Video Spotlight: Where Science Meets Magic with MIT Institute Professor Robert S. Langer

On a beautiful sunny day in Cambridge, MA, I walked through MIT’s Hockfield Court and into the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT.

I was there to interview Robert S. Langer (A.K.A. Bob Langer), a living legend and an earnestly humble human being.

Bob’s contributions to science and technology have revolutionized drug delivery, tissue engineering, and much more. In this video interview, he shares his insights on the obstacles and advancements in biomedical research, the interplay between academia and entrepreneurship, and his personal perspectives on data-backed longevity and daily exercise.

We also talk about the effects of the federal shutdown, the promise of New Approach Methods (NAMs), and the latest therapeutic platforms. In his autobiography, Bob shares his serendipitous journey to biomedical engineering and his initial struggles as a student in school – a  topic we briefly cover in the interview.

Robert S. Langer (MIT Institute Professor) and Ray Dogum (Chief Editor of Drug Discovery Online)

Contributions to Biomedical Knowledge

With over 1,600 authored scientific papers and over 1,500 granted or pending patents, Bob is the most cited engineer in history.  Often called, the “Edison of Medicine”, he runs one of the most esteemed biomedical engineering labs in the world and still has time to be a successful serial entrepreneur.

This custom-made canvas art contains US patent numbers awarded to Bob – it doesn’t include patents from other countries.

Views on Alternative Testing Methods

As translational science evolves, new methodologies are becoming vital in drug development and testing. According to Bob, the role of engineered tissues is becoming increasingly significant. He notes, "The FDA made a big deal...that they're going to look more and more toward these organoids and organs-on-a-chips for certain types of drug testing." This shift represents a promising transition towards more efficient and potentially more accurate testing methods, reducing reliance on traditional animal testing models.

Personal Insights

Despite his extensive professional commitments, Bob maintains a focus on personal health through exercise. He shares, “I try to walk 10 miles a day, at least,” emphasizing physical activity's role in maintaining productivity and mental acuity. He’s also a big fan and practitioner of magic. I was lucky enough to have time for one of his magic card tricks. I’m still not sure how he managed to pull it off. As a bonus, you can watch him perform the trick towards the end of video. If you know the secret to this trick, please do let me know.

Office of Robert S. Langer