Medical University – Pleven: Key Achievements and Development in 2025

2025 was a year of clearly defined growth for one of our members - Medical University - Pleven, during which the institution achieved significant results in education, research, and international activities. Over the past year, the university expanded its academic profile, invested in digital and educational technologies, and further strengthened its role as a leading educational and research center with impact beyond the regional level.

In an interview with Darik Radio, reflecting on the year’s achievements, the Rector of the university, Prof. Dobromir Dimitrov, MD, PhD, highlighted several key milestones that outline the institution’s strategic direction. According to him, the results achieved in 2025 are the outcome of consistent efforts by the academic leadership and the entire university community, as well as clearly defined priorities in education, research, and international cooperation.

Digital Solutions and Modernization of the Learning Process

In 2025, Medical University - Pleven took concrete steps to modernize its learning environment and improve the student experience. Among these was the development and launch of the “Studentnik” (Students Buddy) mobile application, designed to provide easier access to information and more efficient communication between students and the university.

During the same period, the university also expanded its laboratory infrastructure through the introduction of augmented and virtual reality–based training, implemented in collaboration with another member of our community, Omega Group (read more HERE). The new system includes 20 VR headsets and enables work with over 13,000 anatomical structures, visualized in detail that cannot be demonstrated in a traditional learning environment.

The system supports multiple learning modes, including AR and VR, work with microstructures, and collaborative sessions with up to 100 participants in real time. In addition, it enables training based on real clinical cases and supports preoperative preparation, bringing academic education closer to real-world medical practice.

Expanding the Academic Profile: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

One of the most significant milestones for the university in 2025 was the establishment of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, through which Medical University - Pleven expanded its range of academic programs and further strengthened its multidisciplinary profile.

In October 2025, the university also launched a project for the construction of a new faculty complex, which will include a small animal clinic, an academic building with modern teaching facilities, a dean’s office building, as well as public and green spaces. During the 2025/2026 academic year, the first cohort of 40 students in Veterinary Medicine began their studies.

With this step, Medical University - Pleven is established as the only higher education institution in Bulgaria that integrates human medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy, creating strong foundations for interdisciplinary research and development activities.

A University with International Presence and a Strong Academic Community

Currently, Medical University - Pleven educates more than 4,000 students, approximately 1,250 of whom are international students. The total number of staff across the university and the university hospital exceeds 2,000 people. These figures reflect stable development and a growing international presence.

The Rector emphasizes that behind all achieved results stands the work of the entire academic and administrative team - a factor that remains central to the institution’s future development.

As a member of the Digital Health and Innovation Cluster Bulgaria, Medical University - Pleven is an example of an institution that consistently develops its educational and research activities while investing in modern technologies and interdisciplinary models.

The Cluster congratulates the leadership and the entire team of Medical University - Pleven on the results achieved in 2025 and will continue to support the university as part of the broader ecosystem for digital health, education, and innovation.

Listen to the full interview HERE.