image: Muthu B. J. Wijesundara, principal research scientist and head of the Biomedical Technologies Division at The University of Texas at Arlington's Research Institute
Credit: UT Arlington
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.
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.