The forum was opened by Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of GATE Institute. In his keynote lecture, With a Little Help from NLP: My Roadmap to Social Good, Prof. Ruslan Mitkov from the University of Alicante and Lancaster University presented applications of natural language processing (NLP) in education, translation and support for people with communication difficulties. He noted that automatically generating test questions can be almost four times faster than creating them manually, without compromising quality.

During the session From Detection to Deployment, Prof. Preslav Nakov from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the Qatar Computing Research Institute explored how large language models can be used for automated fact-checking and media content analysis.

GATE experts also shared their practical experience in the field. Stanislav Penkov presented a tool for detecting logical fallacies, while Dobromir Tsolov and Georgi Goranov demonstrated an application for analysing political narratives. Participants emphasised that AI-generated results must be verified and supported by reliable evidence.

Vulnerabilities in Bulgaria’s information environment were the focus of the discussion The Vulnerability Audit. Participants included Dilyana Kirkovska from the Council for Electronic Media, Rositsa Dzhekova from the Center for the Study of Democracy, Nikola Miladinov from the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Iglika Ivanova from GATE and the Coalition for Media Literacy, and Mihail Mishev from GATE. The discussion was moderated by Ruslana Margova from GATE.

Experts discussed declining trust in traditional media, citizens’ disengagement from public debate and polarisation in online spaces. Topics included European media literacy policies and the protection of journalists against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).

The third session, The Manipulation Toolkit, focused on linguistic techniques and information influence strategies, including the use of historical arguments, emotional appeals and linguistic markers of manipulation in online content.

The discussion was moderated by Keith Kiely from GATE and featured Prof. Petya Osenova from Sofia University and the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Devora Kotseva and Todor Kiryakov from Identrics, Rositsa Dzhekova from the Center for the Study of Democracy, and Yana Naydenova and Nevena Grigorova from GATE.

Participants explored ways to automatically detect offensive language using linguistic resources such as HurtLex. Experts stressed that understanding information manipulation requires analysing entire narratives rather than isolated claims.

The fourth session, Inoculate Before Infection, moderated by Iglika Ivanova, focused on prebunking—an approach that prepares people to recognise disinformation before they are misled by it. Discussions covered fact-checking training, educational initiatives for different age groups and the exchange of knowledge between generations.

The concluding discussion examined European regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the AI Act. Participants included Ivo Emanuilov and Mihail Mishev from GATE and Rositsa Dzhekova from the Center for the Study of Democracy, with Keith Kiely as moderator. Key topics included online platforms’ accountability, the protection of freedom of expression and the need for closer cooperation among institutions, technology companies, research organisations and civil society.

Scientists and experts from five continents took part in GeoSofia 2026 – a five-day international scientific forum that brought together three leading conferences in the fields of geoinformation, smart cities and land administration in Sofia.

From 28 September to 2 October, the GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” hosted the 21st International 3D GeoInfo Conference, 10th International Smart Data and Smart Cities Conference (SDSC), and International FIG Workshop on LADM & 3D Land Administration.

The programme featured scientific advances in areas including 3D and 4D modelling, geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI), digital twins, urban mobility, climate and environmental analysis, smart urban infrastructure, cultural heritage, energy efficiency, and geospatial planning and analysis.

Key highlights included applications of artificial intelligence for urban analysis and digital twins, the automated creation and enrichment of 3D city models, and the use of geospatial data to support decision-making.

Particular attention was paid to data quality, security, integration and interoperability, as well as to standards and solutions for land administration.

As part of GeoSofia 2026, the digital twin of Sofia, developed by the GATE Institute in partnership with Sofia Municipality and SofiaPlan, was also presented. The digital twin integrates different sources of urban data and enables the visualisation, analysis and simulation of urban processes and phenomena. Such solutions support institutions in policy planning and assessment, while helping businesses develop services and technologies tailored to citizens’ real needs and contributing to a sustainable urban environment.

