image: Greg Sawyer, PhD Chair, Bioengineering Department Moffitt Cancer Center
Credit: Moffitt Cancer Center
TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 22, 2024) — Greg Sawyer, Ph.D., chair of the Bioengineering Department at Moffitt Cancer Center, has been awarded the 2023 Tribology Gold Medal by the International Tribology Council. This prestigious award is the highest honor in the field and recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary lifetime contributions to the study of friction, wear and lubrication.
Sawyer’s groundbreaking research has revolutionized the field of tribology, with applications ranging from aerospace engineering to biomedical science. His innovative work has led to significant advances in interfacial dynamics, the development of novel tribological materials, and the understanding of friction and wear at the nanoscale.
One of Sawyer’s most notable achievements is his pioneering work applying principles of tribology to cancer research. His research has focused on understanding the mechanical interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment and has led to new insights into tumor growth, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. These findings have opened new avenues for developing targeted cancer therapies and for improving patient outcomes.
In addition to his research contributions, Sawyer is a dedicated educator and mentor. He has trained numerous students and postdoctoral fellows who are now leaders in the field of tribology. Sawyer also promotes interdisciplinary collaborations and advances the field through his service on various professional societies and editorial boards.
“The Tribology Gold Medal is a prestigious honor that recognizes the very best in the field,” said John Cleveland, Ph.D., center director and chief scientific officer at Moffitt. “Dr. Sawyer’s achievements are remarkable, and his dedication to improving our world through innovative science is inspiring. His work has had a profound impact and has the potential to improve the lives of countless cancer patients.”
Sawyer is the 52nd individual to receive the Tribology Gold Medal. He received the award Sept. 26 in London.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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