The National Academy of Inventors has named University of Texas at Arlington researcher Muthu B.J. Wijesundara as a 2025 fellow.
A principal research scientist and head of the Biomedical Technologies Division at UT Arlington's Research Institute (UTARI) in Fort Worth, Dr. Wijesundara earned what is considered the highest professional honor exclusively for inventors.
"I am honored to be named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. This recognition reflects the collective accomplishments of my research team and collaborators and underscores the supportive environment for innovations at UTARI and UTA," Wijesundara said. "Together, we have pioneered transformative technological solutions to address some of the most critical challenges in health care."
Among his notable innovations is a robotic exoskeleton arm that lightens the load—literally—by reducing strain on the arm and elbow. The Dallas Morning News recently highlighted the device, noting that these and other exoskeletons in development by Wijesundara's team are "centered on improving the lives of people whose mobility has been limited by medical conditions such as a stroke or cerebral palsy."
His patented innovations also include advanced support surfaces designed to prevent pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, which are now progressing toward clinical testing. The team has further completed an FDA-mandated pilot study for a novel negative-pressure wound therapy dressing for the hand.
Related: UTA's 23 patents strengthen UT System's No. 3 ranking
The NAI notes that its fellows drive innovation across disciplines, tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time.
"NAI fellows are a driving force within the innovation ecosystem, and their contributions across scientific disciplines are shaping the future of our world," said Paul R. Sanberg, NAI president. "We are thrilled to welcome this year's class of fellows to the academy. They are truly an impressive cohort."
Founded in 2012, the NAI fellows program has grown to include 2,253 distinguished researchers and innovators who collectively hold more than 86,000 U.S. patents and 20,000 licensed technologies. Their innovations have generated an estimated $3.8 trillion in revenue and 1.4 million jobs.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
