From Ideas to Impact: UTMB Leaders Named NAI Fellows

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is celebrating a major achievement as Dr. Jochen Reiser, president of UTMB and CEO of the UTMB Health System, and Dr. Vineet Gupta, vice president for innovation and commercialization at UTMB and CEO of Medical Branch Innovations, Inc, have been named Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. This recognition highlights UTMB's leadership in advancing innovation, discovery, and purpose.

The NAI's 2025 class includes 169 distinguished U.S. inventors and 16 international honorees, collectively holding more than 5,300 U.S. patents. Fellows include Nobel laureates, recipients of the National Medals of Science and Technology & Innovation, and members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

"Being named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors is a deeply meaningful and significant honor in my career," said Reiser. "It reflects a lifelong commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that discovery should ultimately serve people. As president, I am proud to see our institution and its talented faculty contributing solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in health care and science."

Dr. Gupta added, "This recognition is both personally humbling and incredibly gratifying. It reflects years of work alongside exceptional collaborators, mentors, and teams who share a passion for turning bold ideas into real-world impact. I am excited to contribute to an environment at UTMB that values innovation, collaboration, and translation."

NAI Fellows represent leaders across every major field of discovery, from quantum computing and artificial intelligence to regenerative medicine. Their success in translating research into products and services that improve lives demonstrates the continuing importance of the U.S. patent system, according to the NAI.

"NAI Fellows are a driving force within the innovation ecosystem, and their contributions across scientific disciplines are shaping the future of our world," said Dr. Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, President of the National Academy of Inventors. "We are thrilled to welcome this year's class of Fellows to the Academy. They are truly an impressive cohort, and we look forward to honoring them at our 15th Annual Conference in Los Angeles next year."

The 2025 Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at the NAI 15th Annual Conference on June 4, 2026, in Los Angeles.