#United States #Boston #AIChE #Mark Blenner #Langer Prize

AIChE Honors the 2025 Langer Prize Recipient

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) has announced that Mark A. Blenner, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, will receive the prestigious 2025 Langer Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence. This annual award, endowed by the AIChE Foundation, recognizes early-career researchers for their significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly those that hold the potential for groundbreaking societal impact.

Dr. Blenner, who currently serves as the Thomas Kipp Gutshall Career Development Associate Professor, specializes in tackling one of the urgent issues of our time: the escalating problem of plastic waste. As an acknowledgment of his research achievements, he will be presented with the Langer Prize during the 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting scheduled for November 2-6 in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, he will deliver a lecture on his innovative approaches to plastic management on November 3.

With the global plastic crisis worsening, Dr. Blenner emphasizes the need for solutions that offer immediate value and can be implemented quickly, rather than waiting for regulatory frameworks to catch up. His approach focuses on utilizing biotechnology, such as microbes and enzymes, to efficiently process mixed plastic waste. Furthermore, he proposes that these technologies can be implemented in decentralized systems, allowing for more effective plastic upcycling.

Blenner's proposal was chosen from a diverse pool of candidates worldwide, reviewed meticulously by the Langer Selection Committee, chaired by Samir Mitragotri. The recognition he is receiving comes at a time when major philanthropic supporters, including Raj and Kamla Gupta through the UJALA Foundation, have bolstered the Langer Prize Endowment, enhancing the resources available for future generations of innovators in chemical engineering.

Mark Blenner's academic journey began with a degree in chemical engineering from Manhattan College, followed by a PhD from Columbia University. He further honed his skills during postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. As a recipient of the Langer Prize, he joins a prestigious group of former fellows, including notable innovators from previous years. This prestigious network provides Dr. Blenner with access to mentorship and collaboration opportunities with some of the brightest minds in the field.

The Langer Prize itself represents not only a monetary grant of up to $100,000 but also a significant endorsement from one of the world's leading professional societies for chemical engineers. AIChE, with a membership exceeding 60,000 individuals across 110 countries, focuses on advancing chemical engineering and fostering mutually beneficial exchanges between academia and industry. Its commitment to addressing challenges in areas like energy efficiency, sustainability, and addressing environmental concerns underscores its vital role in promoting research that leads to tangible benefits for society.

For those interested in learning more about the Langer Prize or wishing to apply for future fellowships, information can be found on the AIChE website, with the application deadline for 2026 set for February 17, 2026. Initiatives like the Langer Prize ensure that the forefront of chemical engineering remains vibrant and impactful, providing pathways for innovative thinkers to turn their ideas into reality.

In conclusion, the recognition of Mark A. Blenner serves as a reminder of the critical role that innovative research plays in addressing global challenges like plastic waste. His groundbreaking work not only contributes to the scientific community but aims to effect real change in environmental stewardship, paving the way for a cleaner future.