National Academy of Inventors UGA chapter launch

The University of Georgia officially launched its chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) on April 28, with 12 Franklin College faculty among the 31 founding members. The chapter will celebrate innovation and the societal impact of academic inventions at UGA. 

Since its founding, NAI has promoted innovation and the societal impact of academic inventions by recognizing and empowering U.S. patent holders, supporting education and mentorship, and partnering with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to broaden access to the innovation ecosystem.

UGA’s chapter launches with 31 founding members composed of faculty from a range of disciplines. Holly Sellers, College of Veterinary Medicine; Ron Orlando, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; and Hitesh Handa, College of Engineering, make up the founding executive board.

The chapter currently includes seven NAI Fellows, two of whom are lifetime members, and 13 NAI senior members. Eligibility is based on a demonstrated spirit of innovation and a record of creating or facilitating inventions that have made a meaningful impact on society.

Joining Orlando as founders are 11 distinguished faculty members of the Franklin College:

• Mike Adang^∗
• Geert-Jan Boons^‡
• David Crich^∗
• Richard Meagher^∗
• Sergiy Minko^∗
• Valentine Nzengung^‡
• Lance Wells
• Christine Szymanski^∗
• Robert Woods^∗
• Jin Xie
• Yiping Zhao

‡ indicates NAI Fellows

∗ indicates NAI Senior Members

Image: UGA's chapter of the National Academy of Inventors launches with 31 founding members composed of faculty from a range of disciplines. (Photo by Brandon Ward)