The “Big Data for Smart Society” Institute became part of the initiative “Ambassador for a day” of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel.
The director of GATE Prof. Silvia Ilieva welcomed and introduced H.E. Andrea Ikic-Böhm to the activities of the prestigious scientific organization and its developments in the field of big data and artificial intelligence.
The Austrian Ambassador was accompanied by Zvezdelina Kaludova, a participant in the “Ambassador for a Day” initiative. Prof. Ilieva presented the potential of the modern research infrastructure, part of the GATE’s new high-tech building. Her Excellency Ikic-Böhm has been impressed by the GATE’s pilot project “City Digital Twin” that creates a 3D model of the city of Sofia, and has pointed out that this is an area of potential collaboration with Vienna, which is building a “smart” city model as well. She also pointed out that Austria is the second largest investor in Bulgaria and is interested in the possibilities of strengthening the cooperation between the two countries in the development of innovations.
“I am impressed with what GATE is doing. The relationship between our two countries not only has a rich history, but we are also looking to the future,” said Ambassador Ikic-Böhm.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a successful person and to meet people like you,” shared Zvezdelina Kaludova. She graduated with a degree in “European Studies” from the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and is now doing a master’s degree in European projects. With a sccessful essay on “Women in Diplomacy” she joined the initiative “Ambassador for a day” and was matched with H.E. Andrea Ikic-Böhm, from whom she learns the ins and outs of diplomacy.