Langer scoops Millennium Prize

Bioengineer Prof Robert Langer was presented with the 2008 Millennium Technology Prize by Finnish President Tarja Halonen at a ceremony in

Helsinkion 11 June.

Langer, institute professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), won the award for his pioneering work in novel biomaterials that can be used to deliver drugs steadily over time, and provide a scaffold on which to grow new tissues and organs, which then dissolves leaving the natural tissue. His work has contributed to greatly increased survivability in patients with many different types of cancer, the regrowth of skin for severe burns victims and the construction of cartilage.

The Millennium Prize is awarded every second year by the TechnologyAcademyFinland, a foundation jointly established by Finnish industry and government. It is the world’s largest technology prize with a total value of €1.15m (£900,000). It recognises technological innovations which greatly improve the quality of human life and sustainable development.