Florida State University recognized academic innovators who developed patented research during the 2024 fiscal year at a ceremony held on Friday.

“I’m extremely proud of all our educators and everything that you accomplish,” stated FSU President Richard McCullough. “One of our pivotal missions is to foster innovation at this institution.”

McCullough, alongside Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson, acknowledged 41 individuals who secured patents in the previous fiscal year for an array of research, including studies on the dengue virus, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, and an active vortex generator aimed at enhancing heat transfer in heat exchangers.

“What a splendid day to commemorate years of dedication and ingenuity, illustrating that innovation is indeed pervasive at Florida State University,” Patterson remarked. “We take great pride in our faculty, staff, and students, and how they collectively make an impact on society. Patents represent just one facet of this, showcasing the innovative culture we possess at FSU.”

This occasion was part of a broader event organized by IGNITE-FSU, a National Science Foundation-sponsored initiative aimed at fast-tracking translational research while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in academic settings. The day also featured a lecture by Rich Carter, a Professor from Oregon State University, who is a prominent advocate for fostering entrepreneurship via university innovation.

FSU initiated IGNITE-FSU one year ago. Since then, the university has embarked on several initiatives to cultivate FSU’s culture of innovation, including launching a local business incubator, enhancing FSU’s technology transfer operations, and organizing a competition for business pitches aimed at startup enterprises.

David Larbalestier, lead materials scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, was awarded a patent for his advancements in superconducting magnets. Following the ceremony, he expressed that the focus on innovation is essential for faculty who are discovering the potential of their research endeavors.

“This marks a remarkable shift for those who grasp what this all entails,” Larbalestier stated. “Innovation is continuously occurring because they are uncovering what they are capable of, what once seemed unimaginable before they arrived at university.”

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