MIT | Robert Langer, a nanoscientist who pioneered the development technology eventually used in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, was honored for his scientific contributions by the Carnegie Institution for Science, Sept 25.
Robert Langer, a 2024 Kavli Prize laureate in nanoscience and Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor in the departments of chemical and biological engineering, presented his groundbreaking work in biomedical technology at an event hosted by the Carnegie Institution for Science in collaboration with The Kavli Foundation and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters — an occasion celebrating transformative scientific contributions across fields such as nanoscience, neuroscience and astrophysics — Sept. 25.
Langer, recognized for his pioneering work in the development of nanostructured materials for drug delivery systems, has made a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry. His contributions to the development of mRNA vaccines, including those used to fight COVID-19, were a key focus of the talk.
“The work we did with nanoparticles helped deliver large molecules like mRNA, which allowed the development of vaccines that have saved millions of lives,” Langer said at the event.
Langer described how he and his team overcame numerous challenges to develop lipid nanoparticles — microscopic fat-composed sacs that are capable of protecting the non-stable mRNA molecules and delivering them to target cells. In fact, he emphasized that this breakthrough was pivotal in creating the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines utilize the nanoparticles to introduce mRNA into cells, instructing the body to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.
“This technology not only revolutionized how vaccines are made but could also pave the way for future treatments, including personalized cancer vaccines,” Langer said.
He also emphasized that the speed at which the mRNA vaccines were developed — months instead of years — was made possible by decades of foundational research in nanomedicine and drug delivery systems.
Cynthia Friend, president of The Kavli Foundation, lauded Langer’s lifelong dedication to science and his research accomplishments.
“Professor Langer’s research on nanomaterials for medical purposes has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry and saved countless lives,” Friend said at the event. “He is not only a brilliant scientist but also a role model for new generations of researchers.”
Friend further emphasized the broader importance of fundamental science and research endeavors.
“Science is the cornerstone of progress, and it’s crucial that we continue to invest in it. The breakthroughs we see today — like those from Professor Langer — were unimaginable just a few decades ago,” Friend said. “This is the power of curiosity-driven research.”
Langer’s impact extends beyond his scientific contributions and encompasses the success of the students he has mentored along the way. According to Langer, more than 400 of his former students have gone to become leaders in medicine, academia and business.
“What I’m most proud of is how well my students have done,” Langer said. “They’ve won numerous awards, started groundbreaking companies and continue to push the boundaries of science.”
Eric Isaacs, president of Carnegie Science, also acknowledged Langer’s role in transforming theoretical nanoscience into life-saving biomedical applications.
“He’s not only published 1,600 scientific papers and holds 1,400 patents but has also founded companies that have taken his discoveries directly to the public, impacting millions,” Isaacs said.
Langer shared that, despite his success, he had experienced numerous rejections throughout his journey from studying chemical engineering to nanotechnology.
“My first nine grant applications were all rejected,” Langer said. “But persistence paid off, and I never gave up on the idea that nanotechnology could be used to improve drug delivery and save lives.”
Apart from celebrating Langer’s past achievements, the event also discussed the potential future impact of nanoscience.
“There’s so much more to be done. From cancer treatments to personalized medicine, nanotechnology has the potential to change the way we approach healthcare in the coming decades,” Langer said.
Isaacs also said there is a need for continued investment in fundamental science and that Langer’s work is an example of a powerful intersection of science and innovation.
“It’s essential that we continue to support scientists like Langer who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and transforming those discoveries into real-world solutions,” Isaacs said.