The University of Connecticut announced the launch of its new grand research challenge: regeneration of a human knee within 7 years, and an entire limb within 15 years. The major international research undertaking is called The HEAL Project: Hartford Engineering a Limb.
According to UConn, it is the brainchild of UConn Health’s Cato T. Laurencin, a leading surgeon-scientist in orthopaedic surgery, engineering, and the new field of regenerative engineering. His laboratory research successes include the growth of bone and knee ligaments.
For the project, Laurencin is teaming with other tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and bioengineering experts dedicated to the mission of advancing the fields and developing future therapies for patients living with musculoskeletal defects or who have limb injury or loss.
“The launch of the HEAL Project is a transformative moment for science and medicine,” said Laurencin. “This is the first international effort ever for knee and limb engineering. The time is now to pursue this much needed super, grand challenge to benefit those patients suffering from debilitating knee injuries, osteoarthritis, or affected by the devastating effects of limb injury or loss.”
The HEAL Project’s launch is supported by Laurencin’s recent $4 million Pioneer Award from the National Institutes of Health for his research in regenerative engineering, as well as his grant award from the National Science Foundation for Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation. Laurencin serves as director of The Institute for Regenerative Engineering and the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn Health.
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