Research & Discovery University News

October 31, 2025 | Jon D'Arpino

UConn Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin Delivers Plenary Lecture at the ACS Global Scientific Conference

Laurencin traveled to Mumbai, India to serve as the Plenary Speaker at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Global Scientific Conference.

Dhirendra S. Katti, Ph.D., Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa and Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., K.C.S.L

Dhirendra S. Katti, Ph.D., Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa and Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., K.C.S.L

Co-sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and IIT-Bombay, the conference brought the leading experts from around the world to discuss and explore the latest advancements in healthcare, medicine, chemical biology, and life sciences.

Laurencin’s plenary lecture, “Regenerative Engineering: Frontiers of Convergence” perfectly reflected the spirit of the event, a platform where innovation, collaboration, and impact converge and attendees had the opportunity to take part in a global dialogue that transforms discovery into impact.

Laurencin is the founder of the field of Regenerative Engineering, recognized as its father for his groundbreaking work and leadership in the convergence of materials science, stem cell biology, and clinical translation for the regeneration of tissues and organ systems.  He is an expert in biomaterials science, stem cell technology, and nanotechnology and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Foundation created the Cato T. Laurencin Founder’s Award in Regenerative Engineering in his honor.

He received the Priestley Medal (highest award) from the American Chemical Society. This year he delivered the Kavli Endowed Distinguish Lecture for the American Chemical Society Meeting in fall, 2025 He received the Founder’s Award (highest award) from the Society for Biomaterials, the Founder’s Award (highest award) from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Von Hippel Award (highest award) from the Materials Research Society, and the James Bailey Award (highest award) from the Society for Biological Engineering. He received the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, NIH’s highest and most prestigious research award, for his field of Regenerative Engineering and the National Science Foundation’s Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Grant Award. Laurencin is the Editor-in-Chief of Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine, published by Springer Nature, and is the Founder of the Regenerative Engineering Society.

Laurencin’s visit to India afforded him the opportunity to visit with one of his students, Professor Dhiru Katti who is now the director of the Indian Institute of Technology at Goa (see picture). Laurencin is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences India, the Indian Academy of Sciences, and the Indian National Academy of Engineering. He is the University Professor and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn School of Medicine, and a professor of Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is the CEO of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute created and named in his honor at the University of Connecticut.

Laurencin was bestowed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, under the auspices of King Charles III of England through the Governor General of St. Lucia.