The Langer Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence supports researchers pursuing bold ideas with the potential to generate meaningful technical and commercial advances. Ashish Kulkarni, the 2024 Langer Prize winner and a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is advancing that vision through research at the intersection of biomaterials, nanotechnology, and immunoengineering.
We recently caught up with Kulkarni to discuss where his research has taken him since receiving the prize, a recent career milestone, and the advice he would offer to future Langer Fellows.
What have you been working on since receiving the Langer Prize?
Since receiving the Langer Prize, I have expanded my research program to focus on translational immunoengineering and the development of technologies for cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases.
My group develops nanomaterial-based platforms to understand, monitor, and precisely control immune responses. Our work spans immune modulation, mRNA delivery and vaccination, real-time imaging of immune function, and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, with an emphasis on advancing these approaches toward clinically relevant applications.
What professional achievement or milestone are you most proud of?
One professional milestone I am especially proud of is being elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering College of Fellows.
This recognition reflects the contributions of my group’s work at the intersection of biomaterials, nanotechnology, and immunoengineering. It was particularly meaningful because it acknowledged both our scientific progress and the potential of our research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.
How has receiving the Langer Prize influenced your career?
Receiving the Langer Prize has been a meaningful milestone in my career. I am grateful to the AIChE Foundation for recognizing our translational work in cancer diagnostics and for including me among the distinguished cohort of Langer Fellows.
The prize has increased the visibility of our research and provided valuable support to explore new ideas with strong potential for clinical application.
What advice would you share with future Langer Fellows?
Use this opportunity to pursue bold ideas, build strong collaborations, and keep your work focused on addressing meaningful challenges.
Learn more about the Langer Prize and the bold research it supports
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