This year’s Keynote Speaker is Arthur J. Coury, Ph.D., M.B.A., a distinguished scientist, innovator, and academic known for his pioneering contributions to the field of biomaterials and medical polymers. Dr. Coury holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Delaware, a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota. Over the course of a prolific career spanning academia and industry, Dr. Coury has held leadership roles in some of the most influential biomedical organizations including: Senior Research Chemist at General Mills, Director of Polymer Technology and Research Fellow at Medtronic, Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer at Focal, Inc., and Vice President of Biomaterials Research at Genzyme Corporation.

Dr. Coury’s work has focused on polymeric biomaterials for medical applications such as implantable electronic devices, hydrogel-based systems, and advanced drug delivery technologies. He is the inventor or co-inventor on over 70 issued patents and has numerous additional applications pending. His contributions have been disseminated widely through publications and global presentations, influencing the development and implementation of cutting-edge biomedical technologies.

In addition to his industrial achievements, Dr. Coury has held adjunct or affiliate academic positions at several prestigious institutions including the University of Minnesota, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program, University of Cape Town (South Africa), University of Trento (Italy), Sichuan University and Hebei University (China), and Northeastern University, where he currently serves as University Distinguished Professor.

Dr. Coury has provided extensive service to the professional community as Chair of the Minnesota Section of the American Chemical Society, President of the Society for Biomaterials (USA), and President of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). His remarkable career has been recognized with numerous honors including: the Society for Biomaterials Innovation and Technology Development Award (2007), induction into the National Academy of Engineering (2009), the AIMBE Pierre Galletti Award, and the ACS Division of Rubber Chemistry Bioelastomer Award (2023). In 2022, he was honored at the U.S./Japan Joint Symposium on Biomaterials as one of four international leaders in the field.

Dr. Coury continues to contribute to innovation and mentorship in biomedical science, embodying a legacy of translational research, professional leadership, and global academic collaboration.