GNL Director Honored with Fulbright Award

Dr. Gene Olinger, Director of the Galveston National Lab, will be sharing his expertise with students at the University College Dublin in Ireland over a six-week period this fall as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. 

The prestigious award will allow Olinger to collaborate with the Irish university on a project focused on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Bioscience as a visiting faculty expert teaching courses within the School of Medicine.

Dr. Olinger is recognized as a leader in the developing field of Artificial Intelligence and its use in biomedical research and education. He serves as the Co-Director of UTMB's Center for Artificial Intelligence.

With this engagement, Dr. Olinger will assist in the curricula modernization interests of University College Dublin (UCD) using the expertise he has been developing while leading UTMB's efforts toward integrating AI into medical research, laboratory modernization and medical countermeasure development.  He will be working to co-develop an educational module to assist UCD in updating their degree programs, will provide workshops for faculty and researchers on AI in bioscience, and will continue his work on an AI-enhanced research program to advance infectious disease research. 

Dr. Olinger will also get involved with the community and will deliver a public lecture on "AI, Medicine and the Future of Healthcare" for journalists, community members, and policy makers as part of Fulbright's goal of broad societal engagement. 

UCD is one of Europe's leading research universities and Ireland's national leader in research funding, and Dr. Olinger's engagement aligns directly with the institution's strategic objectives to expand international research networks, strengthen public engagement and enhance their global impact.

Dr. Antonio Bianco, senior vice president and Dean of the John Sealy School of Medicine at UTMB noted, “Gene’s selection as a Fulbright Specialist reflects the depth of his scientific expertise and his ability to translate complex ideas into knowledge that others can use."

Dr. Olinger was selected by the Department of State and Fulbright organization for his expertise and desire to share it to address global issues, strengthen professional relationships and support continued international cooperation.