Obstacles and how to overcome them
Prof. Robert S. Langer (MIT) gave an online lecture about his research journey – from “this approach will not work” to becoming one of the world's most recognised scientists. The lecture was organised by MaP and hosted by Prof. Mark Tibbitt (D-MAVT).
Never give up! Prof. Robert S. Langer is living proof of the validity of this motto. At the beginning of his career, senior scientists told him to look for another job because the approach he was pursuing would not work. Thankfully, he didn’t listen to them.
Today, Prof. Langer is one of only nine Institute Professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the highest honour that can be awarded to a faculty member. He has written over 1,500 articles, which have been cited over 388,000 times; his h-index of 309 is the highest of any engineer in history and the second highest of any individual in any field. His patents have been licensed or sublicensed to over 400 companies. He is also a co-founder of several companies, including Moderna.
ETH can be proud to have been the first university to award him an honorary doctorate – one of 41 in total!
It’s no surprise that around 150 people attended the online lecture arranged by MaP last Tuesday. And they weren’t let down. Prof. Langer is an exceptional storyteller, and his career in science is a fascinating tale. His research and inventions will undoubtedly enhance people’s lives for many years to come.
24 October 2023, 16.30-17.30
Prof. Robert S. Langer (MIT): Controlling the release of large molecules from biomaterials: How overcoming skepticism led to new medical treatments and ways to tackle a global health challenge
Organised by the Competence Center for Materials and Processes (MaP) and hosted by Prof. Mark Tibbitt (D-MAVT).