Elizabeth “Lisa” Friis, professor of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering at the University of Kansas, and faculty lead for the NSF Great Plains I-Corps Hub, has been named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This distinction recognizes emerging academic inventors whose work has demonstrated impact through patents, commercialization, and technology development.
Friis was selected as a part of the 2026 class of NAI Senior Members, a designation that honors academic inventors who are actively translating research into practical applications through patents, commercialization, and technology development. The program highlights emerging leaders who are strengthening innovation ecosystems within their institutions and industries.
Friis’ research focuses on biomedical engineering and medical device innovation, with an emphasis on developing technologies that improve patient care and advance translational medicine. Her work bridges engineering and healthcare, helping move new devices and solutions from early-stage research toward practical clinical use.
At the University of Kansas, Friis has contributed to advancing innovation through both research and invention. She also serves as a faculty lead for the NSF Great Plains I-Corps Hub, where she helps guide researchers and innovators through the customer discovery process. The I-Corps program equips teams with the tools to evaluate the commercial potential of their technologies by engaging directly with customers, identifying market needs, and reducing risk before pursuing startup formation or industry partnerships.
“One of the highlights for KUCTC each year is nominating KU faculty for membership in the National Academy of Inventors,” said Cliff Michaels, executive director of the KU Center for Technology Commercialization. “Dr. Friis is an exemplary inventor and entrepreneur whose innovations hold the potential to make an impact on human health.”
The 2026 class includes more than 230 inventors from universities and research institutions worldwide, collectively advancing technologies across a wide range of disciplines.
Friis’ recognition highlights the growing role of university researchers in developing innovations that extend beyond the lab to address real-world challenges.
Read the full article on KU News:
https://news.ku.edu/news/article/two-ku-researchers-named-2026-senior-members-by-national-academy-of-inventors
About the National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors was founded to recognize and encourage inventors with U.S. patents, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, and foster a culture of discovery and commercialization. Through programs such as the NAI Fellows and Senior Member designations, the organization highlights innovators whose work benefits society and drives economic growth.commercialization.