Convergence Science Network

This year’s Graeme Clark Oration Dinner for the event sponsors and their guests featured a memorable Q&A session that provided an opportunity to hear rare insights into Dr Langer’s leadership practices. Sometimes there is a tendency to forget that for all its differences, scientific endeavour is a people activity.  We are pleased to share the footage of the discussion in the hope that many of learnings conveyed may be given further thought by our academic, innovation and wider community. You can view the discussion here - https://lnkd.in/gEjSbVfm A special thank you to Michelle Gallaher for her expert and entertaining hosting of the discussion!

Melbourne was privileged of having Dr Robert Langer, Institute Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, deliver the 2024 Graeme Clark Oration last Tuesday. In Bridging disciplines, Breaking barriers: How applying chemical engineering approaches to medicine paved the way for nanotechnology, novel biomaterials, and new ways to address global health challenges, Dr Langer recounted his journey that has made him the most cited engineer in history, a co-founder of over 40 companies, and leader of the largest academic bioengineering laboratory in the world,  and who is sometimes referred to as the “Edison of Medicine”.      Observation, experimentation and the development of theories underpin scientific effort. Dr Langer recounted how he conducted 200 failed experiments before he successfully demonstrating the technique by which macromolecules could be released in a controlled fashion on a tumour. It took several years for the patent to be granted and over twenty years from its granting for the first approval of a cancer drug by the US FDA using this technique. The technique has been used in the development of many drugs for the treatment of breast, kidney, thyroid, lung and cervical cancers and macular degeneration.    One of the secrets to his success was the application of the platform drug delivery technology in new areas of need. Serendipitously, the drug delivery system Dr Langer developed became the basis for the creation of Moderna in 2010 to deliver vaccines. Dr Langer’s journey is remarkable and awe-inspiring. As the rapid advances in global knowledge promise new diagnostics and therapies, Dr Langer’s achievements points to how the convergence of talent across the sciences may be one of the few models offering the prospect of impact.       Scientific endeavour has its challenging moments, but if you are looking for some inspiration, take the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by Dr Langer’s story as he delivers the 2024 Graeme Clark Oration.  https://lnkd.in/d6gU4K93   The Oration is a free public science event that has been bringing the world’s leaders in biomedical science to Melbourne since 2008. We thank the 2024 Oration sponsors, whose generosity made Dr Langer’s visit possible: Cochlear Victorian Government Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick Monash Tech School University of Melbourne Moderna Monash University Cerulea Clinical Trials StVincent's Hospital Melbourne #bioengineering #innovation #drugdelivery #nanotechnology #tissueengineering

We are thrilled to announce Dr Robert Langer MIT will deliver the 2024 Graeme Clark Oration on 12 November.  Over a 40-year career, Dr Langer has made a significant impact on the development of the biomedical and biotech industries.  His pioneering work in controlled release drug delivery systems and tissue engineering has resulted in the development of new therapies and medical devices that have improved patient care.  One of his most notable achievements is his work on angiogenesis inhibitors, which are used to block the growth of blood vessels in tumours, and so inhibiting cancer progression.  Dr Langer has also made major strides in creating engineered tissues, such as blood vessel and muscle tissue, which hold promise for repairing or replacing damaged organs. He is the most cited engineer in history and the third most cites across all disciplines.   Dr Langer’s contributions have not only bee in the scientific field, but his entrepreneurial endeavours have been equally remarkable.  He holds over 1,490 issued and pending patents worldwide, which have been licensed or sublicensed by over 400 pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and medical device companies.  His lab is the largest academic bioengineering lab globally, leading to the establishment of over 40 companies, including Moderna. His work has been instrumental in advancing biotechnology and biomedical industries through his prolific inventions, entrepreneurial endeavours and groundbreaking research contributions.  For these reasons, he is often referred to as the “Edison of medicine”.   The Graeme Clark Oration will be held at the Sidney Myer Asia Centre at the University of Melbourne, and is free of charge to attend, but seating is limited. Please visit the Graeme Clark Oration website for more information about the event, Dr Langer and to register. https://lnkd.in/g99KzzNR #bioengineering #biotechnology #medicine #innovation #nanotechnology #tissueengineering #patents #licensing #