UC Merced Launches Distinguished Speaker Series with World-Renowned Bioengineer David Kaplan

The Health Sciences Research Institute (HSRI) at UC Merced is preparing to launch its long-envisioned distinguished speaker series on Oct. 6 with a visit from David Kaplan, a Tufts University professor internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in bioengineering.

"This is something we've wanted to develop for a number of years," said HSRI Director Professor Deb Wiebe. "The idea is to bring someone with a national or international reputation whose work has broad applications across disciplines. We wanted a speaker who could engage not only our researchers but also our broader community. Kaplan's work does exactly that."

Kaplan has authored more than 700 publications exploring the use of silk as a biomaterial with applications in medicine, food, agriculture and beyond. His research in regenerative medicine has opened up new possibilities for creating replacement organs and medical technologies while also sparking advances across industries worldwide.

Wiebe emphasized that Kaplan's career illustrates why fundamental research matters.

"It's easy to underplay the importance of basic scientific discoveries," she said. "What you see with his work is how complicated, technical research in the lab can translate into solutions with real-world impact."

Kaplan's visit will be more than just a lecture. Trevor Hirst, HSRI's executive director, said Kaplan will spend the day meeting with groups of faculty and graduate students across campus. The highlight will be his evening public lecture at the Merced on Main location, followed by a community reception.

"The lecture itself will be about an hour, with time for questions, and then a reception where attendees can meet him," Hirst said. "We're hoping that the mixer element brings as much to the community as the talk itself."

Hirst said that while Kaplan's research is deeply technical, his reputation as an effective communicator makes him an ideal inaugural speaker.

"Think of science communicators like Bill Nye or Carl Sagan," Hirst said. "Kaplan has that ability to make complex ideas accessible. He helps audiences understand that science isn't mysterious - it's just people, people like them, doing the work."

The event also reflects a broader effort by UC campuses to highlight the value of research at a time when federal funding faces increasing uncertainty.

"That's exactly the idea here, that science matters and it matters a lot," Wiebe said. " Kaplan's work shows how discoveries in the lab can lead to innovations in medicine, agriculture and so many other fields. That's the message we want to share with our community."

HSRI hopes this is only the beginning of an annual series that brings diverse perspectives to Merced.

"We want to identify speakers who, like Kaplan, are not only exceptional health science researchers but are also great communicators," Wiebe said. "We don't have a wish list yet, but we're thrilled to be starting with him and look forward to seeing where the series goes."

Hirst added that the community itself may help shape future events.

"Maybe someone attends this lecture and says, 'I have the perfect person for your next speaker,'" he said.

For HSRI, the series is more than just an opportunity to showcase health science research - it's a chance to build connections.

"This is one way for people to get involved with the university and with HSRI," Hirst said. "We want to welcome anyone with an interest in science to be part of that conversation."