The three conferences attracted more than 200 scientific papers with authors from over 60 countries. Together with the reviewers of the scientific publications, the forum brought together the efforts of more than 500 people, with Australia, Germany and the Netherlands among the leading participating countries.

Each of the three forums presented three Best Paper Awards. One paper at each conference also received a special cash prize from MDPI, one of the world’s largest publishers of open-access scientific journals.

The 3D GeoInfo Best Paper Award for the best paper and presentation went to research from HafenCity University, Germany, for its contribution to 3D city modelling using large language and vision models.

The SDSC conference concluded with the Best Paper Award for research from the University of New South Wales, Australia, which presented a study on urban heat risk in Sydney.

At the LADM & 3D LA workshop, the Best Paper Award went to researchers from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, for presenting a concept of a “smart land parcel” in Serbia.

The awards provided a final highlight of the scientific achievements presented during the five-day forum.

The final days of the event also marked the handover of the 3D GeoInfo Conference and Smart Data and Smart Cities Conference to their next host – Morocco. Following Sofia, the two conferences will continue to their next destination, carrying forward the knowledge, ideas and new international connections developed during the forum.

GeoSofia 2026 was organised and hosted by the GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in partnership with Sofia Municipality.

The GATE Institute at Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski” has been awarded the Gold i-Space label by the Big Data Value Association (BDVA), advancing from the Silver level received in 2024.

BDVA i-Spaces (Innovation Spaces) are innovation hubs that combine data, AI technologies, infrastructure, expertise and business support to help organisations—particularly SMEs and start-ups—test, validate and deploy data-driven solutions. They are classified at five maturity levels: Starter, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The Gold label reflects maturity in services, infrastructure, projects, ecosystem impact, sustainability, federation capabilities, and ethics and legal readiness. Gold i-Spaces provide an integrated portfolio covering experimentation, data and AI infrastructure, real-world testing, training, expert consulting, innovation support and access to European networks.

These are also the core services already provided by GATE i-Space through its technology platform, specialist teams, laboratories and partnerships. The Gold label therefore confirms both the quality and maturity of GATE’s existing service portfolio.

GATE joins a highly selective group: only five of Europe’s 33 active labelled i-Spaces hold Gold status.

Gold i-Space services provided by GATE

GATE helps organisations move from an initial data or AI challenge to a validated solution and a credible deployment plan. It delivers the principal Gold i-Space services through its data platform, software tools and innovation facilities: the City Living Lab, the Digital Twin Lab, Data Spaces Lab, the Visualisation Lab, and the Experimental Governance Lab.

• Experimentation and validation: rapid prototyping, test-before-invest activities, pilots and validation of data- and AI-based solutions in controlled and real-world settings.
• Data and AI infrastructure: access to tools and resources covering the full data lifecycle—from collection and structuring to processing, analysis and visualisation.
• Living labs and digital twins: user-centred trials in realistic urban environments, together with modelling, simulation and scenario development.
• Training and expert support: skills development, technical assistance and consulting in data management, AI, data governance and sustainable business models.
• Innovation and partnerships: support for joint projects, international consortia and collaboration among businesses, public authorities, researchers and technology providers.
• European cooperation: access to complementary datasets, facilities, expertise and services through the Federation of i-Spaces.

The Gold recognition comes as Europe’s i-Spaces and data spaces deepen their collaboration. To move beyond pilots, data spaces need participants, trusted governance, viable business models, interoperable technologies, legal guidance and sustainable operational services.

As a Gold i-Space, GATE can provide these services to data-space initiatives. It can support controlled data sharing; train organisations in the data-space model; test and validate components and solutions; advise on governance, legal requirements and business models; and develop or integrate connectors that facilitate onboarding and interoperability.

GATE’s experience in mobility, healthcare and urban development provides a strong basis for sector-specific demonstrations and for transferring reusable solutions between domains. Through the Federation, GATE can also connect Bulgarian SMEs, start-ups and public organisations with partners, expertise and facilities across Europe.

