2024 Revelle Medalist: Robert "Chip" Schooley
Dr. Robert "Chip" Schooley, a visionary in infectious diseases, was honored as the 2024 Revelle Medalist for his profound contributions to global health, clinical research, and pandemic response. Known for his integrity, empathy, humor, and fearless intellect, he has pioneered efforts in HIV/AIDS research, particularly through building clinical trials networks and advancing antiviral therapies that transformed the disease into a manageable condition.
At UC San Diego, Schooley was instrumental in creating a global health program focused on empowering local researchers in developing countries, particularly in Africa, to lead HIV research grounded in their own realities.
He also led a groundbreaking medical intervention using intravenous bacteriophage therapy—the first of its kind in the U.S.—to save the life of a patient suffering from a drug-resistant infection, a case that catalyzed the creation of IPATH, the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schooley’s leadership was pivotal in launching UC San Diego’s Return to Learn program. He united campus leadership to deploy a data-driven, science-informed approach, creating infrastructure for asymptomatic testing, wastewater surveillance, and evidence-based reopening. His mentorship during this time empowered younger faculty to lead with confidence.
Now Professor Emeritus, Schooley continues to co-direct both the Center for AIDS Research and IPATH, and remains a respected and active leader in infectious disease research, combining scientific rigor with wit, humanity, and deep commitment to public health.