The Sigma Xi Scientific Honor Society has awarded Cato T. Laurencin, professor at the University of Connecticut, with the 2024 Golden Key Award. The award, the society’s highest honor, is presented to a member who has made outstanding scientific contributions in research and promoted the public understanding of science.
The Golden Key Award is the latest in a string of prestigious recognitions bestowed upon Dr. Laurencin. As the founder of the regenerative engineering field, he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Inventors. He has received the Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society and the Von Hippel Award from the Materials Research Society, the highest honors of each respective association. Most notably, the White House presented him with America’s highest honor for technological achievement: the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
At the University of Connecticut, Dr. Laurencin serves in many different roles. He currently holds the titles of University Professor and the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgey. He holds teaching appointments in the departments of chemical and biomolecular engineering, materials science and engineering, and biomedical engineering. Additionally, he is chief executive officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute on Regentive Engineering and director of the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Center for Biomedical, Biological, Physical, and Engineering Sciences.
Dr. Laurencin holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University, a medical degree from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in biochemical engineering and biotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
