IEES

The Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems (IEES) successfully applies the fundamental achievements of electrochemical science for the development of innovative electrochemical power sources and determination of new scientific fields, ensures national and international scientific expertise, trains highly qualified researchers and scientists. Since 2014 IEES has become a member of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA). The Institute’s scientific strategy is directed towards current and innovative European and national priorities for “Low Carbon Europe”.

The subject of the research work of IEES is focused in two directions:
Batteries and sensors: The expertise attained in the field of batteries is efficiently directed towards novel and prospective rechargeable systems. The Institute is an internationally recognized research center with significant expertise in the development of innovative ideas and technologies.
Hydrogen energetics: IEES entered the 21st century with a new priority – hydrogen energetics. At present, extensive research is carried out on the production, conversion, and storage of hydrogen (fuel cells, electrolyzers, metal hydrides).

The project team from IEES has long term experience in the introduction and development of electrochemical methods and techniques for electrochemical power sources studies (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, transient techniques and spectral analysis, non-steady state analysis, high-pulse testing etc.), applied in different areas as hydrogen technologies, new materials, storage and generation of energy, ecologically clean technologies etc.

In the last 5 years the project team is participating in different national and international projects, including the successfully finalized FP7 project IDEAL Cell and Operational Programme ”Human Resources Development ” project “ALENES”. In the moment the following European projects are running: ENDURANCE (GA 621207) in FCH JU- FP7, ZAS (GA646186) in Horizon 2020. The team has intensive collaboration with International Scientific Institutions as EC, UNESCO, CNRS, CNR, Royal Society, IUPAC, with companies from Italy, Germany, Spain, etc.

IC

The Institute of Catalysis was founded in 1983 due to the great importance of catalysis for the development of the chemical industry, the successful basic research and applied research activities as well as the good coordination of research collaboration.

The subject of the activities includes:
• Basic and applied research in the field of chemical kinetics and catalysis;
• Development of technologies for production of catalysts;
• Kinetic models of catalytic processes and design of catalytic reactors;
• Coordination of the scientific research activities in the field of kinetics and catalysis in the country;
• Realization of scientific-methodological guidance of the manufacture of catalysts and application of industrial catalytic processes in the industry of the country.

INRNE

The Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy (INRNE) of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is founded in 1972 carrying the main part of activities of the former Institute of Physics with Atomic Research Centre. INRNE is the leading complex center for research and application of the nuclear physics in Bulgaria. The scientific and applied investigations carried out are connected with the milestone problems of Bulgaria in accordance with the modern world tendencies and technologies.

The traditional scientific areas include:
• Theory of the elementary particles, string theory, theory of atomic nuclei, interactions and quantum phenomena;
• Experimental physics of the elementary particles, nuclear reactions, structure of atomic nuclei, cosmic rays and gamma-astrophysics at ultra- high energies;
• High Energy Physics;
• Neutron interactions and cross sections, physics of the fission;
• Reactor physics, nuclear energy and nuclear safety and security ;
• Monitoring and management of the environment, radioecology;
• Radiochemistry, high precision analyses of substances, development and production of radioactive sources;
• Nuclear and neutron methods for investigations of substances;
• Nuclear instrument design and production.

Since 2005 13 laboratories in INRNE obtained the QQS certificate for quality management system ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:2004 and the Environmental management system 14001:1996.

ARMINES

ARMINES is a private non-profit research and technological organization (RTO) funded in 1967 at the instigation of its partner engineering schools, the Ecoles des Mines network. ARMINES currently shares 48 Joint Research Units (Common Research Centers) with its partner schools.

Under the supervision of the French Ministry for Economy, Industry and Digital Technology, ARMINES is bound by French government-approved agreements to its partner schools of the Ecoles des Mines network: Paris (Mines ParisTech), Albi-Carmaux (Mines Albi-Carmaux), Alès (Mines Alès), Douai (Mines Douai), Nantes (Mines Nantes) and Saint-Etienne (MINES Saint-Etienne).

In this specific context, ARMINES operates within the framework of the law of 18 April 2006 which allows public sector higher education or research establishments to entrust private-sector organizations with their contractual research activities. With a total turnover of more than €45.1 million (2014), ARMINES has held on to the top spot amongst private contract research institutions affiliated to higher education establishments.