57. Future of Microfluidics w/ David Weitz - Professor @ Harvard / Core Faculty @ Wyss Institute

Apr 17, 2023

David Weitz, Professor of Physics & Applied Physics at Harvard University, discusses the future of microfluidics and soft materials. Topics include advancements in microfluidics technology, the potential for a grand unifying theory of biology, the role of innovation institutes in academia, entrepreneurship in microfluidics, and the challenges and value of interdisciplinary research.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Advancements in Microfluidics Technology

02:57 • 24min

The Grand Unifying Theory of Biology and the Perspective of a Physicist

27:11 • 2min

The Role of Innovation Institutes in Academia and the Changing Perception Towards Startups

28:52 • 5min

Entrepreneurship, Accessibility, and Misconceptions in Microfluidics

33:27 • 3min

The Challenges and Value of Interdisciplinary Research

36:53 • 13min

David Weitz is the Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics & Applied Physics and professor of Systems Biology at Harvard University.

Weitz is best known for his work in the areas of diffusing-wave spectroscopy, microrheology, microfluidics, rheology, fluid mechanics, interface and colloid science, colloid chemistry, biophysics, complex fluids, soft condensed matter physics, phase transitions, the study of glass and amorphous solids, liquid crystals, self-assembly, surface-enhanced light scattering, and diffusion-limited aggregation.

He received his PhD in superconductivity from Harvard and worked as a research physicist at Exxon Research and Engineering for nearly 18 years, prior to becoming a Professor of Physics at the University of Pennsylvania, before moving to Harvard in 1999. David is a Founder of many startups, including Raindance Technologies, GnuBio, Capsum, HiFiBio, BioMillenia, 1Cell-Bio, NextGen, Calyxia, Transition Bio and DragonDrop Inn. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

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Music: Danger Storm by Kevin MacLeod (link & license)