The modern coding theory is characterized with broadening theoretical background (algebraic geometry, quantum theory, commutative algebra, finite geometry, combinatorics) and increasing importance and interest from the innovation sector. The investigations in Coding theory, an important field in Bulgarian mathematics, were initiated by Academician Stefan Dodunekov (1945-2012) in 1970’s and the Bulgarian contributions are recognized worldwide in the present times.

Cooperation between Bulgarian and Russian, then Soviet, coding theorists started in 1980’s. As a natural development, a joint conference, called Algebraic and Combinatorial Theory (ACCT) was established in 1988 and organized biannually until 2020. In the 17 editions of ACCT, over 850 talks were presented by mathematicians from over 30 countries, many joint projects were started, and other conferences took inspiration and model.