UConn Health

November 25, 2025 | Jon D'Arpino

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin of UConn Named Fellow of Sigma Xi

Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin has been named a fellow by Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society.

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin Sigma Xi Fellow

UConn Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin.

Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., K.C.S.L., S.L.M.H., F.R.Eng. was one of a distinguished group of eighteen members recognized for sustained contributions to scientific research, leadership, and service. The 2025 Fellows were formally inducted on November 1, 2025, in a virtual ceremony at the Society’s annual meeting, the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE).

The Fellows program of Sigma Xi recognizes members who have achieved exceptional results in research or engineering, demonstrated sustained scholarship and mentorship, and contributed significantly to the mission of the Society. Sigma Xi has a distinguished history of acknowledging scientific research excellence with the purpose of supporting “companions in zealous research.” Each year, a rare, selected group of members receives the added distinction of becoming a Fellow of Sigma Xi. This distinction is awarded on a competitive basis to members who have been recognized by their peers for exceptional contributions to Sigma Xi and the scientific enterprise.

Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, is one of the world’s oldest and largest organizations honoring excellence in scientific research. With more than 500 chapters worldwide and a multidisciplinary membership of scientists, engineers, and scholars, Sigma Xi fosters integrity in research and advocates for the role of science in improving the human condition.

Laurencin is the University Professor at the University of Connecticut (one of only two at the school). He is professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at UConn. He is the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn School of Medicine. He serves as the CEO of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at the University of Connecticut, and Institute created and named in his honor. Laurencin is the first surgeon in history elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Inventors and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Laurencin is the father of the field of Regenerative Engineering. He is an expert in nanochemistry, biomaterials science, stem cell sciences, and biophysics and has worked in the Convergence of these areas of research. In receiving the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP, he was named as the world’s foremost engineer-physician-scientist. In receiving the Gold Key Award from Sigma Xi, the organization stated, “Dr. Laurencin embodies excellence through his research and his leadership.”

In science, Laurencin is internationally renowned for his scientific work in biomaterials, stem cell science, nanotechnology, drug delivery systems, and the field he has pioneered, regenerative engineering. His work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and numerous Foundations. He has produced seminal studies in a number of areas.

Laurencin received the Priestley Medal (highest award) from the American Chemical Society. 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 received the Hoover Medal which is given by all the principal engineering societies. The medal is “conferred upon an engineer whose professional achievements and personal endeavors have advanced the well-being of humankind.” The medal was bestowed on Laurencin for his “self-less service to mankind.” Laurencin has conveyed his philosophy and has continued his mentoring through his autobiography published by Elsevier, “Success is What You Leave Behind.” It has been an Amazon best seller, reaching number 47 on the general books list. Laurencin has also steadfastly worked with the nation of St. Lucia. He was conferred Knighthood by the Governor-General of St. Lucia under the auspices of King Charles III of England. He is Sir Cato Thomas Laurencin.