[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E215-E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            HONORING THE NAI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2012

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
accomplishments of the National Academy of Inventors, NAI. The NAI was 
founded at the University of South Florida, USF, in 2010, and has since 
become an institution that recognizes researchers who

[[Page E216]]

translate their findings into inventions that may benefit society. To 
date there are more than 500 members in the NAI, each being awarded a 
patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
  The NAI provides a valuable role in the translation of science and 
technology within the university community, and for the benefit of 
society. It serves to promote creative thinking and originality, 
encourage the development and utilization of inventions, and offer 
guidance to new and existing inventor's efforts. Moreover, the NAI has 
assisted in awarding hundreds of successful patents for universities 
around the world.
  More specifically, USF has progressed into a leading research 
university with important economic ties to the Tampa Bay community and 
Florida. The aptitude of the faculty, staff and students are the 
fundamental components that drive USF's research initiatives. USF lists 
among 14 universities in the top 300 organizations to receive patents 
from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2010 with 83 patents 
awarded.
  Innovation, based on new inventions and technologies, has proven to 
be a key factor in the industrial and economic development of the 
world. The support, encouragement and development of technology and 
innovation are also fundamental to the success of a university, non-
profit research organization or federal research institute. 
Furthermore, in addition to submitting this record, I am honored to 
introduce a House Joint Resolution recognizing the significance of the 
NAI.

                          ____________________