Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin Honored with Knight Commander Title in St. Lucia

Cato T. Laurencin, MD, PhD, and a member of JRGOS, is a trailblazer in regenerative engineering. Dr. Laurencin’s groundbreaking research has led to innovations that have positively impacted millions of patients around the world. Dr. Laurencin has authored over 500 peer-reviewed publications, holds numerous patents, and has edited or written 17 books. Among his many accolades is the National Medal of Technology and Innovation—the highest U.S. award for technological advancement—presented at a White House ceremony.He now holds the title Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin.

“My father, Cyril Laurencin, was a master carpenter from St. Lucia who inspired me to strive for meaningful change, especially in service to St. Lucians,” Dr. Laurencin shared. “Being appointed Knight Commander is a reflection of that promise fulfilled.” Though born in the United States, Dr. Laurencin is also a citizen of St. Lucia, making his knighthood an official, not honorary, title. “St. Lucia is a remarkable nation with exceptional people,” he said. “It boasts the highest number of Nobel laureates per capita globally. Being knighted under the authority of King Charles III, and joining the ranks of luminaries like Sir Derek Walcott, is a profound honor.”

Sir Cato’s knighthood was granted following a recommendation from the St. Lucian Prime Minister and the national government. Dr. Laurencin serves as CEO of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-disciplinary center at the University of Connecticut named in his honor. At UConn, he holds several distinguished roles, including University Professor and the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the School of Medicine. Dr. Laurencin is also a professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering.

Internationally acknowledged for his pioneering role in founding regenerative engineering, Dr. Laurencin has also made major innovations in orthopaedic surgery, polymer science, and musculoskeletal tissue repair. Dr. Laurencin holds the unique distinction of being the only surgeon elected to all four major U.S. National Academies: Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Inventors. His academic background includes a B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University, an M.D. from Harvard Medical School (Magna Cum Laude), and a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology from MIT. In 2023, Dr. Laurencin was named Inventor of the Year by the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation.

Congratulations to Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin on this remarkable honor and for his unwavering dedication to science, innovation, and global impact.