Fellowship recognises spirit of innovation

Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) from the University of Adelaide, has been elected as a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

“I congratulate Professor Middelberg on being elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors,” said Professor Mike Brooks, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide.

“Anton has demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society.”

Professor Middelberg designs biological molecules in DNA and proteins and researches ways to code their self-organisation into molecular ensembles or structures comprising more than one molecule, for example particles or arrays. Additionally he has established advanced biomanufacturing methods for their production at scale through chemical engineering.

“Throughout my career I have sought to pursue innovative research to benefit people everywhere."Professor Middelberg

“I am honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the NAI by my peers who include senior leaders of research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutes,” said Professor Anton Middelberg.

“Throughout my career I have sought to pursue innovative research to benefit people everywhere.

“With co-inventors around the world I feel privileged to have been granted five US patents capturing inventions that impact a number of areas from molecular data storage to rapid-response vaccines and also cancer treatment, where my work is being developed to activate one’s immune system so that it recognises and attacks cancer cells.”

Among all of the 1,228 NAI Fellows worldwide there are over 137 presidents and senior leaders of research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutes; 556 members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine; 42 inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame; 63 recipients of the U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation and U.S. National Medal of Science; and 38 Nobel Laureates, among other awards and distinctions.

The NAI, which is based in Florida, was founded in 2010 to recognise and encourage inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit society.

Professor Middelberg will be one of the 2020 cohort of 175 Fellows who will be inducted at a ceremony at the Annual Conference of the National Academy of Inventors.