National Inventors Hall of Fame announces 2026 inductees
Two Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers to be honored
Two Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers are among 15 innovation pioneers who will be honored in the 2026 class of National Inventors Hall of Fame ® Inductees
Dr. Louis Argenta and Dr. Michael Morykwas, both professors emeriti of plastic and reconstructive surgery, co-invented Vacuum Assisted Closure, a medical device that uses controlled suction to draw excess fluid from a wound while promoting its closure. V.A.C. therapy has been used to help millions of patients worldwide by treating a wide range of difficult-to-heal wounds, from surgical wounds to diabetic ulcers and burns.
In 2015, Argenta and Morykwas received the Medallion of Merit, Wake Forest University’s highest honor. In 2017, the co-inventors founded Renovo Concepts Inc. to develop devices for treating brain and heart injuries. Argenta serves as medical director at Renovo and Morykwas serves as president and chief science officer.
In recognition of his lifesaving work, Argenta has received many awards, including the Achievement Award for Clinical Research from the American Association of Plastic Surgeons in 2013 and the Jacobson Innovation Award from the American College of Surgeons in 2016. Morykwas has served on the board of directors for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and on the boards of charitable organizations in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, area.
Read more about Argenta and Morykwas on the National Inventors Hall of Fame website.
“The National Inventors Hall of Fame is committed to illuminating the legacies of world-changing inventors and creating opportunities for the next generation to learn from these innovative role models,” said Monica Jones, chief executive officer of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, in the January 31 announcement. “The inventors in our 2026 class have made contributions in fields as varied as semiconductor technology and portable inhalers. Induction into the Hall of Fame honors the significance of these advances, which have enhanced our daily lives and well-being.”
In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Hall of Fame will honor the inductees at the 2026 Induction Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on May 7.
About the National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is the premier nonprofit organization in America dedicated to recognizing inventors and invention, promoting creativity, and advancing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1973 in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Hall of Fame is committed to not only honoring the individuals whose inventions have made the world a better place, but to ensuring American ingenuity continues to thrive in the hands of coming generations through its national, hands-on educational programming and collegiate competitions focused on the exploration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For more information, visit invent.org. To nominate an inventor for Induction, visit invent.org/nominate.
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