The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has announced UConn Health’s Cato T. Laurencin M.D., Ph.D. as a new member of its Board of Directors.
Laurencin is known internationally for his research and breakthrough achievements in biomaterials, nanotechnology, stem cell science, drug delivery systems, and a field he has pioneered, regenerative engineering.
At the University of Connecticut, Laurencin is a designated University Professor, professor of chemical engineering, materials science, and biomedical engineering, and the Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn Health. He is the chief executive officer of the Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering at UConn.
Laurencin is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is the only individual in history to receive both the oldest/highest award of the National Academy of Engineering (the Simon Ramo Founder’s Award) and the oldest/highest award of the National Academy of Medicine (the Walsh McDermott Medal).
He received the Philip Hauge Abelson Prize from the American Association for the Advancement of Science given “for signal contributions to the advancement of science in the United States.”
He is an inventor and innovator, with over 500 published articles and patents. Active in the National Academy of Inventors, he is president of the UConn NAI Chapter. Laurencin was honored at the White House with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement.
He replaces a vacant position on NAI’s board left by Sethuraman Panchanathan, who will be leading the helm of the National Science Foundation for a six-year term.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Laurencin to our Board of Directors,” said Paul Sanberg, president of NAI. “He brings a wealth of experience and expertise and will be a tremendous asset as we further our mission to advocate and support the inventor community.”
NAI is a member organization comprising U.S. and international universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutes, with over 4,000 inventor members and Fellows spanning more than 250 institutions worldwide. It was founded in 2010 to recognize and encourage inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), enhance the visibility of academic innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit society. The NAI works collaboratively with the USPTO and publishes the multidisciplinary journal, Technology and Innovation. www.academyofinventors.org.
