In Memoriam – Academician Alexander Petrov

We mourn the passing of Academician Alexander Georgiev Petrov, a prominent Bulgarian physicist, born on May 27, 1948, in Stara Zagora. Graduating in Physics from Sofia University in 1970, he began his distinguished career at the Institute of Solid State Physics, earning a Doctorate in Physical Sciences in 1987 and being elected as an Academician in 2003.

Academic life

Academician Petrov was internationally recognized for his work in liquid crystal physics and the physics of living matter. His research in thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals, biological membranes, and their applications in optoelectronics and nanotechnology marked significant advancements in these fields. He authored over 150 scientific papers and three monographs, receiving prestigious awards, including the BAS "Acad. Georgi Nadjakov" Award.

In addition to his research, Petrov led numerous national and international projects and served as the head of the Biomolecular Layers Laboratory and Director of the Institute of Solid State Physics. He held leadership roles in various scientific organizations, including President of the Bulgarian Liquid Crystal Society and the Balkan Physical Union.

Recognitions and contributions

Academician Petrov's contributions earned him numerous honors, including the Frederiks Medal from the Russian Liquid Crystal Society and Bulgaria’s highest scientific honor, the "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" Necklace. Between 2006 – 2020 he had multiple nominations for the Noble Prize in Physics.

Impact on the Foundation

He started the Aleksander Foundation together with his son Alek Petrov in 2005, supporting over the next 20 years the Bulgarian University Education.  

With his passing, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Aleksander Foundation has lost a distinguished figure, whose legacy will continue to inspire.