Velislava Lyubenova is a distinguished Bulgarian researcher and professor with over 30 years of experience in biotechnological process control, mechatronics, and adaptive systems. She currently serves as the Head of the Mechatronic Bio/technological Systems Section at the Institute of Robotics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), and has held various academic and leadership roles across BAS institutions. She has led more than 10 national and international research projects, participated in numerous European programs, and supervised several PhD students. With over 200 scientific publications, many in high-impact journals, and invited lectures delivered at leading international institutions, she is widely recognized for her scientific contributions. Her expertise includes the development of innovative monitoring and control systems using tools like MATLAB and LABVIEW. An awardee of the “Marin Drinov” prize for young scientists, Lyubenova is also actively involved in academic governance, expert committees, and editorial boards, reflecting her deep commitment to scientific advancement and education.
Professional Profile
Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile
Education
Velislava Lyubenova holds a strong academic background in technical sciences and engineering. She earned her engineering degree in Radio Electronics from the Technical University of Sofia, followed by a Ph.D. in Automation with a dissertation focused on parameter estimation and biotechnological process monitoring. Her academic journey culminated with a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree from the Institute of System Engineering and Robotics (ISIR) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), specializing in adaptive control and modeling of complex biotechnological systems. Her education blends deep technical knowledge with applied research capabilities, laying the foundation for a career in both theoretical and experimental domains. Her academic formation reflects a continuous pursuit of knowledge and specialization in interdisciplinary areas, preparing her to work across the fields of electronics, biotechnology, and control systems. This educational path has also enabled her to contribute to curriculum development and mentor future generations of researchers in her field.
Professional Experience
Professor Velislava Lyubenova has built a prolific career at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, progressing from a research fellow to a professor and head of department at the Institute of Robotics. Her early work in adaptive and robust control systems evolved into specialized research in bioengineering and mechatronic systems for biotechnology. She has served as Scientific Secretary at IR-BAS and has been a key figure in national expert commissions and scientific councils. Over her career, she has led and coordinated numerous national and international research projects, many involving cross-disciplinary collaboration. Her leadership roles include project management, supervision of PhD students, and delivery of advanced lecture courses. She also coordinates Erasmus programs and plays a pivotal role in academic exchange and cooperation. Her professional trajectory showcases a blend of scientific innovation, team leadership, and academic mentorship, making her a respected figure in both the Bulgarian and broader European research communities.
Research Interest
Velislava Lyubenova’s research is deeply rooted in the interdisciplinary fields of bioengineering, automation, and mechatronics. Her primary interest lies in the modeling, monitoring, and adaptive control of biotechnological processes, where she develops innovative methodologies to improve efficiency and reliability. She integrates control theory with practical applications using environments like MATLAB and LABVIEW, creating real-time monitoring systems that bridge theoretical concepts with industrial needs. Her work often addresses complex system dynamics in bioprocesses and seeks to optimize process performance through intelligent control algorithms. Additionally, she explores knowledge-based and adaptive systems that contribute to the advancement of next-generation biotechnological platforms. Her collaborative research also extends into European Union projects, educational initiatives, and technology transfer programs, reflecting a holistic approach to scientific inquiry. With a strong focus on experimental validation, her research continues to influence the development of advanced technologies in the fields of bioprocess engineering and industrial automation.
Award and Honor
Throughout her distinguished career, Velislava Lyubenova has received notable recognition for her contributions to science and research. A significant early milestone was her receipt of the “Marin Drinov” Young Scientist Award from the General Assembly of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 1998—an honor bestowed upon promising researchers demonstrating exceptional scientific potential. She has also been invited to deliver over 15 specialized lectures at prestigious institutions abroad and six within Bulgaria, signifying her international recognition as a subject-matter expert. Her active involvement in over 30 international and national conferences further underscores her scientific engagement. Beyond individual accolades, her roles as a reviewer, jury member, editorial board member, and lecturer reflect a broader institutional and peer recognition of her expertise. These honors represent both her academic excellence and leadership in advancing science and education, and they demonstrate her lasting impact on the Bulgarian and global research landscape.
