Thomas F. Budinger

Thomas F. Budinger is a Professor & Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Department Head of Nuclear Medicine & Functional Imaging at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry (Regis College, 1954), M.S. in Physical Oceanography (University of Washington, 1957), M.D. (University of Colorado, 1964), and Ph.D. in Medical Physics (UC Berkeley, 1971). His research focuses on biomedical imaging instrumentation, MRI, emission tomography, biomonitoring, and medical ethics. Budinger has authored seminal works like "Ethics of Emerging Technologies" (2006) and pioneered advancements in PET imaging and hyperpolarized noble gases for MRI enhancement. He has mentored numerous PhD students in bioengineering and imaging sciences. Awards include the IEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology (2018), NAE membership (1996), and the Ernst Jung Prize for Medicine (1989). His work bridges clinical applications with cutting-edge technologies, emphasizing ethical and technological innovation in healthcare.

Education:

• Ph.D., Medical Physics, UC Berkeley (1971)
• M.D., University of Colorado (1964)
• M.S., Physical Oceanography, University of Washington (1957)
• B.S., Chemistry, Regis College (1954)

Research Interests: Budinger’s work spans biomedical imaging technologies, including MRI and PET advancements, biomonitoring systems, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. He has contributed to hyperpolarized gas MRI, arterial endothelial function measurement, and convection-enhanced gene therapy delivery in Parkinsonian models. His interdisciplinary approach integrates engineering, physics, and medicine to address clinical challenges.

Key Contributions: Over 150 publications and patents, including foundational work in PET tomography design and wireless biomonitoring systems. His research highlights include improving imaging resolution and sensitivity, as well as advancing ethical frameworks for medical technologies.