The theme of the conference "Loesfest 2026" corresponds to the following specific objectives of the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific Research in Bulgaria 2017-2030: improving life - environmental protection, cultural and historical heritage and national identity. The scientific focus of the conference is Earth sciences, but also includes topics related to humanities (archaeology) and agricultural sciences. This multidisciplinary nature is determined by the importance of loess landscapes as natural phenomena and their role as a parent material for the development of Chernozems /the most fertile soils/, as well as preservation of Paleolithic and Neolithic settlements. The organization of the forum, in which a large number of foreign scientists expressed interest to participate, will allow to significantly increase the importance of the topic at national level, will provide an opportunity for direct scientific contacts of the Bulgarian participants with leading scientists in this field. The target group are researchers, young scientists and PhDs from universities, institutes of the Bulg. Acad.Sci. and other institutions where research related to the Quaternary loess deposits and their archaeological and cultural-historical value is being developed. The goals to be achieved are: 1) popularization and international visibility of the results of loess research in Bulgaria and the related socially significant trends in sustainable agriculture and geotourism, 2) establishment of new international partnerships for successful project funding, 3) increasing the attractiveness of loess-related science for PhDs and young scientists. Expected results: strengthening international contacts of Bulgarian scientists, publication of results in international indexed journals. The main activities are related to organizing the event, organizing the field seminar, participation in the scientific committee of the conference, planning and organizing the sessions.
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