Robert Samuel Langer

Robert S. Langer is an Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, holding positions in both the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Biological Engineering. He is also a faculty member of the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology and the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. With over 1,400 granted or pending patents and more than 1,600 scientific papers, Langer is one of the world's most highly cited researchers with an h-index of 331 and over 450,000 citations.

Dr. Langer's educational background includes:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University
• Sc.D. in Chemical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1974)
• Postdoctoral fellowship at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School under Judah Folkman (1974-1977)

Langer is widely regarded as a pioneer in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. His research focuses on developing innovative biomaterials for controlled drug release, creating engineered blood vessels and vascularized engineered muscle tissue, and advancing regenerative medicine. His work has led to the development of polymer systems that control the release of inhibitors for cancer treatment, microneedle tattoo patches for medical information storage, and implantable devices for diabetes treatment. Langer's laboratory at MIT is the largest biomedical engineering lab in the world, maintaining over $10 million in annual grants and over 100 researchers.

Analysis of Langer's recent publications reveals a continued focus on advanced drug delivery systems, nanotechnology applications in medicine, and tissue engineering innovations. His work spans from fundamental biomaterials development to clinical applications, with particular emphasis on improving biocompatibility, developing targeted delivery systems for cancer and other diseases, and creating responsive materials that adapt to physiological conditions. Recent work shows significant contributions to mRNA delivery systems, which have become increasingly relevant for vaccine development.

Langer has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• National Medal of Science (2006)
• National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2011)
• Millennium Technology Prize (2008)
• Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (2015)
• Kavli Prize in Nanoscience (2024)
• Double Helix Medal (2025)
• And over 220 other major awards throughout his career

Dr. Langer has advised numerous students who have gone on to become leaders in biomedical engineering and related fields. His laboratory has been instrumental in training the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs. Beyond academic mentorship, Langer has been involved in founding more than 40 biotechnology companies, including Moderna, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into real-world applications. His lab maintains substantial grant funding, with over $10 million in annual grants supporting innovative research in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

The Langer Lab at MIT is the largest biomedical engineering laboratory in the world, with over 100 researchers working on cutting-edge projects in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and nanotechnology. The lab has developed numerous technologies that have been commercialized through startup companies, and continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in biomedical engineering. Langer's collaborative approach has led to partnerships with researchers across MIT, Harvard, and other institutions worldwide, creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation in biotechnology.