News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has introduced the KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program to begin in Spring 2026. This new initiative aims to equip students with advanced computational skills necessary for enhancing the safety and efficiency of energy systems, including nuclear, oil, and gas sectors. Collaborating with the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences and supported by the O’Donnell Foundation, the program will offer students immersive experiences in cutting-edge technologies, promoting the next generation of energy leaders.
UT Austin Launches KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program to Enhance Energy Innovation
Austin, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has announced the launch of the KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program, set to begin in Spring 2026. This initiative aims to equip students with advanced computational skills to improve the safety and efficiency of energy systems, including nuclear, oil, and gas sectors. The program is a collaboration between UT’s Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences and the Kay Bailey Hutchison (KBH) Energy Center, supported by a generous grant from the O’Donnell Foundation.
Program Details
The KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program will provide students with exposure to cutting-edge technologies such as digital twin technology and artificial intelligence. Participants will have access to the world’s fastest academic supercomputer, enabling them to develop and test energy applications virtually. This approach aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of energy systems before real-world deployment.
Fellows will engage in immersive learning experiences, including:
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in the Energy Studies Minor and KBH Energy Center Student Advisory Council.
- Leading workshops and presentations on advanced computational topics like digital twins and artificial intelligence.
- Facilitating connections between academia and the energy industry to bridge the gap between computational science and practical energy solutions.
The program will begin accepting applications on January 5, 2026. For more information, visit the Oden Institute’s website.
Background
The KBH Energy Center unites multiple UT Austin schools, including the McCombs School of Business, School of Law, Cockrell School of Engineering, and Jackson School of Geosciences. Its mission is to prepare the next generation of energy leaders through interdisciplinary education and research. The Oden Institute, a global leader in computational sciences for over 50 years, brings together more than 140 affiliated faculty members to tackle society’s grand challenges, including those in the energy sector.
This initiative aligns with the State of Texas’ priority to train the future nuclear workforce and accelerate next-generation nuclear development and deployment. By combining energy studies with computational science, the program aims to bolster Texas and the U.S. energy sector’s competitive advantage as energy demand continues to rise.
Related Initiatives
In addition to the KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program, UT Austin has been involved in several initiatives to advance energy research and education:
- GURI Award for AI Health Care Technology: In October 2025, UT Austin received a 2025 Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI) grant to recruit Dr. Charles A. Taylor, a leader in applying artificial intelligence to health care technology, to lead the new Center for Computational Medicine. This center aims to develop innovative medical applications and modeling to simulate disease progression and individualize care.
- Harrington Faculty Fellows Program: UT Austin is inviting early- and mid-career scholars to apply for the 2026–2027 Harrington Faculty Fellows Program, focusing on energy research. Fellows will join a community of over 400 researchers working across disciplines to advance solutions in energy discovery, production, storage, technology, and policy.
- Amazon AI Ph.D. Fellowships: In October 2025, 15 UT Austin graduate students were selected as Amazon AI Ph.D. Fellows for the 2025–2026 academic year. These fellowships support doctoral candidates in artificial intelligence, with most recipients studying computer science.
These initiatives underscore UT Austin’s commitment to advancing energy research and education, preparing students to address the evolving challenges in the energy sector.
Key Features of the KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Launch | Spring 2026 |
| Collaboration | Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences and KBH Energy Center |
| Technologies Covered | Digital twin technology and artificial intelligence |
| Application Start Date | January 5, 2026 |
| Program Support | Grant from the O’Donnell Foundation |
Conclusion
The launch of the KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program at UT Austin marks a significant advancement in fostering the next generation of energy leaders equipped with essential computational skills. As Texas continues to assert its leadership in the energy sector, this initiative promises to enhance both academic and professional pathways for students, directly contributing to the state’s cutting-edge innovations and addressing future energy demands. Students and community members are encouraged to explore this program and participate in upcoming events that promote education and leadership in energy.
FAQ
What is the KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program?
The KBH Computational Energy Fellows Program is a new initiative by UT Austin, launching in Spring 2026, designed to equip students with advanced computational skills to enhance the safety and efficiency of energy systems, including nuclear, oil, and gas sectors. The program is a collaboration between UT’s Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences and the Kay Bailey Hutchison (KBH) Energy Center, supported by a grant from the O’Donnell Foundation.
What technologies will students be exposed to in this program?
Students will gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies such as digital twin technology and artificial intelligence. They will have access to the world’s fastest academic supercomputer, enabling them to develop and test energy applications virtually, improving safety and efficiency before real-world deployment.
When will the program begin accepting applications?
The program will begin accepting applications on January 5, 2026. For more information, visit the Oden Institute’s website.
What is the mission of the KBH Energy Center?
The KBH Energy Center unites multiple UT Austin schools, including the McCombs School of Business, School of Law, Cockrell School of Engineering, and Jackson School of Geosciences. Its mission is to prepare the next generation of energy leaders through interdisciplinary education and research, focusing on energy policy and practical solutions to energy challenges.
How does this program align with Texas’ energy priorities?
This initiative aligns with the State of Texas’ priority to train the future nuclear workforce and accelerate next-generation nuclear development and deployment. By combining energy studies with computational science, the program aims to bolster Texas and the U.S. energy sector’s competitive advantage as energy demand continues to rise.
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