“The Gold i-Space label recognises how far GATE has progressed since receiving Silver status in 2024. More importantly, it confirms that GATE provides the infrastructure, expertise and innovation services expected from a mature Gold i-Space. We will use this capacity to help organisations turn data and AI ideas into solutions with measurable social and economic value.”, said Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of GATE Institute.

The award strengthens GATE’s role as a national and European platform for data-driven innovation and as a driving force in the development of data spaces for mobility, healthcare and urban development.

The international forum GeoSofia 2026 was officially opened today at the GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Running until 2 October, the forum brings together international scientists and researchers, experts in geoinformatics and geospatial technologies, specialists in artificial intelligence and data processing, as well as representatives of universities, research organisations, technology companies and the public sector in Sofia.

GeoSofia 2026 brings together three established international conferences – 21st International 3D GeoInfo Conference, 10th International Smart Data and Smart Cities Conference and International FIG Workshop on LADM & 3D LA. The three scientific communities are placing the development of cities, spatial data, digital twins, 3D and 4D modelling, artificial intelligence and land administration at the centre of their discussions.

“Bringing together in Sofia the participants of the three conferences is particularly significant because their research topics are increasingly interconnected. The challenges cities face today – such as climate change, mobility, the energy transition, governance and infrastructure – cannot be addressed within the boundaries of a single discipline,” said Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of the GATE Institute.

She emphasised that GATE works “at the intersection of scientific research, technological innovation and real-world impact.”

Data as the Foundation for Urban Decision-Making

“There can be no city of the future if governance does not become a flexible, data-driven organisation,” said Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev.

According to him, real data, rather than opinions, should be at the centre of decision-making. Terziev also noted that the work of scientists helps the administration make better decisions and respond to the challenges faced by citizens.

The connection between science and the real-world management of the city is one of the key themes of GeoSofia 2026. Modern technologies make it possible to use the vast amounts of information about mobility, infrastructure, buildings, the environment and land use not only for monitoring, but also for analysis, modelling and exploring different scenarios.

One example is the digital twin of Sofia, being developed by the GATE Institute in partnership with Sofia Municipality and SofiaPlan. The digital environment brings together and visualises information about the city and enables the analysis and simulation of different urban processes and scenarios.

From Mapping to Understanding Urban Processes

“Geospatial technologies have evolved from tools for mapping into a comprehensive scientific environment for observing, modelling and understanding complex geographical processes,” said Prof. Stelian Dimitrov, Vice-Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” for Research, Scientific Projects and Information Activities.

This is also one of the main focuses of the forum – how geospatial technologies, big data and artificial intelligence can contribute to a better understanding of urban processes and help plan their development.

New Ideas Emerge Across Disciplines

“The true value of such a forum does not lie in the number of papers presented, but in the encounters between people. I hope we will remember GeoSofia 2026 not for the number of papers, but for the scientific conversations and connections it created,” said Prof. Dr Desislava Petrova-Antonova, Chair of the forum and Head of the Future Cities Department at the GATE Institute, in her address.

The need for exchange between different scientific communities was also highlighted by Assoc. Prof. Mila Koeva, Deputy Dean for Research at the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation at the University of Twente, the Netherlands, and Secretary of Technical Commission IV of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS).

“Many of today’s geospatial technologies are already moving beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines and require a multidisciplinary approach,” said Assoc. Prof. Koeva. She encouraged participants not to limit themselves to sessions within their own field, but to engage with representatives of other scientific disciplines as well, “to learn from one another and exchange knowledge.”

Five Days of Science, Technology and Cities

Until 2 October, participants in GeoSofia 2026 will discuss the development of 3D geoinformation science and technologies, smart cities, geospatial data analysis, digital twins, sustainable urban development, land administration and 3D cadastral solutions.