Conclusion
Velislava Lyubenova stands out as an accomplished and influential researcher in the fields of biotechnological systems and automation. Her extensive education, progressive professional experience, and leadership in multidisciplinary research projects position her as a key contributor to both national and international scientific advancement. Her ability to combine theoretical models with practical applications, mentor young scientists, and contribute to global academic forums speaks to her depth of expertise and dedication. She has earned peer and institutional recognition for her scientific work, making her a respected leader in her field. Her over 200 publications, contributions to prestigious journals, and active engagement in scientific committees demonstrate both productivity and academic integrity. With a strong foundation in research and innovation, and an enduring commitment to education and collaboration, Velislava Lyubenova is exceptionally well-qualified for honors such as the Best Researcher Award. Her career reflects a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of scientific excellence and societal impact.
Publications Top Notes
-
Title: Indirect adaptive linearizing control of a class of bioprocesses–Estimator tuning procedure
Authors: MN Ignatova, VN Lyubenova, MR García, C Vilas, AA Alonso
Year: 2008
Citations: 31
-
Title: Kinetic characteristics of alcohol fermentation in brewing: state of art and control of the fermentation process
Authors: V Shopska, R Denkova, V Lyubenova, G Kostov
Year: 2019
Citations: 21
-
Title: Adaptive control of fed-batch process for poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate production by mixed culture
Authors: M Ignatova, V Lyubenova
Year: 2007
Citations: 16
-
Title: Control of biotechnological processes-new formalization of kinetics: Theoretical aspects and applications
Authors: M Ignatova, V Lyubenova
Year: 2011
Citations: 15
-
Title: Model-based monitoring of biotechnological processes—a review
Authors: V Lyubenova, G Kostov, R Denkova-Kostova
Year: 2021
Citations: 12
-
Title: Adaptive control of the Simultaneous Saccharification—Fermentation Process from Starch to Ethanol
Authors: S Ochoa, V Lyubenova, JU Repke, M Ignatova, G Wozny
Year: 2008
Citations: 12
-
Title: An efficient hybrid of an ant lion optimizer and genetic algorithm for a model parameter identification problem
Authors: O Roeva, D Zoteva, G Roeva, V Lyubenova
Year: 2023
Citations: 11
-
Title: Control of one stage bio ethanol production by recombinant strain
Authors: V Lyubenova, S Ochoa, J Repke, M Ignatova, G Wozny
Year: 2007
Citations: 11
-
Title: Escherichia coli Cultivation Process Modelling Using ABC-GA Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: O Roeva, D Zoteva, V Lyubenova
Year: 2021
Citations: 10
-
Title: Reaction rate estimators of fed-batch process for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by mixed culture
Authors: V Lyubenova, M Ignatova, M Novak, T Patarinska
Year: 2007
Citations: 10
-
Title: Dynamics Monitoring of Fed-batch E. coli Fermentation
Authors: A Zlatkova, V Lyubenova
Year: 2017
Citations: 8
-
Title: Encapsulation of brewing yeast in alginate/chitosan matrix: Kinetic characteristics of the fermentation process at a constant fermentation temperature
Authors: I Petelkov, V Lyubenova, A Zlatkova, V Shopska, R Denkova, M Kaneva, …
Year: 2016
Citations: 8
-
Title: On-line estimation in a distributed parameter bioreactor: Application to the Gluconic Acid production
Authors: MR García, C Vilas, E Balsa-Canto, VN Lyubenova, MN Ignatova, …
Year: 2011
Citations: 8
-
Title: Metaheuristic algorithms: theory and applications
Authors: S Ribagin, V Lyubenova
Year: 2021
Citations: 7
-
Title: CASCADE SENSOR FOR MONITORING OF DENITRIFICATION IN ACTIVATED SLUDGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS
Authors: V Lyubenova, M Ignatova
Year: 2011
Citations: 7