Health & Life Sciences
Moving technologies from the lab to the clinic
At MIT, engineers work side by side with scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders to tackle some of the most complex challenges in human health. Together, they’re advancing breakthroughs in health and life sciences — developing smart diagnostics and medical devices, reimagining drug delivery, and shaping data-driven care.
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Featured video: Changing the conversation about endometriosis
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MIT engineers create nanoparticles for delivering personalized cancer vaccines
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A soft robot could help doctors diagnose and treat disorders of the small intestine
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MIT spinout makes surgical stitching more like applying a sticky note
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Why teaching AI about symmetry could make prenatal diagnosis more reliable
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Reprogrammed NK immune cells target cancer and autoimmune disorders
Faculty Spotlights
Ellen Roche
Associate Head for Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor
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Chair
Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor
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Department(s)
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Lab
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Research area
Medical devices; soft robotics; therapy delivery
Giovanni Traverso
Associate Professor
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Title
Karl Van Tassel Career Development Professor
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Department
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Lab
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Research area
Biomedical device development; ingestible and implantable robotics; drug delivery for optimal drug adherence
Presidential Initiative
The MIT Health and Life Sciences Collaborative (HEALS) is expanding the Institute’s role as a central hub for innovation, connectivity, and translation in life sciences and health in the Boston area. With strong connections to the MIT School of Engineering, HEALS includes programs such as the Hood Pediatric Innovation Hub, the MIT-MGB Seed Fund, the Fairbairn Menstruation Science Fund, and the MIT Health Science and Semiconductors Program.
Departments working on Health and Life Sciences
Giovanni Traverso creates innovative health solutions – and, as both a physician and an engineer, he brings a unique perspective.