Prof. Dan Peer Elected Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors

Prof. Dan Peer Vice President of R&D at Tel Aviv University was elected as a Fellow of the United States National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The appointment to the rank of NAI Fellow is the highest recognition given by the Academy, awarded to innovators whose inventions have had a decisive impact on quality of life, economic development, and social welfare.

The National Academy of Inventors counts over 1850 Fellows in 260 different institutions around the world. The National Academy of Inventors was established in 2010 to recognize and encourage inventions that are covered by US patents.

Prof. Peer is a trailblazing scientist and a pioneer in the use of RNA molecules as molecular drugs. His research focuses on developing RNA-based molecular drugs for a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, blood, brain and ovarian cancers, and rare genetic diseases. Prof. Peer also investigates the use of RNA molecules as vaccines for infectious diseases and develops nanometric drug carriers that can target specific cells selectively. Among his landmark achievements: Prof. Peer and his lab were first in the world to demonstrate systemic delivery of mRNA molecules in animals, as well as use of short RNA to silence genes in immune cells. Recently, his lab was the first in the world to demonstrate an mRNA vaccine against bacteria. In addition, his lab was the first to show systemic, cell specific efficient gene in cancer.

Exceptional Achievements

In addition to his innovative research, Prof. Peer serves in several leading positions: TAU's VP R&D, a member of National Academy of Engineering (USA), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Over the years he contributed to a large number of inventions (over 145 patents filed) that were commercialized through Ramot to several companies (several are currently under clinical trials) and established several startups in Israel, the UK, and the USA.

NAI Fellow Selection Committee: "This prestigious honor recognizes Prof. Peer’s exceptional achievements as an inventor - his contributions have made a significant impact on innovation, economic development, and society’s welfare. Prof. Dan Peer’s election to the rank of Fellow reflects not only his accomplishments but also his dedication to advancing technology and fostering invention for the benefit of society."

Prof. Peer: "I am very touched by the recognition of my work. The United States National Academy of Inventors is one of the most prominent bodies dedicated to encouraging inventors in academia, which gathers under its roof the best inventors, and the decision to choose me as a fellow is a great honor for me."