Present state of knowledge in the field, significance and objectives of the joint research:
      The innovation and development of new technologies in training: computer-based training (CBT) and open distance learning (ODL) enable guidance and conductance of the teaching process by distinguished scientists and specialists, who are not directly involved in education.
       At present, several distinguished scientists with expertise in different fields of science, who have the ability to develop and implement new forms of education in accordance with the high pace of scientific advances, are concentrated at the BAS.
       The introduction of new attractive programs, innovative forms and methods of training based on the recent developments and scieitfic achevements in collaboration with BAS is one of the main objectives of the policy of UM - Pleven, starting with the implementation of this process in the Biomedical sciences.
       The collaboration in research between UM - Pleven and ULB, where the integration of the educational activities has already been established, is expected to result in effective and rapid improvements in the quality of the educational process as it will be based on ULB's experience in the field.
       The Aim of the Project is the creation of collaboration teams and a network between IBF-BAS, ULB and UM - Pleven for development of new programmes and interdisciplinary courses in biomedical sciences, with implementation of modern educational technologies.

Background of cooperation and envisaged results and benefit:

1. Highly qualified scientists at the BAS, who are not currently engaged with teaching and who are not experienced in the design of training programs, will be easily integrated into the educational process.
2. ULB has an excellent expertise in the field of education, and in scientific research as well.
3. A long-term scientific collaboration has been established between the Institute of Biophysics of BAS and UM-Pleven, which has resulted in joint publications in international journals (e.g., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1297:171,1996; Biophys. Chem. 83:185, 2000) and participations in international meetings (11th Balkan Biochemical & Biophysical Days, Thessaloniki, 1997; 2nd International Conference on Applications of Biocalorimetry, Halle, 1999).
4. UM-Pleven is a partner of ULB in the field of education and in the development of new sophisticated teaching methods and training products under the framework of the EU Programs - Leonardo and Socrates. Two projects in the field of biomedical sciences were introduced, concerning pathological biochemistry, molecular biology and analytical biochemistry. Student exchanges between the two medical schools were realised under the framework of Socrates Program.
5. UM-Pleven needs to introduce and implement new modern study courses and programs, but lacks the necessary highly specialised teaching staff as that of the Institute of Biophysics of BAS, and the experience in innovative educational methods as that of ULB.

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Expected outcomes:

1. Partnership between the three Institutions for designing modern programs involving new training technologies (CBT and ODL) as well as elaborating new interdisciplinary courses.
2. Collaboration in the development of Master degree programs such as: BioInformatics; Bioengineering: Artificial organs and Biomechanics; Biochemistry of Nutrition.
3. Involving ULB in the scientific collaboration between the Institute of Biophysics of BAS and UM-Pleven on thermodynamic and physico-chemical studies of collagen.

Relation to other projects (partners, titles, duration, and funding):

• ULB and UM-Pleven, Student exchanges, 3 years, Socrates
• ULB, UM-Pleven and Bonn University, JCD- Pathobiochemistry: New trends, 3 years. Socrates (submitted)
• ULB, UM-Pleven and Bonn University, "Improving practical skills in molecular biology and analytical biochemistry in medical training", 3 years, Leonardo, (submitted)

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Research partners: