Chen has been recognized “for pioneering contributions and leadership in cell and tissue engineering, particularly in the micro-nano-bio engineering of cell and tissue assembly, structure, mechanics, and function"
By Alexandra Jirstrand
(BOSTON) — Christopher S. Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Core Faculty member of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, and the William F. Warren Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
Chen was recognized “for pioneering contributions and leadership in cell and tissue engineering, particularly in the micro-nano-bio engineering of cell and tissue assembly, structure, mechanics, and function.” Through innovative approaches that integrate engineering, biology, and medicine, his research has uncovered new dimensions by which cells sense and respond to local cues in their microenvironment – insights that are shaping the future of regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and bioinspired materials.
NAM elected 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting. The newly elected members bring NAM’s total membership to more than 2,500, which includes more than 200 international members. Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.
New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. A diversity of talent among NAM’s membership is assured by its Articles of Organization, which stipulate that at least one-quarter of the membership is selected from fields outside the health professions – for example, from such fields as law, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.
“Chris’s election to the National Academy of Medicine is a testament to his exceptional creativity and leadership at the intersection of biology and engineering,” said Don Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., Founding Director of the Wyss Institute. “His discoveries have fundamentally changed how we understand the physical microenvironments that guide cell behavior and tissue formation, work that continues to drive advances in regenerative medicine and human health.”
Chen’s interdisciplinary work at the Wyss Institute, where he co-leads the 3D Organ Engineering Initiative together with Wyss Core Faculty member Jennifer Lewis, Sc.D., and Boston University exemplifies the power of science to address major biomedical challenges. His lab has developed cutting-edge microfabrication and bioengineering technologies that allow researchers to recreate and control tissue biology and disease in vitro.
Chen is also the Director of the Tissue Microfabrication Laboratory and Founding Director of the Biological Design Center at Boston University, as well as a Paul G. Allen Distinguished Investigator. He has been an instrumental figure in the development of engineered cellular microenvironments to understand and control how cells build tissues. The goal of Chen’s research is to identify the underlying mechanisms by which cells interact with materials and each other in health and disease, and to apply this knowledge to the biology and engineering of cell and tissue therapeutics.
In the spirit of the Wyss Institute’s credo, “discoveries can’t change the world if they don’t leave the lab,” Chen, together with Wyss Institute Associate Faculty member Sangeeta Bhatia, Ph.D., founded two regenerative medicine startups that aim to bring some of his important breakthroughs from the lab to the patient bedside. Following the founding of Satellite Bio in 2022 to enable new liver regenerative therapies, Ropirio Therapeutics is developing the first-in-class lymphatic medicine, which in particular will benefit women and thereby also exemplifies the Wyss Institute’s commitment to Women’s Health.
“I’m deeply honored to join this community of scientists, engineers, and clinicians who share a commitment to advancing human health,” said Chen. “It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that bridges disciplines to tackle the most complex challenges in medicine.”
It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that bridges disciplines to tackle the most complex challenges in medicine.
Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities.