The 2008 Millennium Technology Prize was presented to Professor Robert Langer for developing innovative biomaterials for controlled drug release. The world’s largest technology prize is awarded by Technology Academy Finland for a technological innovation that significantly improves quality of human life and promotes sustainable development.
President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen handed Professor Langer the prize of EUR 800,000 and ”Peak”, the prize trophy, at the Grand Award Ceremony on June 11, 2008.
Kemira is one of the main partners of the prize. In our capacity as one of the main partners, our objective is to promote Finnish know-how in the field of chemistry. By creating a keen network of innovation and development with our customers, research institutions and universities, our global aim is to continuously improve the results of our business activities. Another goal is to enhance quality of life and to encourage sustainable economic development.
Professor Robert Langer’s innovations have had a significant impact on fighting cancer, heart disease, and numerous other diseases. His work has also brought about significant advances in tissue engineering, including synthetic replacement for biological tissues such as artificial skin.
Known as the father of controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering, Professor Langer has been cited as one of history’s most prolific inventors in medicine. Professor Langer’s research laboratory at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is the largest biomedical engineering laboratory in the world.
More about the Millennium Technology Prize