Status and Problems of the Bulgarian Science Fund (1990-2011)

The article describes the establishment and development of the Bulgarian Science Fund (1990-2011). In this development three main periods could be recognized. In the first stage research projects in the basic scientific areas were financed in a modest way. The second stage was marked by the Act for research promotion in Bulgaria (2003). A criticism of that law is presented. In 2008 and 2009 the Fund had an increased budget but poor practices compromised the implementation of the announced competitive sessions. The reasons for failure are analyzed.