Tulane Researchers Named Senior Members of National Academy of Inventors

Eight Tulane faculty recognized for driving innovation and translating discoveries into real-world solutions.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Eight Tulane University researchers have been named Senior Members by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a designation that recognizes rising stars who drive a culture of innovation on campus and help develop the next generation of inventors. The honorees include experts in fields ranging from vaccine development and cancer therapies to advanced materials and pain management.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights Tulane's strong culture of innovation and the university's commitment to translating groundbreaking research into real-world applications that improve lives and drive economic progress. The diverse group of researchers represents Tulane's interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges.

The details

The Tulane honorees include experts in fields such as hormone-responsive breast cancer, vaccine development, polymer materials, neural tissue engineering, next-generation infectious disease vaccines, stem cell therapies, nature-inspired materials, and the neurobiology of pain and addiction. Their pioneering work has resulted in numerous patents and the development of transformative technologies.

  • The 2026 class of NAI Senior Members was announced on February 27, 2026.
  • The new members will be honored during the Senior Member Induction Ceremony at NAI's 15th Annual Conference taking place June 1-4, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.

The players

Tulane University

A private research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and research.

National Academy of Inventors (NAI)

A non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and encouraging inventors, enhancing the visibility of academic technology and innovation, and translating the inventions of its members to benefit society.

Michael A. Fitts

The president of Tulane University.

Robin Forman

The senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at Tulane University.

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What they’re saying

“These eight faculty members, whose pioneering research ranges from lifesaving vaccines and cancer therapies to advanced materials and breakthrough approaches to pain management and neurological disease, exemplify the depth and breadth of innovation across our campuses.”

— Michael A. Fitts, President, Tulane University (tulane.edu)

“We are so proud to see this wonderful recognition for a cohort of exceptional Tulane researchers. Their work continues Tulane's legacy, which extends back to our very founding, of translating path-breaking basic research into inventions that advance science and address some of society's most pressing challenges.”

— Robin Forman, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Tulane University (tulane.edu)

What’s next

The 2026 class of NAI Senior Members will be honored during the Senior Member Induction Ceremony at NAI's 15th Annual Conference taking place June 1-4, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.

The takeaway

Tulane University's strong culture of innovation and its commitment to translating groundbreaking research into real-world solutions are highlighted by the recognition of eight of its researchers as Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors. This diverse group of experts is driving progress in fields ranging from lifesaving vaccines to advanced materials, showcasing Tulane's interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges.