Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin MD, PhD, has been named the winner of the 2027 American Chemical Society (ACS) Award for Creative Invention for his revolutionary work in originating the field of Regenerative Engineering and its impacts on medicine, materials science, and biomedical engineering.
Every year, the ACS recognizes one inventor for their “successful application of research in chemistry and/or chemical engineering that contributes to the material prosperity and happiness of people.” The prestigious award highlights the positive influence of chemical and engineering research, celebrating inventors whose work transforms science into solutions that benefit society. Laurencin will be honored at the 2027 National Awards Banquet and Ceremony on March 23, 2027, held during the ACS Spring 2027 National Meeting in New Orleans.
Laurencin is universally acclaimed as the father and founder of the field of Regenerative Engineering, pioneering the convergence of advanced materials science, stem cell science, physics, developmental biology, and clinical translation for the regeneration of complex tissues and organ systems. Laurencin’s innovations in regenerative engineering and his work in the fields of biomaterials, nanotechnology, and stem cell science have had an immeasurable impact. As the leading international figure in polymeric biomaterials chemistry and engineering, he has made extraordinary scientific contributions while at the same time, he has made profound contributions to improving human health through the technologies and products he has invented. Laurencin’s pioneering work in polymeric fiber materials science led to the creation of bioinductive implants for musculoskeletal regeneration. The Laurencin-Cooper ligament was highlighted by National Geographic Magazine in its “100 Scientific Discoveries That Changed the World” edition. The bioinductive implant has inspired products used by millions of patients.
His work has been recognized in receiving the highest awards in Chemistry (the Priestley Medal), Materials Science (the Von Hippel Award), Medicine (the Dickson Prize), Science (the Philip Hauge Abelson Prize), and Technology (the National Medal of Technology and Innovation). Laurencin was named Inventor of the Year by the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF) in December of 2023 and received the Kathryn C. Hach Award for Entrepreneurial Success through the American Chemical Society in March of 2024.
Laurencin is the first surgeon elected to the four major national academies in the United States (the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Inventors). His impact in musculoskeletal medicine is seen by his receiving the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) Distinguished Contributions to Orthopaedics Award with induction into the AOA Awards Hall of Fame.
Internationally his work has been recognized with election to academies throughout the world including the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Indian National Academy of Engineering and Academies of Science in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
At the University of Connecticut, Dr. Laurencin serves as University Professor and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. He also holds professorships in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, an Institute created and named in his honor.
Sir Cato Laurencin was bestowed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, under the auspices of King Charles III of England by the Governor General of St. Lucia.
