Professor Dan Peer, Vice President of Research and Development at Tel Aviv University, was elected 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 1,850 Fellows in 260 different institutions around the world. It was established in 2010 to recognize and encourage inventions that are covered by US patents.

Professor Peer is a pioneer in the use of RNA molecules as molecular drugs, focusing on developing drugs for a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, blood, brain and ovarian cancers, and rare genetic diseases. He also investigates the use of RNA molecules as vaccines for infectious diseases and develops nanometric drug carriers that can target specific cells selectively.

Professor 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.

In addition to his innovative research, Professor Peer serves in several leading positions: as TAU’s Vice President of Research and Development and as a member of National Academy of Engineering (USA) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Over the years, he has 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 US.

“This prestigious honor recognizes Professor Peer’s exceptional achievements as an inventor — his contributions have made a significant impact on innovation, economic development, and society’s welfare,” the NAI Fellow Selection Committee says. “[His] 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.”

“I am very touched by the recognition of my work,” Professor Peer says. “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. Their decision to choose me as a fellow is a great honor for me.”