The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences has requested an international assessment of the quality of its scientific research and what is its contribution to the advancement of science and the country in general. The total of 52 research institutes and 15 laboratories accredited to the Academy will be audited by the European Science Foundation, which will publish final references by 2010, Sega daily reported.

Depending on the results, the academic facilities will be differentiated in four groups. The most credible and productive group would receive 10 per cent higher financing, the second group's funds would remain unchanged, the third group would have its financing decreased by 10 per cent and the last one would be given a deadline to try to work out the weaknesses and better its unsatisfactory results.

The assessment will cost between half a million and one million euro as it is not clear who would cover the expenses. With the outer evaluation the Academy is hoping to prove that it produces quality work, which could be a prerequisite for more adequate state funding.

For 2009 the Academy's budget is expected to be between 170 and 190 million leva, which is double of what has been allotted for this year. It is also expected that the monthly salary of a full-time scholar to reach 600 leva and twice this amount for the best recognised academicians.