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Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
University Professor at Columbia University
Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic is a distinguished Serbian American biomedical engineer and University Professor at Columbia University, the highest academic rank reserved for only a few active faculty.14 She is also the Mikati Foundation Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Sciences, and directs the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering at Columbia University.12
Research and Expertise
Dr. Vunjak-Novakovic's research focuses on:
- Engineering functional human tissues for regenerative medicine
- Stem cell research
- Modeling of diseases
- Developing "organs-on-a-chip" platforms
Her work has significantly impacted the field of tissue engineering and biomedical engineering.4 She has developed innovative technologies for improving human health, including engineering bone grafts for facial reconstruction and cardiac tissue for potential heart repair.6
Achievements and Recognition
- Published over 380 scientific papers and 70 book chapters4
- Named as co-inventor on 100 licensed, issued, and pending patents4
- Founded four biotech companies: EpiBone, TARA Biosystems, Xylyx Bio, and Immplacate Health4
- Elected to multiple prestigious academies, including the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine1
- Received numerous awards, including the Pritzker Award of the Biomedical Engineering Society12
Education and Career
Dr. Vunjak-Novakovic received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Belgrade, Serbia.45 She was a Fulbright Fellow at MIT before joining Columbia University in 2005.35 Her current positions at Columbia University include:
- University Professor (since May 2017)
- The Mikati Foundation Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine (since July 2011)
- Director, Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (since 2005)5
With her extensive research, numerous publications, and significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering, Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic has established herself as a trailblazer in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.3

