The renowned Robert Langer (MIT), one of today's most influential scientists, will be at the NOVA Medical School on 27 June at 10 a.m. for the presentation of the "Ana Lázaro - Cancer Research Grant", where he will speak on the topic "From nanotechnology to mRNA vaccines: How overcoming skepticism and barriers led to new cancer treatments and ways to tackle a global health challenge".
On the same day, he will also receive the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from NOVA University Lisbon.
Robert Langer is one of nine Institute Professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the institution's highest academic distinction. His pioneering work, which has benefited millions of people around the world, includes the isolation of the first angiogenesis inhibitors (in collaboration with Dr Judah Folkman), leading to new treatments for cancer and blindness. He was also responsible for the creation of the first nano- and microparticles for the delivery of large molecules, including nucleic acids, and was instrumental in establishing tissue engineering, which has enabled the development of artificial skin for burn victims and organ-on-a-chip technology.
The Ana Lázaro - Cancer Research Grant aims to stimulate translational research developed by interdisciplinary teams at the NOVA Medical School and is funded by the family of Ana Lázaro, an acclaimed Spanish dancer and choreographer who set aside part of her legacy to advance cancer research.