Dr. Milica Radisic inducted as U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow

Reposted from Discover BME (Institute of Biomedical Engineering).

Dr. Milica Radisic has been elected as a 2023 Fellow of US National Academy of Inventors (NAI), this achievement underscores her exceptional contributions to advancing research and positively impacting real-world applications. 

The NAI Fellows Program honours the outstanding achievements of academic inventors who, through interdisciplinary collaboration, dedication, and innovation, have successfully translated their research into tangible commercial technologies that significantly enhance society. Being selected as an NAI Fellow represents the pinnacle of professional recognition for academic inventors. 

Notably, the Fellows include leaders in academia, members of prestigious academies, inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, recipients of national medals, and Nobel Laureates, among other honours. 

As a distinguished Professor at the University of Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Organ-on-a-Chip Engineering, Dr. Milica Radisic has played a pivotal role in advancing the fields of organ-on-a-chip engineering and biomaterial development. Her notable contributions include leading the NSERC CREATE Training Program in Organ-on-a-Chip Engineering & Entrepreneurship and establishing the collaborative center, CRAFT, dedicated to the translation of organ-on-a-chip devices into practical products. 

In past decade, Professor Milica Radisic and her team are advancing the commercialization of their organ-on-a-chip technology via TARA Biosystems. This technology involves miniaturized cardiac ‘organs’ utilized for testing the efficacy and safety of different pharmaceutical compounds. TARA Biosystems employs a proprietary technology known as Biowire, developed by the Radisic lab. This technology is based on a microfluidic chip encapsulating compartmentalized cardiac tissue. 

Boasting a prolific publication history and an impressive h-index of 65, Dr. Radisic’s groundbreaking research has earned her numerous awards, substantial funding, and the mentorship of more than 114 researchers. Acknowledged as a Fellow in esteemed academies, she has held prestigious fellowships such as the NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial and Killam Research Fellowships, and recently she was inducted as a Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering. Dr. Radisic’s global influence is apparent through her editorial roles, symposium organization, and service as a Scientific Officer. Beyond academia, her diverse contributions encompass leadership roles in professional societies and university centres, including board positions. 

“We enthusiastically congratulate Dr. Milica Radisic on her well-deserved election as a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors. Her exceptional contributions in organ-on-a-chip engineering, biomaterial development, and commercialization efforts showcase her transformative impact on research and real-world applications.” Said Dr. Milos Popovic, Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto.  

The 2023 Fellows will receive their medals and be honored during the NAI 13th Annual Meeting on June 18, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina.