The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has proudly announced the selection of two esteemed faculty members from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering, Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos and Shashank Priya, as part of its 2025 class of Fellows. This coveted fellowship represents the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.
This year, the 169 U.S. Fellows, representing 127 universities, research institutions, and government agencies across 40 states, collectively hold over 5,300 U.S. patents. Among this distinguished group are recipients of prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize and the National Medals of Science and Technology & Innovation, alongside members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
University officials celebrated the achievements of Papanikolopoulos and Priya, noting their exceptional contributions to innovation. Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter remarked, “The extraordinary accomplishments of Drs. Papanikolopoulos and Priya are exemplary of the strong commitment by our faculty to innovation that transcends disciplinary boundaries. Through research, collaboration, and leadership, their work continues to break ground on the frontiers of technology innovation.”
Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos serves as the McKnight Presidential Endowed Professor and Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. His work in robotics, computer vision, and intelligent transportation systems is recognized as pioneering. As the Director of the Minnesota Robotics Institute, Papanikolopoulos has authored over 400 papers and holds nine patents, notably founding ReconRobotics Inc., which developed the UMN Scout robot deployed by military and police forces to enhance safety during operations.
Shashank Priya, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, is recognized for his innovations in materials engineering and energy harvesting. As the founding executive director of the University of Minnesota’s National Security Research Institute, he has played a crucial role in advancing research ventures valued at over $1 billion. Priya’s impressive portfolio includes more than 500 peer-reviewed articles and 10 U.S. patents in fields ranging from piezoelectric materials to next-generation solar technology.
Both Papanikolopoulos and Priya have demonstrated remarkable capacity for transformative research and applications, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and real-world implementations. Their commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation is a testament to the University of Minnesota’s dedication to leading technology development.
The 2025 Class of Fellows will be honored at the NAI 15th Annual Conference on June 4, 2026, in Los Angeles, where they will receive their medals from a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Their selection not only highlights individual achievements but also underscores the potential for continued innovation and positive impact on society through scientific research and collaboration.