The University of Georgia has formally initiated its chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) during an inaugural event on April 28. The chapter aims to honor and assist the accomplishments of inventors at UGA.
Since its establishment, NAI has advocated for innovation and the societal influence of academic inventions by acknowledging and empowering U.S. patent owners, facilitating education and mentorship, and collaborating with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to enhance access to the innovation ecosystem.
“This is an exhilarating chance to recognize the inventive spirit of our faculty and researchers. It not only acknowledges those whose contributions have made a significant impact through patented technologies but also cultivates a community that appreciates mentorship, collaboration, and the quest for solutions that aid society,” stated Derek Eberhart, associate vice president for research and executive director of Innovation Gateway, UGA’s technology commercialization division. “This chapter reinforces UGA’s dedication to promoting innovation aligned with its land-grant mission.”
UGA’s chapter launches with 31 founding members spanning various disciplines. Holly Sellers, College of Veterinary Medicine; Ron Orlando, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; and Hitesh Handa, College of Engineering, constitute the founding executive board.
The chapter currently comprises seven NAI Fellows, with two of them being lifetime members, along with 13 NAI senior members. Eligibility hinges on a demonstrated spirit of innovation and a history of inventing or facilitating inventions that have made a significant impact on society.
“The establishment of a UGA chapter for the National Academy of Inventors is a natural progression in the growth of UGA’s remarkable innovation ecosystem,” remarked Chris King, interim vice president for research. “This chapter signifies an exciting occasion to foster a community around our campus innovators, including faculty, staff, and students, while providing additional mentorship and assistance to help them reach their objectives.”
For the launch of the chapter, current faculty who met specific qualifications were invited to apply as founding members. These qualifications included active faculty members who were NAI fellows or senior members as of June 30, 2024, alongside those who had been granted three or more U.S. patents between the fiscal years 2015 and 2024.
In the future, chapter members will formulate criteria for subsequent membership. These may encompass regular, honorary, or student members. It is expected that new members will be inducted on an annual basis.
Chapter members will promote the mission of UGA’s Innovation District by mentoring early-career faculty on innovation and commercialization, elevating the visibility of innovation, enhancing recognition of faculty and student innovations, and advocating for opportunities to broaden the university’s innovation ecosystem.
“As always, I’m delighted by the level of innovation at UGA,” expressed Chris Rhodes, executive director of the Innovation District. “I’m eager to see the possibilities that arise when this type of interdisciplinary engagement is intensified.”
The National Academy of Inventors is a member organization that includes U.S. and international universities, governmental agencies, and nonprofit research institutions. With over 4,600 individual members across more than 260 institutions globally, UGA’s new chapter will further amplify the influence of its researchers and forge connections across disciplines in support of translational research.
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