Dr. Samir Mitragotri is a distinguished scholar and innovator in the field of biomedical engineering, currently serving as the Hiller Professor of Bioengineering and Hansjorg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He also holds a core faculty position at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies for Bioengineering, demonstrating his commitment to shaping the next generation of engineers. Prior to joining Harvard in 2017, he was the Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp Chair Professor at University of California, Santa Barbara, where he established a renowned research program in drug delivery that attracted significant funding and recognition. Dr. Mitragotri earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from MIT in 1996 and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai in 1992, building a foundation that would propel him to become a world leader in his field. His career trajectory exemplifies the journey from promising researcher to internationally recognized authority in biomedical innovation.
Professor Mitragotri's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed drug delivery systems through innovative technologies that overcome biological barriers to therapeutic administration, addressing long-standing challenges in pharmaceutical science. He pioneered novel approaches using ultrasound and ionic liquids to enable transdermal delivery of proteins, peptides, and siRNA, eliminating the need for traditional needle-based administration and dramatically improving patient compliance. His revolutionary "hitchhiking" technology, which enables synthetic carriers to attach to natural cells like red blood cells and immune cells for targeted drug delivery, has opened new pathways for treating cancer and vascular diseases with unprecedented precision. With over 400 publications and more than 225 issued or pending patents, his work has advanced from fundamental research to clinical applications, demonstrating the translational power of engineering principles applied to biological challenges. Multiple technologies from his laboratory have progressed to human studies and commercial products, promising to improve patient quality of life through more effective and less invasive therapeutic options that could benefit millions worldwide.
As an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Medicine, and National Academy of Inventors, Dr. Mitragotri has established himself as a preeminent leader whose influence extends far beyond the laboratory into policy, education, and industry. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to the co-founding of ten biotechnology companies including Seventh Sense Biosystems, Dx Biosciences, and CAGE Bio Inc., translating scientific discoveries into real-world medical solutions that have improved patient care globally. Professor Mitragotri has received numerous prestigious honors including the Technology Review TR35 award, AIChE's Colburn Award, and the Acrivos Professional Progress Award, recognizing both his early promise and sustained excellence in advancing biomedical engineering. Through his editorial roles with leading journals such as Bioengineering and Translational Medicine, which he founded as Editor-in-Chief, he continues to shape the intellectual landscape of his field and mentor emerging researchers. Currently, his research continues to push boundaries in drug delivery, with ongoing work focused on developing next-generation platforms that could revolutionize treatment for diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions, ensuring his legacy as a transformative figure in biomedical engineering and therapeutic innovation.
