Two UF scientists among seven inducted into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

April 6, 2015

Two current University of Florida faculty members and a Nobel Prize-winning alumnus have been inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame.

Entomologist Nan-Yao Su, inventor of the Sentricon termite colony elimination system, and immunologist Janet Yamamoto, discoverer of the feline immunodeficiency virus and a vaccine to prevent it, were announced Monday along with five other Florida inventors.

Nobel Laureate Robert Grubbs, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from UF, also will be recognized at the Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony in October.                       

Also included in this year’s class are automotive pioneer Henry Ford; Florida State University chemist Robert Holton, inventor of the chemical synthesis of the anti-cancer drug Taxol; Paul Sanberg, founder of the National Academy of Inventors; and robotics and human assistive devices innovator Jerry Pratt.

“We are delighted to be announcing this class of exceptional inventors whose work has had an impact on the lives of Floridians and the world,” said Randy Berridge, who serves on the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Advisory Board and as chair of the selection committee.

Nominees, who must have at least one U.S. patent, were nominated through an open process and elected by a selection committee comprising distinguished leaders in research and innovation throughout Florida. 

“Collectively, the seven 2015 inductees hold more than 430 U.S. patents,” said Berridge, who also is president of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. “Their high merit has been recognized by national and international institutions and communities with named parks, museums, scholarships, funds, a U.S. postage stamp, and many other honors and awards, and we are honored to be inducting them into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame.”

Founded in 2013, the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame recognizes and commends Florida inventors whose achievements have advanced the quality of life for Floridians, the state and the nation. More information is available at www.FloridaInvents.org or by contacting info@FloridaInvents.org.