Boris Nikolic
Boris Nikolic is a physician and biotechnology investor who served for many years as a science adviser to Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation. He is a venture investor in life sciences companies.
Named in the Will
Epstein’s will, signed on August 8, 2019, named Boris Nikolic as backup estate executor. The role was named without Nikolic’s prior knowledge or consent.
Nikolic’s Immediate Refusal
When the will’s contents became public following Epstein’s death, Nikolic responded quickly and unequivocally. Through a spokesman, he stated he would not serve as executor and had no interest in any role in the estate.
The Significance of the Naming
Epstein clearly knew Nikolic and had sufficient interaction with him to name him in a legal document. The naming illustrated their relationship, which was rooted in the scientific/biotechnology circles both moved in.
Nikolic’s Connection to Gates
Nikolic’s connection to Bill Gates was noted because of Gates’s own connections to Epstein. Gates and Epstein had met multiple times post-conviction. The Nikolic naming added a layer to that network of associations.
Questions About Intent
Some observers speculated about whether naming scientists like Nikolic in legal and financial documents was part of Epstein’s strategy of entangling powerful, respectable figures with his affairs.