specialized field like nuclear physics. The visit also highlights the importance of recognizing and rewarding scientific excellence through awards and international memberships.