Michael J. Cima

Research

Professor Michael Cima is involved in materials and engineered systems aimed at improving human health. He works on treatments for cancer, metabolic diseases, trauma, and urological disorders. His research includes advanced forming technologies for complex macro and micro devices, such as colloid science, micro-electromechanical systems, or MEMS, and other micro components for medical devices that are used for drug delivery and diagnostics, as well as development methods for formulations of materials and pharmaceutical formulations. Professor Cima is a co-inventor of MIT’s three-dimensional printing process. His research has led to the development of chemically derived epitaxial oxide films for high-temperature superconductor, or HTSC, coatings for conductors. He and collaborators are developing implantable MEMS devices for unprecedented control in the delivery of pharmaceuticals and implantable diagnostic systems.

Biography

Professor Cima joined MIT’s faculty in 1986 after earning a BS in chemistry and PhD in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2009, he was appointed faculty director of the Lemelson-MIT Program, which awards yearly prizes to inventors. Cima was appointed associate dean of innovation for the MIT School of Engineering in 2018 and has served as co-director of MIT’s Innovation Initiative. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Inventors, as well as a Fellow of the American Ceramics Society and recipient of the W. David Kingery Award. He is the author or co-author of more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 90 US patents and is a recognized expert in the field of medical devices and materials processing. Professor Cima has been active in the translation of new clinical technologies, including a new therapy for bladder cancer.