The forum brings together technologies and scientific developments that are increasingly shaping the way cities are planned and managed – from modelling the urban environment and infrastructure to using data to analyse urban processes and explore possible scenarios.

The GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is the host of GeoSofia 2026, while Sofia Municipality is a partner of the forum.

Today, cities have access to enormous amounts of data – about the movement of people and vehicles, infrastructure, the environment, buildings, land use…

The next major step is to turn this data into knowledge through simulations of possible solutions and real-time visualizations.

This is precisely the focus of GeoSofia 2026 – exploring how modern technologies can help us not only monitor cities, but also better understand how they function and plan their development based on data.

Key technologies include 3D and 4D modelling, spatial analysis, artificial intelligence, digital twins, 3D cadastral solutions, and smart city platforms.

Sofia already has a concrete example of this approach. The GATE Institute is developing a digital twin of the capital in partnership with Sofia Municipality and SofiaPlan – a digital environment that brings together and visualizes information about the city and enables analysis, simulations, and the study of different urban processes and scenarios.

The question addressed by a digital twin is therefore no longer simply what is happening in the city, but what would happen if we made a particular change.

How would a new traffic organization affect the city? How would an infrastructure project change the surrounding environment? Where are the most vulnerable areas during periods of high temperatures? How can the city be better prepared for natural disasters?

Technology makes it possible to explore some of these scenarios in advance.

Three International Forums – One Common Theme

GeoSofia 2026 brings together three prestigious international scientific conferences:

21st International 3D GeoInfo Conference – 28–29 September, dedicated to the development of 3D geoinformation science and technologies and their application in urban planning, infrastructure management, disaster response, and climate change adaptation.

10th International Smart Data and Smart Cities Conference – 29 September – 1 October, focusing on urban innovation, smart technologies, geospatial data analysis, digital twins, and sustainable urban development.

International FIG Workshop on LADM & 3D LA – 1–2 October, supported by the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), focusing on land administration, 3D modelling of territories, and the development of standards and practical solutions for spatial data.

The three conferences bring together diverse scientific and professional communities around one of the most important questions facing modern cities: how can we use technology to make better decisions for people and the environments in which they live?

Behind the scientific terminology are issues that increasingly affect everyday life:

How will we move around the cities of the future?

How will we adapt to climate change?

How will we plan infrastructure in a rapidly changing urban environment?

How can artificial intelligence and data support decision-making by city authorities?

And how can we use data in a way that ensures technology leads to a genuinely better quality of life?

The connection between scientific research and its real-world application will be one of the highlights of GeoSofia 2026. For five days, Sofia will be a place where science, technology, and real urban challenges come together in a shared conversation – about the cities in which we will live tomorrow.

Heat stress reaches extreme levels. During the heat period studied in 2025, the WBGT index averaged around 32°C across the country – 2°C higher than in 2006, placing it in the “extreme heat stress” category. The UTCI reached 50°C – an increase of nearly 9°C.

The strongest change is observed in the evening. Modelled evening temperatures in 2025 were significantly higher than during the comparison period in 2006. The difference reached +9.5°C in Pleven, +8.5°C in Sofia, and +7.5°C in Plovdiv.

Evening cooling is also slowing down. In 2025, even at 8:00 p.m., the average Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) reached around 45°C – nearly 6°C higher than in 2006. This shows that heated buildings, pavements, and other surfaces continue to release heat even after the hottest part of the day has ended.

The location of a city matters. Cities in the interior of the country show greater differences, while the change is significantly smaller in Varna and Burgas. Maritime influence, local weather conditions, and characteristics of the urban environment are among the factors determining heat stress.

What does this mean for people?

The temperature we see in the weather forecast does not, by itself, show how heat affects the human body. 35°C does not always feel like 35°C. Humidity, wind, direct solar radiation, and heat radiated by buildings and pavements can significantly increase heat stress.

