Prof. Pimpirev, Head of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute for the 27th Expedition to the southern- most Continent, comments on the Bulgarian presence there
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Prof. Hristo Pimpirev is one of the most prominent Bulgarian scientists, geologists and researchers, the man who first hoisted the Bulgarian flag on the South Pole in January 2013. This is Professor Pimpirev’s 27th expedition and, although nothing compares to the first, he still thinks of Antarctica as if it were another planet and, in some ways, comparable to Mars.
This year the Bulgarian mission is leaving with a very serious scientific program, which has been evaluated by a committee of scientists used to working in polar regions. The projects are divided into two main groups, one of which is biological since Antarctica has a unique plant and animal world. Its conditions are exceptional and organisms inhabiting the area are naturally very specific to the place. New species and families can be discovered for science. There are micro-organisms from which enzymes can be extracted and then used in cancer-fighting drugs.
“Antarctica is the world’s largest polar lab, and I am proud that Bulgaria has its place there with its polar base. I am also proud that it is an attractive place for scientists from all over the world,” Prof. Pimpirev said.
Carrying out scientific work is expensive but Bulgarian scientists do it in as cost-effective way as possible because they try to find resources from anywhere. The expedition will comprise 25 people this year. The personnel will rotate and then the first logisticians will go to the base because its condition after each winter season can never be guaranteed.
In terms of national self-esteem, the Bulgarian presence on the continent is not only a matter of national pride but of extreme importance for the future. Bulgaria has embarked upon a study of a continent that solves the mysteries of all mankind, Prof. Pimpirev says. Science is always a process of cumulative steps until a major discovery is made and the professor hopes that the first Bulgarian Nobel laureate will be for a discovery made in Antarctica.
The whole conversation with Prof. Pimpirev in the show Plus – Minus, The commentary after the news of Vladimir Sirkarov and Kuzman Iliev on Nova TV you can hear on