The American Institute of Chemical Engineers Regenerative Engineering Society is celebrating the leadership of its founder with the launch of a new prize.
The Cato T. Laurencin Regenerative Engineering Founders’ Award will recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have demonstrated leadership in the science and practice of convergence research as applied to regenerative engineering — a field pioneered by Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, the RE Society’s Founder. The inaugural award will be presented in 2023 at the Regenerative Engineering Society’s Annual Meeting.
The award consists of a struck medal and an honorarium.
Laurencin, who is internationally renowned for his work in biomaterials, stem cell science, nanotechnology, drug delivery systems, as well the new field of regenerative engineering, serves as the chief executive officer of the Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering. He is the first surgeon to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine. He received the National Medal of Technology, America’s highest honor for technological achievement, in ceremonies at the White House. He is also the recipient of the Philip Hauge Abelson Prize from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, given “for signal contributions to the advancement of science in the United States.” In addition to establishing AIChE’s Regenerating Engineering Society, Laurencin recently completed a term as an AIChE board director. He will receive the American Institute of Chemical Engineer’s Founder’s Award this year at the AICHE annual meeting.
The field of regenerative engineering involves the convergence of advanced materials sciences, stem cell science, physics, developmental biology, and clinical translation for the regeneration of complex tissues and organ systems. The Cato T. Laurencin Regenerative Engineering Society Founders’ Award will be presented to distinguished researchers, innovators, mentors, and teachers who have furthered the goals of this field. Nominations for the inaugural prize are due on April 15, 2023.
Additional Accolades
In addition to this honor, Dr. Laurencin has three additional awards in his name by different organizations.
The Society For Biomaterials created the Cato T. Laurencin, MD, Ph.D., Traveling Fellowship to support underrepresented students in the field of biomaterials
The National Medical Association and the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute established the Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Achievement Award. This year it was bestowed upon Dr. Ezra Griffith of Yale at the opening ceremonies of the 2022 National Medical Association national meeting.
The University of Connecticut Foundation established the Cato T. Laurencin Scholars Award. This award is given to the top academically performing Black male graduating undergraduates from the University of Connecticut’s Scholars House Community.
