Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation
Welcome to Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation — a collaboration between Elsevier and Prof Rafael Bras. We bring unfiltered perspectives on global issues by research and academic leaders.
Join us for fascinating insights from our esteemed guests, selected for their prominence and influence in higher education and related fields. Experts from MIT, Harvard, UCLA and beyond bring their conviction and passion to a wide range of topics, ensuring that our content remains relevant and impactful.
Every two months, we release a new episode — thought-provoking dialogues that inspire and spark meaningful conversation while illuminating the paths of academic leadership and innovation and fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and transformative ideas.
Follow our channel for fresh content!
Learn more about Not Alone:
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/collection/not-alone
To complement the podcast, we issue a monthly email newsletter. Interested in more topics? Sign up here:
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/collection/not-alone#8-not-alone-newsletter
Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation
In conversation with ... Robert Langer
In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, hosted by Rafael Bras, Prof Robert Langer of MIT talks about his impressive career and contributions to medicine, including the co-founding of Moderna and the development of groundbreaking drug delivery systems.
He shares his early influences, experiences with ADHD, the challenges he faced in academia, and his thoughts on leadership.
Their conversation also delves into the evolution of biological sciences, the importance of entrepreneurship in higher education, and Langer’s dedication to teaching and innovation. Amid reflections on his significant achievements, including the rapid development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Langer emphasizes the critical balance between academic pursuit and real-world application.
00:00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Podcast
00:00:52 Introducing Professor Robert Langer
00:02:19 Early Life and Influences
00:04:02 Challenges with ADD and Academic Journey
00:05:55 Personal Anecdotes and Religion
00:08:04 Collaborations and Family
00:10:22 MIT Career and Department Challenges
00:18:26 Leadership and Mentorship
00:23:21 Balancing Academia and Industry
00:26:22 Advancements in Biology and Health Sciences
00:30:39 Debating the Impact of CRISPR
00:31:42 Future Medical Treatments with CRISPR
00:32:39 Challenges in Treating Diseases
00:34:23 Public Perception of Higher Education
00:36:03 Free Speech and Campus Protests
00:40:11 Entrepreneurship in Academia
00:42:51 Balancing Academia and Entrepreneurship
00:48:07 The Story of Moderna
00:57:15 Reflections and Personal Insights
01:02:07 Closing Remarks and Gratitude