Prof. Dr. Dobri Yarkov has been the Rector of Trakia University - Stara Zagora since 2019, a visionary and prominent leader in contemporary Bulgarian higher education. As a scientist, he has devoted over four decades to research and teaching in the field of animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture, passing through all academic levels - from assistant professor to professor and rector. Having twice specialized in the USA and been awarded prestigious national awards, Prof. Yarkov is the winner of the "Veterinarian of the Year - 2023" award and the "Stara Zagora" award for contribution to science and education. He is a member of the Council of Rectors and the Advisory Board for the European Green Deal at the Council of Ministers, as well as a project leader funded by Horizon Europe and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Under his leadership the University has established itself as a centre of academic innovation, interdisciplinary dialogue and international cooperation.