National Academy of Inventors Announces Inaugural Class of Senior Members

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named 66 academic inventors to the inaugural class of NAI Senior Members. The election of the inaugural class coincides with National Inventors' Day, which this year marks what would have been Thomas Edison's 172^nd birthday and celebrates innovators and their contributions to society.

This inaugural class represents 37 NAI Member Institutions, including research universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutes. They are named inventors on over 1,100 issued U.S. patents.

Senior Members are active faculty, scientists and administrators at NAI Member Institutions with success in patents, licensing and commercialization. They have produced technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society.

Senior Members also foster a spirit of innovation within their communities through enhancing an inventive atmosphere at their institutions, while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors. The NAI aims to honor members' achievements and contributions to the innovation ecosystem at their institutions.

"The election of the inaugural class of NAI Senior Members is a significant designation for a group of prolific inventors from NAI Member Institutions who are collectively a driving force in American innovation," said Paul R. Sanberg, NAI President. "This is truly an accomplishment worth celebrating."

NAI Senior Members undergo a two-step selection process, including internal NAI review and consideration by the Senior Member Advisory Committee. The committee comprises NAI members and other professionals considered pioneers in their respective fields.

"It was my honor to serve on the Advisory Committee for the inaugural class of NAI Senior Members," said Walter Herbst, Fellow of the NAI. "This inaugural class of inventors marks the beginning of a singular program which will help further recognize academic inventors at every stage of their careers." 

Senior Members are elected quarterly, with nominations accepted on a rolling basis. Nominations are currently being accepted for the Spring 2019 class of Senior Members. Access the nomination form on the NAI portal.   

The Senior Member Program provides an exclusive opportunity for NAI Member Institutions to honor their inventive faculty at every stage of their career. Universities interested in becoming an NAI Member Institution should contact Jayde Stewart at [email protected].

The complete list of NAI Senior Members is available on the NAI website.

About the National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors is a member organization comprising U.S. and international universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutes, with over 4,000 individual inventor members and Fellows spanning more than 250 institutions worldwide. It was founded in 2010 at the University of South Florida to recognize and encourage inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit society. The NAI publishes the multidisciplinary journal, Technology & Innovation. www.academyofinventors.org

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SOURCE National Academy of Inventors

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