In a momentous announcement today, the White House revealed that four esteemed faculty members from MIT are among the 23 distinguished researchers who have received the nation’s highest accolades for scientists and innovators.
Angela Belcher and Emery Brown were honored with the National Medal of Science during a formal ceremony at the White House, while Paula Hammond ’84, PhD ’93, and Feng Zhang received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
Angela Belcher, the James Mason Crafts Professor of Biological Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in designing innovative materials that have diverse applications including solar energy, battery technology, and medical imaging.
Emery Brown, who holds the Edward Hood Taplin Professorship in Medical Engineering and Computational Neuroscience, was recognized for his impactful research that sheds light on how anesthesia influences brain function. Brown is also affiliated with MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory and the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES).
Paula Hammond, an MIT Institute Professor and vice provost for faculty, earned recognition for her pioneering methods in assembling thin films that facilitate drug delivery and wound healing, among other significant uses.
Feng Zhang, the James and Patricia Poitras Professor of Neuroscience at MIT, received accolades for his innovative contributions to molecular tools, such as the CRISPR genome-editing technology, which holds transformative potential for diagnosing and treating various diseases. He is also an investigator at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research and a core member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
Moreover, two MIT alumni were also honored: Richard Lawrence Edwards ’76, a professor at the University of Minnesota, received the National Medal of Science for his contributions to geochemistry; Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87 accepted one of two National Medals of Technology and Innovation awarded to organizations, recognizing the biotechnology companies Moderna and Pfizer for their pivotal roles in developing Covid-19 vaccines.
This year, the White House presented the National Medal of Science to 14 recipients and eight individual awardees of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, alongside two organizations. To date, nearly 100 affiliates from MIT have received these prestigious honors.
“Emery Brown is at the forefront of the Institute’s collaborations in neuroscience, medicine, and patient care,” remarked Nergis Mavalvala, dean of MIT’s School of Science. “His research is reshaping our understanding of brain monitoring during anesthesia, which has the potential to revolutionize patient care.” Mavalvala also praised Feng Zhang for being a leading researcher in CRISPR technologies—work that accelerates scientific discovery and holds promise for addressing diseases including neurodegeneration and immune disorders.
Angela Belcher and Paula Hammond are well-known collaborators, both making significant strides in the fields of nanotechnology and nanomedicine. Anantha Chandrakasan, dean of the School of Engineering and chief innovation and strategy officer at MIT, expressed his delight over their recognition: “Angela and Paula’s contributions to science and engineering have shaped advancements across various fields, from energy to medicine, and their achievements are truly commendable.”
Innovative Approaches in Material Science and Medicine
Belcher, who joined the MIT faculty in 2002 and led the Department of Biological Engineering from 2019 to 2023, described the moment she learned of her National Medal of Science award as “humbling.” With a passion for understanding nature’s processes, Belcher has dedicated her research to developing innovative ways to utilize biological systems, such as viruses, for material growth.
“My fascination lies in understanding how nature fabricates materials and applying those processes to create technology-driven solutions,” she shared.
One of her innovative techniques involves engineering viruses to self-assemble into nanostructures for functional devices like batteries and semiconductors, allowing tremendous control over various material properties.
Transitioning to cancer research in the late 2000s, Belcher has focused on technologies capable of detecting early-stage cancers, especially challenging types such as ovarian cancer, while also working on developing cancer vaccines.
Understanding Anesthesia’s Impact on the Brain
Emery Brown, a faculty member since 2005, expressed his “extreme excitement” over receiving the National Medal of Science. His research has significantly enhanced our comprehension of how anesthesia affects brain activity. As a trained anesthesiologist, Brown has used his background to explore this specialized neuroscience discipline, moving past traditional pharmacological views.
Over the past two decades, his research has shown how anesthesia drugs fundamentally change brain oscillations, affecting inter-region communication and leading to unconsciousness. This groundbreaking work not only improves monitoring practices during anesthesia but also informs methods to accelerate recovery from it.
Advanced Techniques for Drug Delivery
Paula Hammond, who has been part of MIT faculty since 1995, has pioneered the development of functional thin-film materials through layer-by-layer assembly techniques. These innovations allow precise control of drug delivery, targeting cancer cells effectively, particularly in ovarian cancer.
“By sandwiching bioactive materials into layered films, we can deliver medications in a controlled manner directly to the affected cells,” Hammond remarked, highlighting the versatility of her approach.
Innovations in Molecular Technologies
Feng Zhang’s journey toward becoming a leading figure in genome editing began during his graduate studies at Stanford. His work on CRISPR has made waves in both medical and plant biology fields, allowing researchers to explore gene functions and potential corrections for genetic diseases. Zhang continues to improve the technology, making it more precise and effective.
As we celebrate these prominent figures and their revolutionary contributions to science and technology, it’s important to recognize the immense potential that their work holds for the future of healthcare and innovation.
The National Medal of Science, established in 1959, and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, created in 1980, honor those who have made remarkable contributions to the fields of science and technology, enhancing the nation’s competitiveness and lifestyle.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
