Indian American cancer researcher Raghuraman Kannan is joining the ranks of the most prestigious academic inventors in the country with his election as a National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow. Kannan, Curators’ Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri is among 169 researchers receiving the prestigious honor.
NAI Fellows are elected for creating or facilitating inventions that have had a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development and welfare of society.
Together, the members of the 2025 class hold more than 5,300 U.S. patents and represent 127 universities, government agencies and research institutions across 40 states.
Kannan, who is also the Michael J. and Sharon R. Bukstein Chair in Cancer Research, has joint appointments at Mizzou’s School of Medicine and Mizzou’s College of Engineering.
He is also an associate director of the Immuno-oncology and Therapeutics Program at MU Health Care’s Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.
READ: Arts India US names 10 Indian American 2026 Lotus Fellows (
“Being named an NAI Fellow is a profound honor,” he said. “This recognition belongs as much to my colleagues, collaborators and students as it does to me. I am deeply grateful to the School of Medicine, College of Engineering and the University of Missouri for providing an environment where innovation is encouraged and discoveries can be translated into real-world impact.”
Kannan, who has a total of 65 patents issued, 12 of them active in the U.S., combines an entrepreneurial spirit with expertise in chemistry, molecular biology and material science to produce promising cancer treatments.
Traditional oncology therapeutics kill cancer cells, but they also kill healthy cells. However, Kannan has developed a library of drug delivery vehicles, based on nanoparticles, that target tumors without damaging healthy tissue. Using this innovation, he is working to develop treatments for ovarian, breast, pancreatic and liver cancers.
READ: 10 Indian American scientists among 2025 American Physical Society Fellows (
Kannan also leverages nanotechnology tools to better understand drug resistance. Utilizing a biological process called RNA interference (RNAi), his discoveries have paved the way for the creation of new therapeutics to reverse drug resistance.
Additionally, his laboratory developed a diagnostic suite, called NSCLC-Suite, to help oncologists devise an effective treatment plan for cancer patients.
Kannan has written more than 55 papers and holds seven patents. His research has led to four startup companies to commercialize nanotechnology that he helped develop.
His ultimate goal is to witness doctors using his work to help patients. “Seeing my products getting into clinics — that will be truly satisfying,” he says.