Antonios G. Mikos, Louis Calder Professor of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, is the recipient of the 2025 Global Biomaterials Leadership Award of the Chinese Association for Biomaterials. The prestigious award recognizes researchers who have demonstrated global leadership and have made significant contributions in the field of biomaterials research and its translation into real-world applications.
In addition to his role as a professor, Mikos is the Director of the Biomaterials Lab, the Center for Excellence in Tissue Engineering, and the J.W. Cox Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering at Rice University. A distinguished faculty member and dedicated mentor, Mikos understands the importance of research, education, and nurturing the next generation of bioengineers. His passion for mentoring has provided his students with invaluable real-world experiences and training at facilities worldwide, and many of his graduate students and postdoctoral fellows continue to thrive in academic institutions globally.
Mikos is recognized not only for his academic leadership but also for his collaborative spirit. He is highly regarded as a global leader, educator, and researcher, a reputation supported by his growing list of awards and accolades. His research has significantly contributed to the development of innovative biomaterials for applications in orthopedics, dentistry, cardiovascular medicine, neurology, and ophthalmology. With more than 710 publications, over 110 citations, and 32 patents to his name, Mikos is a leading figure in his field.
He is widely known for pioneering the development of biodegradable scaffolds and controlled drug delivery systems for regenerative medicine. His work extends to advancing 3D printing and bioprinting techniques for creating complex tissue structures, as well as exploring biomimetic approaches for the repair of bone, cartilage, and muscle, with a special focus on osteochondral tissue engineering and the tumor microenvironment. His contributions have made a lasting impact on nanotechnology, drug delivery, and tissue regeneration.
Mikos is particularly proud of his collaborative biomedical research with colleagues in China, which led to his receiving this distinguished award from the Chinese Association for Biomaterials. The award was presented at the 2025 Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting April 9-12, 2025.