Jeffrey A. Hubbell receives the 2023 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine

Editor's note: This article was originally published on September 14, 2023, and has been updated with a video.

Renowned researcher Jeffrey A. Hubbell has received the 2023 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine, an annual award given by Northwestern University’s International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) to one scientist for outstanding achievements in the field.

Hubbell’s work has revolutionized the fields of nanoscale bioengineering and regenerative medicine, exemplifying the spirit of innovation and excellence that the Kabiller Prize represents. He also has demonstrated a commitment to advancing scientific discovery for the betterment of humanity.

“Receiving the Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine is a true honor,” said Hubbell, the Eugene Bell Professor in Tissue Engineering at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. “I undertake research in nanomedicine from an engineering perspective, diving deeply into the biology with the hope and goal of improving lives. Together with my colleagues and students, I am confident we will continue to make advances.”

“It is a privilege to honor Jeffrey Hubbell as this year's Kabiller Prize winner within the auspices of IIN,” said Michael H. Schill, president of Northwestern University. “His groundbreaking work and transformative achievements in the field of nano bioengineering resonate perfectly with IIN's mission to advance knowledge and pioneer breakthroughs that promise a better future for humanity.”

A pioneer in nano bioengineering

Hubbell's contributions to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have laid the foundation for innovative approaches that bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world clinical applications. His visionary work on inverse vaccines using polymeric nanovectors promises to revolutionize the field by offering new routes to the treatment of difficult-to-treat conditions like celiac disease and multiple sclerosis. Beyond the laboratory, his leadership and founding of Anokion, Inc. underscores his dedication to translating cutting-edge breakthroughs into practical medical solutions.

Moreover, Hubbell's impact extends to immuno-oncology, where his matrix-binding technologies pave the way for next-generation biologics with the potential to reshape cancer treatment. His leadership in founding Arrow Immune, Inc. further exemplifies his commitment to translating innovative technologies into the clinic, promising a brighter future for cancer patients.

“Jeffrey Hubbell’s legacy in the field of nanotechnology is marked by innovation and impact,” said David Kabiller, a business leader and philanthropist whose generous donation established the prize. “His groundbreaking work, from developing polymeric nanovectors for novel vaccines to engineering cytokines for autoimmune diseases, has demonstrated the power of nanotechnology in transforming health care. With this year's Kabiller Prize, we honor not only his achievements, but also his commitment to translating these technologies from the lab to the clinic, positively affecting countless lives.”

Hubbell’s engineering of cytokines to modulate inflammatory responses, particularly in autoimmune diseases, showcases his dedication to address pressing medical challenges. His founding of HeioThera, Inc. further emphasizes his commitment to ensuring that these breakthroughs reach those in need.

“Jeff Hubbell is a pioneering researcher and early entrepreneur in tissue engineering who has made a tremendous difference to the field,” said Matthew Tirrell, dean of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at University of Chicago. “In addition to his distinguished achievements in bioengineering and immunotherapy, Jeff also has trained dozens of other leaders in the field in his laboratory. His innovative development of materials that stimulate the immune system to fight infection or malignancy according to design, disabling certain aspects of the immune response to address auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or celiac disease have affected people for the better. Jeff Hubbell’s extraordinary accomplishments truly merit the Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine.”