On November 16 young Bulgarian scientists protested in Sofia against the lack of funds in science and education, Bulgarian National Radio BNR reported.

About 50 people organised a symbolic procession to protest against the education and science funds percentage in Budget 2008. According to them Bulgaria had the lowest number of scientists per capita in the EU – 2.8 per 1000. In Finland, for example, there are more than 13 scientists per 1000 population.

The protest was organised by the movement of young scientists who, at the beginning of the procession, distributed a letter addressed to the movement by the European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potočnik, BNR said.

The letter said that Bulgaria had a good basis and traditions in the field of science and research but, like in many other European countries, scientific research did not have sufficient funds. Potočnik said the authorities had to pay attention to mobility, modernisation of research infrastructure and the strengthening of the research potential.