In 2006, Sofia University (K-TRIO coordinator) as EURAXESS bridgehead organisation involved the newly established Bulgarian network in the first Researchers Night. Since then, it organised 14 European Researchers Nights, and attracted several new partners from education, research and industry. The overall K-TRIO objective coincides with the goal of the MSCA & Citizens action: "to bring research and researchers closer to the public at large, to increase the awareness of research and innovation activities and to boost public recognition of science and research education", and “to show the role of researchers for science and economy, as well as the impact of researchers’ work on citizens’ daily lives”. The strategic long-term objectives are: fostering the interest of young talents to STEAM and research career, nurturing a new culture of creativity, scientific curiosity, innovative spirit and responsibility to environmental preservation, as well as enhancing the public readiness to engage in Citizens Science, Open Science and Open Innovation activities. The Consortium will pay due attention in all pre-events and 2022-23 ERNs on the importance of the ERA and EEA, and their synergy, for the European recovery, dual transformation and knowledge-based growth. The project will create greater understanding on EU policy, and how R&I contribute for well-being of people and sustainable development, and highlight the common European efforts for bridging global challenges, building Green Economy and Digital Single market, Smart Cities and Smart Factories, and take full advantage of Clean Technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, BIG Data and Cloud computing. The R&I role in resolving present COVID crises will be also highlighted. The already established networking with teachers, schools and STEM centres will become well-structured, and will integrate many researchers in mentoring of students or events in secondary schools and partners universities.

Since 2006, members of EURAXESS Bulgaria have organized 13 European Researchers Nights (ERN), and have attracted several new consortium members with different profiles - universities, research institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs. Based on past experience, the main goal of Researchers in the Knowledge Triangle (K-TRIO 5) project is to bring researchers closer to society, attract young people to STEM and boost Citizens Science. The project will contribute for increasing the number of researchers in Bulgaria by making the society, and young people, aware of excellent European achievements in research and innovation (R&I), and of the Centers of Excellence (CoE) and Centers of Competence and their contribution to green, smart and sustainable regional development. In 2020 the consortium made several steps for changing stereotypes and nurturing a new culture in R&I, and making young people aware of the multiple career paths of researchers (incl. MSC fellows), best-practice examples of researchers achievements, and research infrastructure in Bulgaria. Special emphasis will be made on European policy and on funding for R&I provided by EU RTD programs and Structural Funds. With a large variety of pre-events, online activities and 2-days ERN events in many Bulgarian cities, the project will create greater understanding on how R&I contribute to well-being of people and sustainable development, and highlight the common European efforts for Green and Digital transformation, building Smart Cities, and taking full advantage of BIG Data, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud computing. With the involvement of all CoE UNITe partners, and their large network, in addition to EURAXESS Bulgaria, K-TRIO 5 will cover all Bulgarian regions. Forum Science will guide a professional science communication, and ensure greater visibility of project activities.