Muhammad Rabnawaz, associate professor in Michigan State University’s School of Packaging, has been elected into the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors, a member organization comprising U.S. and international universities. The NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.
This election to the NAI Fellows Program recognizes Rabnawaz’s pioneering research in zero-waste, circular and decarbonized packaging ecosystems, specifically targeting the plastic and paper-based sectors. Rabnawaz has an impressive portfolio of more than 60 filed and 24 issued patents, showcasing his prolific spirit to advance knowledge and enhance the commercial viability of sustainable materials. Recently, Rabnawaz has achieved several additional accolades, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2021, MSU’s 2021 Innovator of the Year award, senior member status in the NAI in 2022 and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Faculty Laureate in 2022.
According to the NAI release, the 2024 cohort of fellows exemplifies the academy’s belief that groundbreaking innovation knows no bounds and inventors can be found everywhere. This is evident in the fact that the honorees represent 39 U.S. states and 12 countries, and 43% identify as underrepresented inventors.
The 2024 fellows hail from 135 research universities, governmental and nonprofit research institutions worldwide, and their work spans across various disciplines. This cohort collectively holds more than 5,000 issued U.S. patents and their innovations are making significant and tangible societal and economic impacts today.
“I am humbled to receive this recognition from NAI,” Rabnawaz said. “I am confident that this honor will help my team and research gain more visibility, further advancing our efforts toward achieving our vision of a zero-waste packaging sector to protect public and environmental health.
“This award is the result of support from many, including my colleagues in the School of Packaging, leadership at MSU, our research team, the Sustainable Materials Group, and our research sponsors such as the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research and Education Foundation and others.”
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. The 2024 Class of Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
