The National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2005–2011

The article examines various aspects of the activities of the National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences during the period 2005–2011, most of which was under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr Alexi Popov. It presents the main scientific achievements, public events, as well as the Museum’s exhibition, collection management, publishing, expeditionary, and educational activities. The principal difficulties faced by the Museum’s management and staff are analysed, and specific issues are discussed whose resolution has contributed to the institution’s positive development in recent years. Particular attention is paid to the reform of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 2009–2010, with special emphasis on its impact on the National Museum of Natural History and its activities.