Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivaylo Koprev is Rector of the University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan
Rilski” – Bulgaria’s only specialized higher education institution dedicated to geology,
mining, mineral processing, geotechnologies, and sustainable management of natural
resources.
Prof. Koprev has extensive academic and managerial experience in the fields of mining
engineering and higher education. His scientific interests focus on the development of
modern mining and mineral processing technologies, the implementation of industrial
innovations, sustainable resource management, and the education of highly qualified
engineering professionals to meet the needs of the economy.
As Rector, he is actively committed to modernizing engineering education and
strengthening cooperation between academia, industry, and public institutions. Under his
leadership, the University has expanded its strategic partnerships with leading companies
from the mining, energy, and industrial sectors, as well as with international universities
and research organizations.
Throughout his professional career, Prof. Koprev has consistently advocated for the role of
engineering sciences, technological innovation, and the responsible use of natural
resources as key drivers of economic development, energy security, and industrial
competitiveness. He actively contributes to public discussions on critical and strategic raw
materials, the energy transition, sustainable industrial development, and the need to
educate professionals capable of meeting the challenges of the future economy.
Founded in 1953, the University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski” is a leading
educational and research institution in Bulgaria. It prepares specialists in fields that are
essential to modern economic development, including geology, mining, energy engineering,
environmental technologies, digital transformation, and natural resource management.