Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, the Rector of Obuda University, presented the Honorary Professor title to Prof. Gabor Fichtinger during the University Innovation Day on March 20th. The renowned researcher is primarily recognized as the principal developer of the concept of medical robotics. At the event, alongside the honored researcher, Prof. Andrea de Gaetano and Prof. Amir H. Gandomi, the Excellence Professors of Obuda University, delivered a presentation on the latest achievements in intelligent engineering to the attendees.
It is of particular significance that we can now count our internationally recognized researcher among the honorary professors at our university – emphasized Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, the university’s rector. He added: – Prof. Gabor Fichtinger, along with our previously awarded Honorary Professors, individually and collectively, significantly enhances the reputation of Obuda University.
Professor Gabor Fichtinger is a professor at the School of Computing at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He is renowned as one of the main developers and promoters of computer-integrated surgery and image-guided therapy. His innovative approaches have led to the development of remote-controlled, navigated robotic biopsy, directed devices for minimally invasive ablation, and numerous other innovative percutaneous therapies based on medical imaging and real-time medical diagnostic tools. Professor Fichtinger has contributed to science with over 750 publications, which have been cited over 15,000 times. His most cited publication (from 2016) serves as the fundamental scientific guideline for medical robotics and computer-assisted interventions – as highlighted by Prof. Dr. Tamás Haidegger, the Director of the University Research and Innovation Center, during the professor’s commendation.
As a former recipient of the Honorary University Professor title at Obuda University, Prof. Fichtinger has visited the Antal Bejczy iRobotics Center several times, where he conducted seminars and scientific lectures, consulted with instructors, colleagues, and students. He played a crucial role in the establishment of a strategic research and mobility cooperation agreement between Queen’s University and Obuda University.
Prof. Gabor Fichtinger has pioneered the development of open-source software for computer-assisted medical interventions and surgical technologies, facilitating their rapid transfer to clinical practice and medical education. His collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University in medical robotics and surgical navigation has prepared numerous modern diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. He is a renowned innovator and a dedicated developer and advocate of 3D Slicer, a key open-source software toolkit widely used in clinics, education, research, and industry.
The Senate of Obuda University may award the Honorary Professor title to a foreign national who has made a significant contribution to raising the quality of the university’s educational and scientific research activities and increasing its international recognition.
Following the award ceremony, alongside the honored researcher, Prof. Andrea de Gaetano and Prof. Amir H. Gandomi, the Excellence Professors of Obuda University, attended a presentation on the latest achievements in intelligent engineering, which was of interest to the audience.
