Tufts University announced on Mar. 19 that it has been recognized by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) as one of the top 100 U.S. universities granted utility patents for 2025.
The ranking highlights Tufts’ commitment to research and innovation, with utility patents reflecting scientific breakthroughs that can benefit society and human health through new products and technologies.
Bernard Arulanandam, vice provost for research at Tufts, said, “Research at Tufts covers a wide range of scientific disciplines, and the patents awarded last year to Tufts faculty show the vitality of our research enterprise. These inventions will make the world a better place, and we are proud that our faculty efforts are recognized by the National Academy of Inventors.”
In total, Tufts faculty were awarded 33 patents last year, placing the university at number 62 on the NAI list. Some of these patents have already been optioned or licensed by commercial entities for further development, including clinical trials. Paul R. Sanberg, president of the National Academy of Inventors, said, “These universities and their inventive faculty are at the forefront of driving national innovation and competitiveness. By moving their ideas to market and protecting their IP with patents, these institutions are ensuring that the U.S. not only remains competitive on the global stage, but directly shapes the future of innovation.”
Examples from across Tufts include xenobots—biodegradable living constructs developed by Douglas Blackiston, Michael Levin, and Kelly McLaughlin; adiponectin receptor agonists for treating inflammation in diabetes by Jinkun (Jake) Chen and Qisheng Tu; an algorithm to optimize cellular network connectivity by Mai Vu; silk-based hydrophobic coatings from David Kaplan and Krishna Kumar; and engineered anti-PD-1 immunoglobulin polypeptides for cancer immunotherapy by Peter Bullock.
A full list of patent-holding faculty spans multiple schools within Tufts University: Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Medicine, and Nutrition Science and Policy.
