Dr. Farshid Guilak stands as a world-renowned leader in the field of orthopaedic research and biomedical engineering, with transformative contributions to our understanding of joint mechanics and tissue regeneration. He currently holds the prestigious Mildred B. Simon Professorship of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, where he also serves as Director of Research at Shriners Hospitals for Children and co-director of the Washington University Center of Regenerative Medicine. With additional appointments spanning Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, and Developmental Biology, Dr. Guilak has established himself as a remarkably interdisciplinary scientist whose career bridges engineering principles with clinical orthopaedics. Prior to his tenure at Washington University beginning in 2016, he served as Director of Research for the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine, where he earned early recognition including the distinguished Kappa Delta Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for his groundbreaking work on cartilage cell mechanics.
Dr. Guilak's pioneering research program has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the biomechanical and biological factors driving osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition affecting over 27 million Americans. His laboratory employs a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to investigate the onset and progression of joint disease, with particular emphasis on developing innovative molecular and cell-based therapies that address the root causes rather than merely symptoms. Notably, his team has developed novel methods for growing cartilage and bone from stem cells, representing a significant advancement toward effective regenerative treatments for arthritis that could reduce the need for joint replacements. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index exceeding 100, and recognition as one of the world's most highly-cited researchers, Dr. Guilak's work has established new paradigms in how we approach joint tissue engineering and biomechanics.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Guilak has profoundly influenced his field through extensive leadership roles and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Biomechanics, president of the Orthopaedic Research Society, and chair of the Skeletal Biology Structure and Regenerative Medicine NIH Study Section, positions that underscore his standing as a thought leader who shapes the direction of orthopaedic research globally. His dedication to fostering inclusive scientific environments has earned him multiple university and international awards for mentorship, reflecting his belief that diverse perspectives drive innovation in biomedical research. Recently elected to three National Academies in 2022 including the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Guilak continues to advance the frontiers of regenerative medicine with his laboratory's ongoing work on stem cell therapies and biomechanical approaches to joint preservation. His vision for transforming arthritis treatment through engineering solutions positions him at the forefront of a new era in orthopaedic medicine where tissue regeneration may one day replace traditional surgical interventions.
