Gentlemen:
In May of 2009, I had an opportunity to visit the Institute of
General and Inorganic Chemistry at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (B.
A. S.). There I presented a lecture on my current research results to
researchers from that Institute, from elsewhere in the B. A. S., and
from Sofia University. The audience was large, listened attentively,
and asked good questions afterward. Some attendees were more familiar
with my older work than I was! I am not often treated to such an
audience because my work is somewhat advanced and not too many people
can understand it. I was impressed with the quality of science in
Bulgaria, a small country that had gained its independence only twenty
years earlier. I have had a high opinion of Bulgaria's research
standards ever since, and have spoken about it internationally. I have
been expecting, with this strong base, that science in Bulgaria would
get better and better in future years.
I agreed to visit Bulgaria because I knew of the work of
XXXXXX and XXXXXX, whom I have
referenced in my own publications. Dr. XXXXX had won a grant a
number of years ago from the U.S. government to visit institutions in
the U.S. He visited my laboratory at that time and gave an excellent
presentation of his results, which were detailed and showed no
inconsistency with those from my laboratory, allowing us to learn from
him. I know Prof. XXXXX to be an excellent quantum chemist from his
calculations relating to the properties of zeolite catalysts; others in
my department know of his work and he is respected in the U.S. and
worldwide. These are world class scientists whose work deserves the
support of their government, for the advancement of Bulgaria.
XXXXXXX
Please continue to support science in Bulgaria. Your scientists
are creating a strong international reputation for your small country,
and are providing a base for your nation's growth, both for your
industry and for your scientific future.
Sincerely,
Karl Seff
Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
University of Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2275
U. S. A.