Martine LaBerge, professor of bioengineering at Clemson University in South Carolina, is the 2026 recipient of the Founders Award from the Society for Biomaterials. Considered one of the organization’s highest honors, the award recognizes long-term, landmark contributions to the field of biomaterials and sustained service to the society.
A Clemson faculty member since 1990, Dr. LaBerge previously served as chair of the department of bioengineering for two decades. During her tenure, she was a key contributor to the creation of the Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus in Greenville, South Carolina; the expansion of the Rhodes Engineering Research Center on Clemson’s main campus; and the establishment of two Centers of Biomedical Excellence funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. LaBerge is the author of numerous publications and the holder of several patents related to the design of orthopedic and vascular implants. Her areas of expertise include total knee implants, tribology, and endovascular stents.
Dr. LaBerge earned her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada.