UK Martin‑Gatton College Innovation Accolade as Palli Elected NAI Fellow

University of Kentucky scientist Subba Reddy Palli has been honoured as a 2025 National Academy of Inventors Fellow, joining a distinguished group of leading innovators across the United States. The acknowledgement has been considered the highest professional honour bestowed exclusively on inventors, being part of the National Academy of Inventors fellowship USA. The University of Kentucky scientist is now part of a group of 169 academic and institutional inventors who reside in 40 different states, with more than 5,300 U.S. patents.

Career & Innovation

Witnesses stated that Palli is the state entomologist of Kentucky, Department Head of Entomology, and Interim Department Head of Plant Pathology at the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Throughout his career, he has been recognised for his pioneering contributions to RNA interference research, pest control, with 28 patents earned from his research in insect physiology, molecular biology, endocrinology, toxicology, and genomics. His research interests are identified as RNA interference mechanisms and applications, hormonal/nutritional control of insect growth, and molecular characterisation of insect resistance to insecticides.

The university administrators were proud that Palli’s contributions have illustrated how scientific research in universities within the state of Kentucky can be used to modernise pest control, increase the use of agricultural biotechnology, as well as make other scientific advancements. The UK Martin-Gatton College Award of Innovation is recognised to recognise his scientific contributions, as well as his mission alignment as a land-grant institution to enhance agriculture, health, as well as the well-being of the community.

One Health Concept - Overall Impact

It was observed that Palli is currently directing the one health initiative in the state of Kentucky, where he launched the one health centre in 2025, with two symposia thus far. In collaborative research, his interests include the interrelationship of human, animal, and ecosystem health, with a focal point on disease carriers such as ticks and mosquitoes. Projects with the Southeast Centre for Agricultural Health & Injury Prevention are charting the range of medically significant ticks within Kentucky.

Secondly, his research laboratory is studying essential biological events in insects, such as moulting, diapause, metamorphosis, and apoptosis. Through such research, novel approaches for the control of insect pests and disease vectors are anticipated to emerge. It has been argued that his RNA-interference, insect genomics research is making a significant impact on agricultural practices, thereby ensuring the development of safe and efficacious solutions.

Contextualization of Recognition and Fellowship

Palli stated that he felt honoured by the award, adding that the award is a result of the innovation and passion that his team and colleagues have. Palli stated that with his background in farming, he has always considered the application of his work. The innovation and patents at the NAI Fellow award were considered significant because inventions, as well as their application in product development, are core components of the selection process.

The NAI Fellows class of 2025 patent award recognition is reported to represent 127 universities, government agencies, and research institutions. The initiative, established in 2012, has thus far expanded to comprise 2,253 renowned researchers and innovators, who collectively own more than 86,000 patents, as well as 20,000 licensed technologies, with contributions resulting in the creation of an estimated $3.8 trillion in revenues and 1.4 million jobs.

Paul R. Sanberg, president of the National Academy of Inventors, explained that Fellows were seen as a force multiplier within the innovation ecosystem, shaping the future of science and technology. It was mentioned that Subba Reddy Palli would be formally recognised at the NAI 15th Annual Conference in Los Angeles in June 2026, where a senior official from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office would present him with his medal. Reports also noted that Palli was joined by six other University of Kentucky faculty members who had been elected as Fellows since 2012.

The move marked a significant addition to the innovation and research excellence of the University of Kentucky, which is recognised as a flagship land-grant university that is dedicated to education, research, and service. The university stated that they are dedicated to preparing future leaders in transforming lives with scientific breakthroughs, agriculture, and health.

Editor’s Note:

It is with great pride that the University of Kentucky can boast of Subba Reddy Palli as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow. His lifelong career in entomology and molecular biology has shown just how innovation can directly support agriculture, biotechnology, and public health. He has 28 patents and numerous collaborative projects, reflecting the true value of academic invention. This, however, at the same time, is an indication of the relevance of linking science with society. Professor Palli's research in RNA interference and insect genomics will not only advance safer and more effective solutions to pest management but also offer opportunities for new technologies that will provide gains to farmers, communities, and ecosystems. Further, his leadership in the One Health Initiative shows how human, animal, and environmental health interlink.

In the future, he will continue to inspire students and colleagues alike through his election as an NAI Fellow within the UK Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. It is a realisation of the truth that stands when combined with practical vision, research excellence can have global recognition. This prize reminds one in simple terms that when innovation is steered with purpose, then science and society will be changed.

FAQs

1.Who is Subba Reddy Palli, and what did he invent?

Subba Reddy Palli is a University of Kentucky scientist and entomologist who was recognised as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow in 2025. His inventions include technologies based on RNA interference that kill insect pests and combat insecticide resistance. He has developed inducible gene‑expression systems and patented methods that modernise pest control and support agricultural biotechnology.

2.What is the National Academy of Inventors and what does it mean to be a Fellow?

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) is a United States organisation that honours academic inventors whose work has made a real impact on society. Being elected as a Fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. It recognises innovation, patents, and contributions that advance science, technology and public benefit.

3.Is the National Academy of Inventors prestigious?

Yes, the National Academy of Inventors fellowship USA is considered highly prestigious. Since its founding in 2012, the programme has honoured more than 2,200 researchers and innovators who together hold over 86,000 U.S. patents. Their inventions have generated trillions in revenue and millions of jobs, making the fellowship a mark of excellence in academic innovation.

4.What research did Palli do on RNA interference and pest control?

Palli’s research in RNA interference and insect genomics focuses on understanding how gene silencing can be used to control insect pests. His work has advanced safer and more effective pest‑management solutions by targeting molecular processes such as growth, metamorphosis and resistance. This research supports agriculture, biotechnology and public health by reducing reliance on traditional insecticides.

5.How many patents do NAI Fellows typically hold?

The NAI Fellows class of 2025 collectively hold more than 5,300 U.S. patents. On average, Fellows are distinguished by significant portfolios of patented technologies. In Palli’s case, he has secured 28 patents, reflecting the scale of innovation expected of those elected to the Academy.