That is why the study uses internationally recognized indices such as WBGT, PET, and UTCI, which combine these factors. WBGT is used to assess risk during outdoor work and sports, PET shows how a person perceives the thermal environment, while UTCI assesses the level of heat stress and the associated health risk.

The results show that heat stress is already reaching extreme categories, making adaptation to heat an increasingly important part of health protection and sustainable urban development.

What can municipalities and institutions do?

The results show that one risk does not mean one solution for all cities. Local data and assessments are needed so that measures can be targeted at the places and people at highest risk.

Recommended measures include heatwave action plans and early warning systems, the creation of cooling centers, cooling systems using dry mist and drinking water stations, increased shading and urban greenery, as well as adapting public buildings through cooling, good ventilation, and external shading.

Maps of areas with high heat risk are also needed, along with adjustments to working hours and outdoor activities during the hottest hours and specific measures for vulnerable groups. Coordination between municipalities, health and social services, employers, and non-governmental organizations is also important.

Local differences are key. Therefore, adaptation to extreme heat must take into account the local climate, urban structure, green spaces, and the way urban areas are used.

The study was led by Dr. Eng. Lidiya Vitanova, a researcher at the GATE Institute and a specialist in urban climate, heat stress, climate modelling, and urban planning.

WBGT – Wet Bulb Globe Temperature – Used primarily to assess heat stress during work and sports.

PET – Physiologically Equivalent Temperature – Shows how the human body perceives the thermal environment.

UTCI – Universal Thermal Climate Index – Assesses thermal comfort, heat stress, and the associated risk.

MRT – Mean Radiant Temperature – Shows the thermal impact of the sun and heated surrounding surfaces on the human body.

This year, the number of scholarships increases from one to two, expanding the opportunities to support the next generation of specialists in artificial intelligence.

The scholarships are available to students admitted to one of the following Master’s programmes at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics: Artificial Intelligence, Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery, Big Data Technologies.

Comprehensive Financial Support for Future AI Talent

Each of the two scholarships provides financial support throughout the full 18-month duration of the eligible Master’s programme.

The indicative total funding available to each scholar is USD 28,695.06.

The scholarship provides support for:

• tuition fees for the Master’s programme;

• housing and living costs;
• academic travel;
• equipment expenses;
• relocation expenses;

• access to AI-related academic conferences.

The comprehensive financial support is designed to enable scholars to focus on their education, academic development and preparation for future careers in artificial intelligence and related fields.

The increase from one to two scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year expands the opportunity for talented students to pursue advanced education in artificial intelligence with comprehensive financial support. Through the programme, Sofia University and GATE Institute contribute to the development of the next generation of AI specialists and support access to high-quality postgraduate education in one of the most important technological fields today.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants for the 2026–2027 Google DeepMind AI Masters Scholarships at Sofia University must meet the following requirements:

• be ordinarily resident in Bulgaria or another European Union Member State;

• have a candidate-student examination success rate of at least 4.50;
• hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall grade of 4.50;
• apply for and be admitted to one of the eligible Master’s programmes at Sofia University for the 2026–2027 academic year:
  • Artificial Intelligence;
  • Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery;
  • Big Data Technologies;

• meet the scholarship programme’s financial eligibility criteria.

Financial eligibility will be assessed based on the applicant’s total family income divided by the number of household members. The resulting income per household member must be below the minimum salary level in Bulgaria as of 1 January 2026.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their applications for the Google DeepMind AI Masters Scholarships by 09 October 2026.

Applications should be submitted through https://forms.gle/jL1Qk8wwzouLdwx56

Applicants are required to provide:

• a completed application form;

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• motivation letter;
• Bachelor’s degree diploma and/or other documentation demonstrating academic performance;
• documents required to verify financial eligibility;
• proof of application to or admission to one of the eligible Master’s programmes;
• Additional documents, if applicable.

Only complete applications submitted within the announced deadline will be considered.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel including professors from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University and representatives of GATE Institute.

