News - USA, New York, Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria

On June 6, the Consulate General of Bulgaria in New York hosted the inauguration of a library dedicated to the memory of Professor Dragomir Radev, a Yale University professor of computer science, world-renowned expert in artificial intelligence, and co-founder of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University.

The event brought together family members, friends, colleagues, and former students of Professor Radev, who gathered to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and achievements. Several members of the community who had been close to Professor Radev delivered remarks, including his wife, Assia Radeva of Columbia University, and Diko Mihov, co-founder of the American Foundation for Bulgaria and one of the most generous supporters of Bulgarian culture and education. Special appreciation was expressed to Consul General Angel Angelov for his outstanding cooperation and commitment to promoting the achievements of Bulgarian science and culture.

Joining via video link from Zurich, Professor Martin Vechev, founder of INSAIT, spoke about Professor Radev’s pivotal role in establishing the Institute and his dedication to the vision of positioning Bulgaria as a global center for research and innovation in artificial intelligence.

In his remarks, the Consul General noted that the new library would serve as a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge, education, and scientific excellence—values that Professor Radev embodied throughout his life. He also pledged to promote the legacy of the distinguished Bulgarian scholar among the thousands of young people who attend events at the Consulate each year. It was also shared that the initiative was the result of nearly seven months of collaboration between Assia Radeva, Elisaveta Mihov of the American Foundation for Bulgaria, and the Consulate General.

The program featured piano performances by Max Mihov and Fraser Weist. Following the official ceremony, guests continued to share memories and reflections on Professor Radev’s life, accomplishments, and inspiring personality.

Professor Radev’s family donated a selection of books from his personal library to the Consulate, where they will be available to visitors. In addition, more than fifty Bulgarian-language books were contributed to the Consulate’s “Take a Book, Leave a Book” library, which was established nearly four years ago.