Welch Award in Chemistry

The Welch Foundation has awarded the 2026 Welch Award in Chemistry to Robert S. Langer. Dr. Langer was honored for pioneering discoveries at the intersection of chemistry and medicine that led to understanding how to control the release of therapeutic macromolecules through materials and how to create new tissues and organs.

Professor Langer earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1970 and his Sc.D. from MIT in 1974; both degrees are in chemical engineering. Rather than accept an industry position engineering incremental increases in chemical yields, Professor Langer instead found a postdoctoral-type role engineering biocompatible materials for use in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He first joined MIT’s faculty in 1978 in the nutrition and food sciences department. In 2005, he was named an Institute Professor, the highest honor awarded by MIT, where he leads the largest academic biomedical engineering lab in the world. To translate his research discoveries into accessible healthcare, Professor Langer has launched tens of companies and licensed or sublicensed his patents to over 400 companies worldwide. In addition to his scientific contributions, Professor Langer has “trained it forward” throughout his career, mentoring hundreds of students and postdoctoral fellows who now lead research efforts across academia and industry.

The purpose of The Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry is to foster and encourage basic chemical research and to recognize, in a substantial manner, the value of chemical research contributions for the benefit of humankind as set forth in the will of Robert Alonzo Welch. The founder was interested in chemistry, and in its service to both the betterment and the understanding of human life. It is also believed this award will play an important role in aiding and strengthening the other programs of the Foundation.

In accordance with these principles, any person can be considered for the award who has made important chemical research contributions which have a significant, positive influence on humankind. The award is intended to recognize contributions that have not previously been rewarded in a similar manner.

The Scientific Advisory Board will consider whether or not any nominee or nominees are worthy of the award, and will recommend to the Board of Directors not more than three nominees they determine are qualified to receive the award. The Board of Directors will make the final selection.

The Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry shall be awarded, when justified. The recipient will be required to be present at a ceremony and dinner held in October. The monetary amount of the award is $500,000 that will be shared by the recipients.