Bridging Disciplines, Innovating Solutions: Polymer Expert Recognized for Inventions in Materials and Life Sciences

Joseph DeSimone, Winner of the $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize Dr. Joseph DeSimone of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the 2008 recipient of the $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize for his inventions in green manufacturing, nanomedicine and medical devices, in addition to his lab-to-market entrepreneurship and commitment to mentorship. Here, polymer expert DeSimone holds a drum of his PRINT(R) molds, which can manufacture highly customizable and controllable nanobiomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. PRINT also has promising applications in other areas including optical films, solar cells and material sciences. Photo courtesy of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.