Nordic Life Science 1
“Many have started successful companies. Many hav
e become CEOs and trainees. More than 40 of our trainees are members of different national academies around the world,” Langer adds. His own early source of inspiration was his father. “He spent time playing math games with me and encouraging me,” Langer says. “He was a very positive person.” Langer keeps busy learning himself, participating in events such as the Swedish-American Life Science Summit (SALSS), organized annually by Swedish business woman Barbro C. Ehnbom. 86 NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG “It’s a fantastic meeting. I love everything about it; the talks, the boat rides, the people and the intersection of great science and business.” He finds Ehnbom inspiring. “She is amazing. I applaud all she does. She is a terrific person. She is a force of nature,” Langer adds. When not working, Langer enjoys spending time with his family – he is married and has three children – and his hobbies include exercise, sports and magic. “Bob’s respect for human beings, his empathy toward human life, his devotion to his family and friends is simply remarkable,” notes Marletta. Robert Langer’s long-term research goals include creating drug-delivery systems for the developing world, such as extended-acting oral delivery systems, single-step immunizations and new ways of administering essential vitamins and minerals. Langer also is exploring oral delivery systems for macromolecules such as insulin and creating nanoparticles to deliver genetic medicine. Langer states, “I want to come up with new ideas that will make a difference in the world, to translate those ideas into clinical practice and to train the very best biomedical and chemical engineers.” NLS