Bulgarian scientist Dr. Vladimir Kefalov has been awarded a prestigious alumni prize by Boston University’s Graduate Medical Sciences Faculty, the Bulgarian Consulate in Los Angeles announced on Facebook, cited by BTA.

“This recognition by Boston University celebrates not only his outstanding scientific achievements, but also the strong connection he maintains with Bulgaria,” said the diplomatic mission, adding that Dr. Kefalov’s example inspires new generations of Bulgarian scientists and innovators.

Dr Kefalov earned his PhD in cellular biophysics at Boston University in 1999, followed by neuroscience training at Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on fundamental processes in the light-sensitive cells of the eye.

He is currently a professor of ophthalmology and physiology and biophysics at the University of California, Irvine, where he holds the Allergan Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology and serves as associate chair for research in the Department of Ophthalmology.

He is recognised internationally as a leading electrophysiologist in vision research. He has received awards from the Alcon Research Institute’s Research to Prevent Blindness programme, and has been named the recipient of the Bressler Prize in Vision Science by Lighthouse Guild.

He has authored over 100 publications in journals such as Nature, Neuron, Current Biology, PNAS and eLife.