Brian Kiernan Named 2024 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Brian Kiernan ’70, a visionary in wireless communication technology and a proud alumnus of Newark College of Engineering at NJIT, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This honor recognizes his pioneering contributions to mobile and fixed wireless communications, a field he revolutionized through innovations that underpin technologies used by billions globally.

NAI Fellowship represents the highest professional distinction for inventors, awarded to those whose work has significantly advanced societal and economic development. Kiernan joins a prestigious class of 170 inventors from 39 U.S. states and 12 countries. A full list of the 2024 Fellows is available here.

A Legacy of Transformation and Lifelong Advocacy

Brian Kiernan’s career is a testament to technological transformation and the power of innovation. Holding 29 U.S. patents, including those enabling SMS texting over wireless local networks and seamless handoffs among wireless networks. As vice-chair of one of IEEE working groups on wireless access standards (802.16), Kiernan played a pivotal role in developing WiMAX, the precursor to 4G LTE, earning him the IEEE Standards Medallion and Hans Karlsson Awards.

Kiernan’s professional legacy includes his leadership at InterDigital Communications, where he spearheaded efforts that transformed the company from a nascent telecom firm into a global leader with over 14,000 patents. He was instrumental in advancing digital cellular radio technologies and setting global standards, influencing every facet of mobile communications today.

Beyond his technical achievements, Kiernan has passionately supported innovation at NJIT. He has mentored students as chair of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation (URI) External Advisory Board and leader of the Albert Dorman Honors College Interdisciplinary Design Studio. His guidance has helped student innovators turn ideas into startups, with Kiernan often investing in their ventures. He also supports NJIT’s innovation ecosystem as a founding executive board member of its NAI Chapter, providing mentorship and generous funding for research and innovation programs.

Recognition and Impact

Kiernan’s contributions have been transformative for both industry and society. His patents, many of which were highlighted in his NAI nomination, have become cornerstones of wireless communication, impacting billions of users globally. His work on SMS over WLANs paved the way for seamless text communication integrated into modern smartphones, serving as a backbone for a myriad of uses in applications in communications, healthcare, emergency response and financial services.

At InterDigital, Kiernan’s leadership extended beyond technical innovation to strategic influence. As executive vice president and chief scientist, he shaped global standards driving the adoption of technologies that support today’s massive-scale data networks. Under his leadership, the company generated licensing revenues exceeding $500 million annually and established itself as a patent powerhouse with a $3 billion market cap.

His advocacy for student innovation at NJIT has yielded significant results. Kiernan’s involvement in evaluating and funding student research has directly contributed to the launch of successful startups. His ongoing mentorship continues to inspire future generations, further solidifying his impact as a transformative figure in both academia and industry.

I am deeply pleased and deeply gratified that the NAI has selected me for this honor.

NAI Fellows are known for the societal and economic impact of their inventions, contributing to major advancements in science and consumer technologies. Their innovations have generated over $3.2 trillion in revenue and generated 1.2 million jobs. The 2024 Class of Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Brian’s leading inventions and patents laid the foundation of the enabling technologies for multiple generations of digital cellular and fixed Wi-Fi equipment and systems thus fostering the design and the construction of digital mobile base stations and handsets,” said Atam P. Dhawan, senior vice provost for research and executive director of NJIT’s Center for Translational Research. “His technological inventions are used in virtually all of today’s consumer mobile communications standards and associated equipment used by an estimated 3-4 billion subscribers worldwide. These technologies have undoubtedly made an economic and societal impact in almost every aspect of our lives.”

Dhawan also highlighted Kiernan’s support and contributions to NJIT’s innovation ecosystem.

“He has been a founding member of the external advisory boards of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation; and Technology Innovation Translation Acceleration (TITA) programs. Brian has been instrumental and an exceptional supporter in establishing the National Academy of Inventor (NAI) Chapter at NJIT.”

About the NAI

The National Academy of Inventors is a member organization comprising U.S. and international universities, governmental, and non-profit research institutes, with over 4,000 individual inventor members and Fellows spanning more than 250 institutions. It was founded in 2010 to recognize and encourage inventors with patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit society. Inaugurated by the USPTO, the Academy and the USPTO have enjoyed a collaborative partnership. Most recently, this has been reflected in their joint mission to expand access to underrepresented individuals and institutions participating in the invention and innovation ecosystem.