Four Tel Aviv University Professors Honored as Senior Members of the US National Academy of Inventors

Four professors from Tel Aviv University (TAU) have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in a single year—an unprecedented recognition that underscores the university’s role as a global leader in innovation. With three honorees from TAU’s Faculty of Engineering and one from the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, this achievement places them among the just 715 distinguished inventors worldwide who have previously received this honor.

The NAI Senior Member designation is awarded to academic inventors with proven success in patents, licensing and commercialization, recognizing their contributions to real-world technological advancements. The four TAU researchers will be formally inducted at the 14th NAI Annual Conference in Atlanta in the United States in June 2025, joining an elite network of university-affiliated inventors dedicated to transforming scientific discoveries into meaningful innovations.

The Lowy International School caught up with each of TAU’s new NAI Senior Members to learn more about their research.

Rosen’s Clean Fuel Innovation is Powering a Better Future

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Head of the International BSc in Electrical Engineering, and the Faculty of Engineering’s Vice Dean for International Affairs

How would you describe your research?

My research is focused on designing catalytic materials for the production and conversion of green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic methane. There is no single technology that can solve the electrification and decarbonization of our large industries; therefore, our lab works on multiple solutions in parallel, including several types of fuel cells for the conversion of fuels to electricity, as well as thermochemical and electrochemical reactors, to efficiently produce the fuels. 

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

We are very proud to announce that our most recent invention is the basis for a recently founded Israeli startup, PyroH2.  At PyroH2, we are developing a reactor (based on research that started in our lab at TAU) designed to convert natural gas or biogas into clean hydrogen and graphite, without emitting carbon dioxide in the process.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors? 

I am very humbled to have been selected alongside such strong Israeli innovators, and excited to join the NAI where we can continue to promote deep tech startups in Israel and the USA. 

Adler-Abramovich Mimics Nature to Transform Bone Healing 

Prof. Lihi Adler-Abramovich, Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine

How would you describe your research?

My research focuses on the design and development of bioinspired materials that mimic natural materials and their function. At Tel Aviv University, I lead a multidisciplinary team that integrates medicine, chemistry, biology and engineering to create innovative biomaterials with applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery and antimicrobial treatments. My overarching vision is to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into practical, real-world solutions that address critical challenges in healthcare, sustainability and beyond.

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

I am particularly proud of developing an advanced hydrogel platform for tissue regeneration, with a special focus on bone healing. My inspiration came from studying the natural bone healing process—observing how, in young individuals or in cases of minor fractures, the inherent physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the tissue promote effective recovery. Drawing on nature’s sophisticated biomineralization and self-assembly processes, we designed and formulated the hydrogels. We then optimized its properties so that it also serves as a foundation for novel bio-inks used in 3D printing. This innovative approach enables the fabrication of patient-specific scaffolds, marking a significant leap forward in regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors?

Being recognized by the National Academy of Inventors is a profound honor that highlights the impact of my research and the dedication of my team to advancing science through innovation. This recognition strengthens my commitment to transforming academic discoveries into groundbreaking technologies that address real-world challenges and contribute to society. It also serves as a source of inspiration to continue mentoring the next generation of scientists and inventors, promoting a culture of creativity and scientific excellence that drives meaningful progress in both technology and societal well-being.

Tzvi Shaked Is Revolutionizing IVF with Label-Free 3D Imaging

Prof. Natan Tzvi Shaked, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (photo credit: Tel Aviv University)

How would you describe your research?

We are developing novel tools for biomedical optical microscopy and nanoscopy (imaging nano-scale objects) for clinical applications. Specifically, we are interested in label-free 3D imaging of biological cells, which is essential when chemically labeling the cells is not possible and therefore [the cells] cannot be well diagnosed. 

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

We have invented and patented portable and mechanically stable modules and associated methods that can image biological cells in 3D without staining via optical interferometry, making this technology accessible for direct clinical use for the first time. A ‘killer application’ where chemical labeling of biological cells is not permitted is sperm selection for egg injection during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Today, embryologists select sperm cells for fertilization based on a subjective impression and cannot image well the sperm’s internal structure. Based on the technology developed in my research lab with the help of tens of graduate students that I supervised, I co-founded a startup company, QART Medical, which is now in advanced clinical trials on many tens of couples undergoing IVF in seven leading hospitals, two of them abroad, with the goal of significantly increasing IVF success rates, and with very supportive results so far.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors?

I am humbled to receive the prestigious appointment of a Senior Member in the National Academy of Inventors of USA. It is given to researchers with exceptional achievements as academic inventors and leading researchers in their respective fields of research, including notable success in patenting, licensing and commercialization, along with their persistence in developing technologies that create or aspire to create change in society. 

Golberg’s Electroporation Research Is a Game-Changer in Diagnostics, Treatment and Sustainability

Prof. Alexander Golberg (second from the right), School of Mechanical Engineering, School of the Environment and Earth Sciences

How would you describe your research, as well as your overall research vision?

I am a researcher specializing in bioengineering and biological manufacturing. My work focuses on developing non-thermal processes using high-voltage electrical pulses to induce membrane perforation in biological cells, a phenomenon called electroporation. I have applied this method to environmental and medical challenges, from molecular extraction in seaweed and agricultural waste to wound treatment and diagnostic applications. I have received multiple grants from national and international funding agencies to support this work, and currently lead the European MATISSE project, which advances electroporation-based molecular biopsy technology.

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

I am proud of all my inventions both in the field of medical electroporation for scar treatment and non-invasive molecular sampling for diagnosis, and environmental application for seaweed processing.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors?

For me, this acknowledgment represents not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of my students, colleagues and partners who have contributed to advancing electroporation-driven diagnostics and therapeutics. The goal of our research has always been to bridge fundamental science with real-world applications, from non-invasive molecular biopsies for early disease detection to sustainable bioengineering solutions that address global challenges in healthcare and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, this recognition strengthens my commitment to fostering innovation, mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers, and continuing to push the boundaries of electroporation technology to improve precision medicine, bioengineering and resource sustainability.

Learn more about recent research discoveries at TAU.