Justin Hanes, professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye Institute, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the highest distinctions in the field.
Image caption: Justin Hanes
Hanes, an internationally recognized researcher working at the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine, is one of 150 engineers in the NAE's 2025 class. He serves as the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Nanomedicine and has previously been elected to both the National Academy of Medicine in 2023 and the National Academy of Inventors in 2014.
According to the NAE, Hanes was elected to this year's class in recognition of his work "developing innovative technologies that improve drug and gene delivery, resulting in multiple approved products." Past achievements include development of new biodegradable plastics to create nanoscopic, drug- and gene-filled particles capable of targeted delivery to specific sites in the body, especially for the treatment of diseases that affect the eyes, lungs, and brain.
Hanes, who joined the Hopkins faculty in 1998, has joint appointments as professor of biomedical engineering, chemical & biomolecular engineering, neurosurgery, oncology, and pharmacology & molecular sciences.
"It feels amazing to receive this recognition from the NAE for the impact of my collaborative work over the years," Hanes said. "I am grateful for the amazing environment provided by Johns Hopkins throughout my faculty career."
Founded in 1964 as part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the NAE provides advice and analysis to the United States government "whenever called upon." All members are highly accomplished and have made outstanding contributions to their fields, hailing from a variety of business, academic, and government backgrounds.
Hanes will be formally inducted into the NAE during the organization's annual meeting on Oct. 5.
Posted in Science+Technology
Tagged wilmer eye institute, nanotechnology