The selection process will include:

• verification that applicants meet the eligibility requirements;

• review of the submitted supporting documents;
• assessment of academic performance;
• evaluation of the applicant’s motivation, qualifications and experience presented in the application, motivation letter and CV;
• verification of financial eligibility.

Following the evaluation process, two scholars and one waitlist candidate will be selected.

The final selection and nomination decision for the Google DeepMind AI Masters Scholarships will be completed by 31 October 2026.

Important Dates

Applications open: 07 July 2026

Application deadline: 09 October 2026

Admission examinations / admission to the eligible Master’s programmes: Follow the official FMI website

Final selection and nomination of scholars: By 31 October 2026

Beginning of the academic year: October 2026

About the Google DeepMind AI Masters Scholarships

Since 2017, Google DeepMind has provided scholarship funding to universities around the world to support their efforts to bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the fields of artificial intelligence and computer science.

Over the years, the programme has expanded internationally and supported universities and scholars in Bulgaria, Colombia, Greece, Poland, Romania, South Africa and Turkey, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and France.

Study and Develop Your Potential in GATE’s Research Environment

As Bulgaria’s first Centre of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, GATE Institute brings together researchers, students, industry, public institutions and international partners to develop data-driven technologies and solutions addressing real-world societal and economic challenges.

Students have the opportunity to study and develop their skills in an interdisciplinary research environment and gain exposure to research and innovation activities in artificial intelligence, Big Data, machine learning and related technologies.

Take the Next Step Towards a Future in AI

Apply here: https://forms.gle/jL1Qk8wwzouLdwx56

For additional information: career@gate-ai.eu

The award-winning research was developed within the Reliable Computational Modeling Research Group at the GATE Institute and addresses one of the fundamental challenges of modern engineering simulations: how to assess and ensure their reliability when supporting real-world decision-making related to urban environments, infrastructure, air quality, and building design.

Although often overlooked by the general public, the validation and accuracy assessment of computational models are essential prerequisites for developing reliable digital tools capable of supporting the creation of safer, more sustainable, and healthier urban spaces.

This distinction is yet another testament to the high quality of the research conducted at the GATE Institute and to the growing international recognition of the Bulgarian scientific community in the fields of digital technologies and engineering sciences.

About Radostin Mitkov

Radostin Mitkov is a researcher at the GATE Institute – the first Center of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Eastern Europe. He is a member of the Institute’s Reliable Computational Modeling Research Group. For many years, he has also worked with the Cities of the Future team, which developed one of Bulgaria’s most innovative projects – the Digital Twin of Sofia.

His primary research focus is the study of wind effects and pollutant dispersion in urban environments using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This approach helps researchers understand how air “breathes” between buildings, how pollutants accumulate or disperse, and how cities can be planned to become healthier and more comfortable places for their residents.

Before joining GATE, Radostin earned a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom, where his passion for aerodynamics first emerged. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” under the supervision of Prof. Dessislava Petrova-Antonova and Prof. Andreas Mark from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.

Radostin is involved in the development of a tool for simulating urban wind conditions that will help architects and urban planners predict potential wind accelerations and turbulence before new buildings are constructed.

He participates in several international research projects and, in 2024, secured funding through the national programme “Young Scientists and Postdoctoral Researchers – 2” for his project focused on using CFD and machine learning to analyze urban microclimates and pollution.

In 2025, Radostin completed a research specialization at the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (Belgium), one of the world’s leading institutions in aerodynamics and fluid mechanics. There, he worked on projects investigating urban wind processes, combining artificial intelligence and computational simulations to enable faster and more accurate analyses. The Von Karman Institute has long collaborated with leading aviation and aerospace companies in the development of aircraft engines, drones, and satellites, placing Radostin’s research within the framework of the highest international standards in engineering science.

The GATE Institute congratulates Radostin Mitkov on this well-deserved achievement and wishes him continued success in his scientific career.