Tulane virologist named National Academy of Inventors Fellow

Renowned Tulane University virologist Robert Garry has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for his groundbreaking work finding new treatments and diagnostics to fight infectious diseases like Lassa Fever, Ebola, influenza and other global threats over the past four decades.

Being named an NAI Fellow is one of the highest professional distinctions awarded solely to inventors.

“I'm very honored to be nominated and chosen,” Garry said. “You don't get this kind of recognition that often. It is a high honor.”

Garry, professor of microbiology and immunology at Tulane University School of Medicine, holds 25 patents for innovations against infectious diseases. He worked with other Tulane scientists to start a Lassa fever program in West Africa and now manages a consortium of researchers who are developing countermeasures — including diagnostics, immunotherapeutics and vaccines — against diseases including Lassa virus, Ebola and Marburg viruses and other high-consequence pathogens. His work includes developing a treatment and prevention using cloned antibodies from Lassa fever survivors.

"Bob Garry is a globally recognized leader in the battle against today’s greatest threats to public health,” Tulane President Michael A. Fitts said. “With quiet determination and humility, he relentlessly pursues the causes and cures for both long-known infectious diseases as well as new and emerging and perils.”

The Lassa treatment, which Garry developed with Tulane virologist James Robinson, MD, could move into clinical trials next year. He has also developed rapid testing kits for Lassa and other infections as well as peptide-based therapies against viruses. Garry has published more than 250 papers in virology, with cover stories in top journals, including Nature and Science.

“Throughout his 40 years at Tulane, Bob Garry has built a global reputation as an ambitious, rigorous and creative researcher, a highly sought after collaborator, a dedicated mentor, and a beloved colleague. I am absolutely thrilled to see him recognized by the NAI for his many innovative and impactful contributions to our fight against some of the most challenging infectious diseases,” said Tulane Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robin Forman.

Garry is one of 170 individuals named as 2024 NIA Fellows. Honorees represent 39 U.S. states, 12 countries, and 135 research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutions worldwide.

The 2024 Class of Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting in Atlanta next June.

“This year's Class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors. Each of these individuals are tackling real-world issues and creating solutions that propel us into the future. Through their work, they are making significant contributions to science, creating lasting societal impact, and growing the economy,” said Dr. Paul Sanberg, FNAI, President of the NAI. “NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation, generating crucial advancements across scientific disciplines and creating tangible impacts as they move their technologies from lab to marketplace.” 

Since its founding in 2012, the NAI Fellows program has grown to include 2,068 exceptional researchers and innovators, who hold over 68,000 U.S. patents and 20,000 licensed technologies. NAI Fellows are known for the societal and economic impact of their inventions, contributing to major advancements in science and consumer technologies. Their innovations have generated over $3.2 trillion in revenue and generated 1.2 million jobs.