The Tufts University chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has received the NAI’s 2025 Chapter of Excellence Award. The university was recognized with the honor at the organization’s annual conference, held on June 24 in Atlanta.
The NAI was established to recognize inventors who have U.S. patents, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage intellectual-property disclosure, educate and mentor students, and expand public understanding of how its members’ inventions benefit society. The organization’s 4,600-plus members represent over 260 institutions worldwide, including U.S. and international universities, governmental agencies, and nonprofit research institutes.
The NAI encourages its member institutions to form local chapters. Established in 2023, Tufts’ NAI chapter focuses on creating a structured community that celebrates inventorship and encourages the transformation of research into real-world solutions, according to its mission statement.
The Tufts chapter facilitates cross-disciplinary collaborations and networking among faculty and students. The chapter also provides educational seminars and other resources to support the development and translation of Tufts innovations; one example was a best-practices workshop on patenting AI innovations, convened in conjunction with IEEE Boston. The Tufts chapter also has a close working relationship with the university’s technology transfer office and actively engages with various levels of university leadership—from department chairs to deans of research—for guidance.
Chapter members are required to be NAI senior members or fellows, have at least one issued U.S. patent through Tufts and at least one active commercialization agreement through Tufts, or have three or more issued U.S. patents through the university. The Tufts chapter currently has 27 members from across multiple Tufts schools and is led by Karen Panetta, dean of graduate education for the School of Engineering.
“Tufts is deeply honored to receive this recognition, as it reflects the creativity, impact, and translational strength of our research community,” said Vice Provost for Research Bernard Arulanandam. “This distinction is a tribute to our faculty innovators and the collaborative spirit that drives discoveries into real-world solutions.”
“I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to our newly inducted NAI senior members and fellow whose accomplishments exemplify Tufts’ commitment to innovation and public good,” said Arulanandam.
Possible future directions for the chapter include seminars for university researchers on the tech transfer process, collaborations with the recently established Auster Center for Applied Innovation Research , and targeted outreach to students and early-stage faculty.
University community members are encouraged to reach out to tufts.nai@tufts.edu with any questions or for more information about engaging with chapter initiatives.
