Dr. Racquel Z. LeGeros, Professor and Associate Chair of Biomaterials and Biomimetics and the Linkow Professor of Implant Dentistry, has been awarded an honorary doctoral degree, “Doctorat Honoris Causa,” by the University of Nantes in France, the second largest university in the country. Presented every four years, these degrees recognize eminent international scholars who have made a major global impact in their respective fields. Dr. LeGeros was one of six individuals honored and the only woman in the group.

In awarding the degree, Dr. Francois Resche, the President of the University of Nantes, said: “This honoris causa is being awarded to Professor Racquel Zapanta LeGeros in recognition of her pioneering contributions to research in biologic and synthetic calcium phosphates and in appreciation of her many years of significant collaboration with the Biomaterials Laboratory research group of the Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire.”

In her remarks, delivered in French, Dr. LeGeros thanked President Resche and her colleagues at the University of Nantes for the honor they had bestowed upon her and said, “Development of biomaterials like calcium phosphates requires multidisciplinary collaboration among chemists, physicists, biologists, veterinarians, dentists and physicians. It requires high scientific integrity and a strong commitment and dedication to improving the health and quality of life of our fellow men and women.

“Our calcium phosphate lab at NYU and the biomaterials lab at Nantes have become unofficial extensions of each other. Together we have explored and continue to explore the potential of calcium phosphates as biomaterials, a collaboration that has resulted in several joint publications and the development of at least two calcium phosphate biomaterials with applications to both orthopedics and dentistry that are now being produced commercially worldwide. I have been privileged and blessed to be part of such an effort.”

In addition to the prestige of receiving an honorary degree, Dr. LeGeros has an added occasion for celebration: 2006 marks 50 years of distinguished, continous service to NYU and its College of Dentistry. We are privileged to applaud her achievements.