One of the most significant challenges in cancer treatment today is precisely targeting tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Although medicine has made great advances and improved outcomes for patients, many still experience significant side effects. Huang Chiao (Joe) Huang, a University of Maryland associate professor of bioengineering and Fischell Family Distinguished Professor, is working on a potential answer: photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment that uses light to selectively activate a photosensitive drug within tumors, avoiding toxicity in healthy tissues and improving patients’ quality of life. His research is advancing toward clinical reality at the Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine (CTEM) in the University of Maryland BioPark in Baltimore, which celebrated its formal dedication with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 8. today.umd.edu/ribbon-cutting…

Quantum World Congress today announced the University of Maryland as the 2026 Lead Academic Partner for Quantum World Congress, taking place September 23–25, 2026 at The Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park. The partnership reflects both UMD’s longstanding leadership in quantum science and technology and Quantum World Congress’ move into the heart of Maryland’s rapidly expanding quantum ecosystem. Anchored by the University of Maryland, College Park has become a national center of gravity for quantum research, commercialization, workforce development, public-private partnership, and real-world deployment. University of Maryland President Darryll Pines has been a longtime champion of Quantum World Congress and a leading voice in advancing Maryland’s role as the Capital of Quantum. At Quantum World Congress 2025, Pines delivered a keynote outlining how UMD and its partners are turning decades of foundational research into practical quantum impact across computing, networking, materials, national security, life sciences, and workforce development. umdrightnow.umd.edu/news-rel…