Inside the Mind of an Inventor: Science, Faith, and 300 Patents
The Heart Behind the Science
A Life Defined by Purpose Robert Shorr, Ph.D., DIC, is the Chief Scientist and Co-founder of his current ventures, bringing a 40-year track record in drug discovery from concept through market launch. Having served in leadership roles at Enzon Pharma, United Therapeutics, and SmithKline Beecham, Dr. Shorr co-developed the blockbuster drug PEG INTRON A. With over 250 technical articles and 300 patents worldwide, his academic foundation from the University of London and Imperial College is vast. Yet, beyond the credentials, Robert is a man who views his laboratory as a sanctuary.
His story began with a childhood "thrill of discovery," which he later realized was a discovery of heaven’s divine purpose. Witnessing the "horrors" of disease within his own family—losing his sister to pancreatic cancer, his mother to lung cancer, and his brother to diabetes—Robert’s career became a personal mission to represent God’s love on earth through healing.
Leadership as a Vessel for the Healer
The Humility of High Achievement In a world that often celebrates the "self-made" man, Dr. Shorr’s leadership is rooted in the principle that we are instruments of a higher power. Despite working with Nobel Prize winners and isolating receptors that changed the face of pharmacology , Robert maintains a striking perspective: he is privileged to be placed in the "right place at the right time" by heaven.
"I hope I never lose sight of the fact that ultimately it is God who is the healer," he shares. True leadership, in Robert's view, isn't about personal fame but about "loving acts of kindness". For a leader in science, he believes there is no greater act of kindness than saving a life.
Navigating the Trial of Silence
Faith When the Answer is "Wait" Business and science both involve seasons of testing. Robert is currently in a "financing stage," seeking support to bring new cancer and diabetes drugs to those who need them most. Even for a man with 300 patents, the road requires resilience and a daily commitment to prayer.
When God seems quiet during a "test," Robert reminds us to keep listening. He navigates the "bombardment" of negativity and economic uncertainty by focusing on "Divine Inspiration," trusting that the same God who saw him "unformed" in the womb has already written the days of his life.
Unmasking the Enemy
Spiritual Lessons from Microscopic Battles Robert’s current research focuses on "cancer-causing stem cells"—cells that disguise themselves to survive and progress. He notes that science must "unmask those disguises" to kill the disease. This mirrors the spiritual walk: just as cancer hides, the "fruits of the flesh" like fear and anxiety can mask the joy God intended for us.
Just as Robert develops "multiple mechanisms" to fight complex diseases , we are called to arm ourselves with the "fruits of the Spirit"—love, kindness, and patience. By focusing on "doing well to others," we can unmask the darkness and live in the light of Christ.
A Flag of Kindness
The Legacy of a Life Surrendered As Robert continues his work at age 72, his goal remains clear: he wants to be known as an "honest, righteous man" who flew a "flag of kindness". He views his 300 patents not as trophies, but as opportunities to participate in the "divine purpose" of restoration.
His story is a powerful reminder that our jobs—whether in a lab, an office, or a home—are platforms for God's glory. When we surrender our professional ambitions to Him, He turns them into a mission of hope. As Robert reminds us, "Amen" stands for El Melech Ne'eman—God is a faithful king.
Written by Jovilyn Dela Cruz
“I view my accomplishments as a privilege to be placed in the right place at the right time with the right set of tools by heaven... I hope I never lose sight of the fact that ultimately it is God who is the healer.”
