UNIVERSIDAD DE LA LAGUNA AWARDS PROF. NICHOLAS A. PEPPAS AS DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA.
Prof. Nicholas Peppas will be awarded Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) on January 18th, 2025. Prof. Nicholas A. Peppas, PhD, is the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering with joint appointments in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Pediatrics, and courtesy appointments in Surgery and Perioperative Care, and Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin (USA).
The Induction Ceremony, chaired by the Rector of the Universidad de La Laguna (Prof. Francisco J. García Rodríguez) will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in the Paraninfo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prof. Edgar Pérez-Herrero will be his godfather and will deliver the Laudatio in this well-deserved recognition for the tremendous contribution of Prof. Peppas to the advancement of science and his passion for training and mentoring thousands of scientists around the world.
Program of the Induction Ceremony: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jAcj5YkUsLH3OfdJf-fGpgkYTVnJcLlS/view
The day before, Friday, January 17, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., a scientific session in honor of Prof. Nicholas Peppas will take place in the Aula Magna of the Central Building of the University of La Laguna:
- 15.00 – 15.15. Opening of the event and welcome to attendees by the Rector of the Universidad de La Laguna, Prof. Francisco J. García Rodríguez, and the Dean of the School of Pharmacy of the Universidad de La Laguna, Prof. Susana Abdala Kuri.
- 15.15 – 16.00. Plenary Conference. Prof. Nicholas A. Peppas (Full Professor, Cockrell Family Regents Chaired Professor in the Depts. of Chemical, Biomedical Engineering, Pediatrics, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, USA)
«Our Latest Protein Delivery Solutions for Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases«
The biomaterials and drug delivery world are changing drastically. New chemistries have created many exciting new materials. Engineering the molecular design of intelligent biomaterials by controlling structure, recognition and specificity is the first step in coordinating and duplicating complex biological and physiological processes. Here, he will summarize the latest work of his lab. This includes (1) Bypassing the BBB barrier for glioblastoma treatment. (2) Combined insulin delivery and glucose sensors for diabetic patients, (3) Nanoparticles for delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. (4) Codelivery for chemotherapy and gene therapy. (4) Use of micelles for RNA delivery. (5) Recent siRNA delivery particulate structures for Crohn’s disease (6) Microfluidic devices for cancer treatment (7) Addressing diseases less studied: endometriosis, Alzheimer’s disease. (8) Dementia. Addressing the future.
- 16.00 – 16.30. Scientific Session Conference. Prof. María J. Alonso (Full Professor, Dept. of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain)
«Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery: Inspired Pathways—A Tribute to Prof. Peppas»
In this special talk, she will reflect on her 39-year journey in Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery, which began in 1986 when she had the privilege of meeting Prof. Nicholas A. Peppas at the University of Paris-Sud. While her post-doctoral with Prof. Patrick Couvreur, she was fortunate to receive the mentorship of Prof. Peppas—a guidance that has endured throughout the years. From him, she has gained not only invaluable insights into science and technology but also lessons in professional growth and leadership. This presentation is her tribute to Prof. Peppas, celebrating his profound influence on her career and on the field of drug delivery, and honoring his enduring legacy of inspiration and innovation.
- 16.30 – 17.00. Scientific Session Conference. Prof. Rubén Morones-Ramirez (Full Professor, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Director, Research Center in Biotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, México).
«Harnessing NanoBioMaterials for Infectious Disease Therapies«
The global health crisis posed by infectious diseases, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens, calls for innovative therapeutic strategies that transcend conventional treatments. This talk will highlight recent advances in the rational design and synthesis of NanoBioMaterials for combating infectious diseases. By integrating principles of polymer science, nanotechnology, and molecular biology, Prof. Morones Lab has developed multifunctional platforms capable of targeted delivery, enhanced bioavailability, and controlled release of antimicrobial agents. Throughout the talk, Prof. Morones will discuss key examples of NanoBioMaterials’ performance against multidrug-resistant bacteria in both in vitro and in vivo models and he will also explore avenues for translating these materials from bench to bedside, emphasizing challenges in scalability, regulatory pathways, and clinical implementation.
- 17.00 – 18.00. Tribute to Prof. Peppas by friends and colleagues.
