A symposium on scientific research into aspects of human health in Antarctic conditions was held at NSA

On November 28, 2024, the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski" hosted the scientific symposium "One Environment – One Health: The Specific Conditions of Antarctica – Ecological Changes and Human Adaptation." The forum was jointly organized by NSA "Vasil Levski" and the National Center for Polar Studies at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski."

The event was officially opened by Prof. Albena Aleksandrova, Head of the Center for Scientific and Applied Activities at NSA, who outlined the symposium's goals: to summarize scientific research and achievements of scholars studying aspects of human health as a result of the body's adaptation to Antarctica's specific conditions, and to highlight innovative and intriguing approaches to be implemented in future studies of the human body.

The Rector of the National Sports Academy, Prof. Krasimir Petkov, addressed the participants, stating, "I feel proud and connected to this symposium, as the National Sports Academy is part of the team that creates this scientific knowledge." Prof. Petkov expressed confidence that the Antarctic research conducted would have broad practical applications.

Dragomir Mateev, Deputy Director of the National Center for Polar Studies, also addressed the forum, emphasizing the contribution of scientists and faculty from the National Sports Academy to the extensive research work related to Antarctic expeditions. He expressed gratitude to the Academy's leadership for the fruitful collaboration, which has continued for over a decade.

The symposium's scientific program introduced a new field in Bulgarian Antarctic science—studies of human health and adaptation during Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions. These studies are based on the innovative concept of holistic medicine, "One Health."

Renowned Bulgarian scientists and researchers presented findings on environmental changes in Antarctica and the impact of its specific conditions on various health aspects of participants in Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions.