2024 Graeme Clark Oration

Advanced drug delivery systems are revolutionising healthcare by enabling precise and controlled treatment methods. Dr. Robert Langer, a pioneer in this field, initially developed systems for the controlled release of macromolecules and angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) inhibitors, which paved the way for therapies targeting cancer and other diseases. His work led to the creation of nanoparticles and nanotechnology used in treatments like cancer therapies and COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, combining stem cells with synthetic polymers has opened new avenues in tissue engineering, with applications in cartilage, skin, and blood vessel regeneration.

In his oration, Dr Langer will discuss his early career and how he overcame skepticism from colleagues about his ideas and pursuit of inter-disciplinary research, and how this led him to become a prolific entrepreneur and develop new medical treatments impacting human health.

Dr. Langer is a distinguished Institute Professor at MIT, having authored over 1,500 articles and holding an h-index of 327, the highest for any engineer, with more than 434,000 citations. His innovations have been licensed to over 400 companies, and he co-founded more than 40 companies, including Moderna. He has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the National Medals of Science and Technology, the Draper Prize, and the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. Dr. Langer also holds 42 honorary doctorates from top universities and is a member of several national academies.

About the Graeme Clark Oration

The Oration honours the pioneering effort of Laureate Professor Emeritus Graeme Clark AC FAA FRS Lasker Laureate in developing the world’s first successful multi-channel cochlear implant that has restored hearing to over 700,000 people around the world.  Established in 2008, the event has attracted luminaries in the biomedical sciences from across the world to share their dedicated research and commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of people with the community in Melbourne.

Public Transport and Parking

The Sidney Myer Asia Centre is located opposite the University of Melbourne Tram Stop on Swanston Street.  All trams travelling from the CBD north along Swanston Street pass through this tram stop.  Several public car parks are within walking distance of the Sidney Myer Asia Centre here and here.  On street parking is also available in the vicinity along Grattan, Cardigan and Faraday Streets.

Visit the Graeme Clark Oration website to learn more about the 2024 and past Graeme Clark Orations.

Please note the Oration will be recorded and available on the Convergence Science Network YouTube channel several days after the event.  The Oration will not be livestreamed.

The Graeme Clark Oration is the initiative of the Convergence Science Network.