Anthony Atala

Dr. Anthony Atala, a prominent American bioengineer and urologist, has made significant strides in the field of regenerative medicine. As the W.H. Boyce professor of urology and the founding director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, he leads a dedicated team of over four hundred researchers focused on developing innovative cell therapies and engineering replacement tissues and organs for various medical applications.

Atala is renowned for his groundbreaking work in organ printing, having created the first 3D bioprinters known as the Integrated Tissue and Organ Printing System (ITOP). His pioneering efforts led to the development of the first lab-grown organ, a bladder, which was successfully implanted into a human. Currently, he is advancing experimental technologies that aim to 3D print human tissue on demand, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medicine.

In addition to his research, Dr. Atala is a prolific author and editor, contributing to three journals and twenty-five books, including notable titles such as Principles of Regenerative Medicine and Methods of Tissue Engineering. With over eight hundred published journal articles and more than two hundred fifty national and international patents, his influence in the field is profound. Fifteen technology applications from his laboratory have been utilized in clinical settings, showcasing the practical impact of his work.

Dr. Atala's expertise extends beyond research; he serves on the editorial board of Rejuvenation Research and is involved with the national board of advisors for High Point University. As a founding member of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS), he has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Furthermore, he directs the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, a federally funded initiative aimed at applying regenerative medicine to benefit military personnel.