Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Awards Iliana Yotova Doctor Honoris Causa.

In its reasons for conferring the honorary title, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences states that Iliana Yotova is one of the most respected advocates and champions of the promotion and development of Bulgarian science, education and culture around the world, with a significant personal contribution to the recognition of Bulgarian schools and Bulgarian studies abroad.

Her term has been described by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences as historic because she is the first woman to have held the presidential office in the country.

The Academy states that Iliana Yotova’s priorities as president are focused on strengthening statehood, protecting Bulgarians abroad and ensuring social stability in a period of political transformation, as well as preserving national unity.

Doctor honoris causa — from Latin, meaning doctor for the sake of honour — is the highest honorary academic title awarded by higher education institutions and scientific organisations, including the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. It does not require the defence of a dissertation and is granted for exceptional merit.

The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was preceded by Veliko Tarnovo University by one year in honouring Yotova, who was awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa last year. Another prominent holder of the Academy’s honorary title in the field in which the president has been distinguished, aside from foreign Bulgarian studies scholars with major contributions, is Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who received the honour in 2015.