Boris Kovatchev

Boris Kovatchev is a Professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and holds a courtesy appointment at the School of Data Science. He is the Madge M. Jones Professor of Diabetes and the founding director of the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology, where he leads pioneering research in artificial pancreas systems and diabetes data science.

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Bulgaria
• M.S. in Mathematics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Bulgaria

Dr. Kovatchev's research focuses on the intersection of data science and diabetes care, particularly in developing advanced algorithms for automated insulin delivery. His work integrates machine learning, biosimulation, and real-world clinical data to improve glucose control and patient outcomes. He has led major NIH-funded trials, including the International Diabetes Closed-Loop (iDCL) Trial, which translated artificial pancreas technology into widespread clinical use.

His recent publications highlight a shift toward neural-net-based controllers and machine learning–driven personalization in diabetes management. These studies span clinical trials, algorithm design, behavioral aspects, and system integration, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach that combines engineering, medicine, and data analytics.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

As principal investigator, Dr. Kovatchev has secured extensive grant funding, primarily from the NIH/NIDDK, supporting large-scale clinical trials and technology development. He mentors students and researchers in diabetes technology, though specific advisees are not listed. His leadership in the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology fosters collaboration across medicine, engineering, and data science.

He leads the Center for Diabetes Technology, a multidisciplinary research hub focused on developing and testing next-generation diabetes management systems, including artificial pancreas devices, cloud-based monitoring platforms, and AI-driven decision support tools.