Dr. Hristo Hristov, Assist. Prof.
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/nat2023-1.01
Absract. Since 2019, IUPAC has nominated the “Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry”, highlighting the impact of chemistry on overall life and looking to the future. These technologies have the potential to change the world for the better, contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of our planet and society. Examples include RNA vaccines and rapid tests, biosensors and sonochemical coatings, artificial intelligence and nanopesticides, and many other well-established commercial products that have completely renewed our society. Emphasizing the great importance of chemistry for the creation of new materials and technologies inspires the new generation of young scientists for creativity, research, finding solutions. The creation of new advanced technologies requires a resource of well-educated and trained specialists in the field of natural sciences. Along with the emerging technologies in chemistry, the following negative trends are observed in Bulgarian school education: – reduced interest in studying chemistry; a smaller number of high school graduates choose the state exam in natural sciences; there is no echo of emerging technologies in chemistry and they are out of sight of students. There are also negative aspects in university education, as about 25% of initially enrolled students manage to complete their higher education. The reasons for these phenomena are complex – difficulties in understanding the material, lack of motivation, poor teaching and more. Every teacher can think about this, but the connection between chemistry education and new technologies is more than clear.
Keywords: science education; emerging technologies in chemistry; marketing forecasts; growth rate; annual net income