UF Professor Subrata Roy Selected for Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
Subrata Roy, a University of Florida professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has been selected for induction into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame for his pioneering work developing plasma‑based technologies that address challenges in areas including health care, food safety, water treatment and space exploration.
Roy’s inventions have been patented, commercialized and applied beyond the laboratory, leading to the creation of four spinoff companies, including Florida‑based SurfPlasma, Inc., which he founded.
“Whether it’s improving how medical instruments are sterilized, reducing aerodynamic drag of road and air vehicles, extending the shelf life of food, or supporting future space missions, the goal has been to solve problems that truly matter to society.” —Subrata Roy, Ph.D., a UF professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering
“My work has always focused on taking fundamental science and turning it into technologies that are safe, practical and impactful,” said Roy, who is also director of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’s Applied Physics Research Group. “Whether it’s improving how medical instruments are sterilized, reducing aerodynamic drag of road and air vehicles, extending the shelf life of food, or supporting future space missions, the goal has been to solve problems that truly matter to society.”
At UF, Roy has made landmark contributions to the development of novel plasma technologies that enable compact, chemical‑free sterilization systems, improve food safety without refrigeration, and support aerospace and space exploration efforts. His plasma‑based sterilization systems operate at low temperatures, produce no toxic byproducts, and have been successfully tested in zero‑gravity environments, making them well‑suited for future space missions.
“These technologies are designed to work where traditional approaches fall short — in hospitals, during emergencies, and even in space,” Roy said. “They’re portable, energy‑efficient and compatible with heat‑sensitive materials, which opens up entirely new possibilities.”
In addition to medical and aerospace applications, Roy’s inventions have demonstrated the ability to double the shelf life of fruits and vegetables while eliminating major food‑borne pathogens, and to significantly improve water disinfection and aquaculture management.
“Dr. Roy exemplifies the spirit of innovation we strive to support at the University of Florida,” said David Norton, vice president for research at UF. “His work shows how ideas can move from the lab into real‑world solutions that improve lives, strengthen industries and help address some of society’s most pressing challenges.”
An internationally recognized innovator, Roy holds numerous U.S. patents and has authored more than 200 peer‑reviewed publications. A dedicated mentor and educator, he has guided dozens of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and young scientists, and is deeply committed to outreach that inspires future inventors.
The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame honors individuals with strong Florida ties whose inventions have improved quality of life, advanced economic development, and inspired future generations. Roy is the 19th inventor affiliated with the University of Florida to be inducted.
The 2026 class of distinguished inventors will be formally inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame at a ceremony in November.