UConn Health

January 6, 2023 | Jini Davis, Connecticut Convergence Institute

Dr. Cato Laurencin Receives Shu Chien Achievement Award

Most prestigious honor bestowed by the Biomedical Engineering Society's BMES Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Group

Dr. Laurencin accepting award

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin accepts the Shu Chien Achievement at the Biomedical Engineering Society's Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Conference. (Photo provided by Jini Davis)

UConn Professor Dr. Cato T. Laurencin was honored this week at the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE)  conference. He was awarded the Shu Chien Achievement Award,  the most prestigious honor bestowed by  the BMES Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE) Group. The award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the cellular and molecular bioengineering field, and someone who has been a great mentor to others.

Dr Laurencin candid
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin (photo provided by Jini Davis)

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award. I am especially humbled by the fact that I was introduced to the podium by Professor Shu Chien, a pioneer in the field of Biomedical Engineering.”

Laurencin has achieved fundamental and seminal accomplishments in tissue regeneration, biomaterials science, and nanotechnology. His breakthrough achievements have resulted in transformative advances in improving human life. His fundamental contributions to science include founding the field of  regenerative engineering.

Dr. Laurencin at podium
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin addresses the Biomedical Engineering Society’s Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Conference. (Photo provided by Jini Davis)

Laurencin has received singular honors in engineering, medicine, science, and technology for his work. He is the first individual in history to receive both the oldest/highest award of the National Academy of Engineering (the Simon Ramo Founder’s Award) and one of the oldest/highest awards of the National Academy of Medicine (the Walsh McDermott Medal). The American Association for the Advancement of Science awarded Laurencin the Philip Hauge Abelson Prize given ‘for signal contributions to the advancement of science in the United States.  He is also the recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, America’s highest honor for technological achievement in ceremonies at the White House.

In addition, in recognition of his breakthrough achievements in Regenerative Engineering worldwide, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers created the Cato T. Laurencin Regenerative Engineering Founder’s Award.

Dr. Laurencin serves as the University Professor and the  Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor at the University of Connecticut.