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Celebrating Innovation: 17 Pioneers Inducted into National Inventors Hall of Fame 2025

On February 11, 2025, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, in tandem with National Inventors Day, announced its latest class of inductees—seventeen exceptional innovators whose contributions have significantly shaped various fields, from healthcare to technology. The induction ceremony is set to take place on May 8 in Washington, D.C., during what is described as "The Greatest Celebration of American Innovation."

The Hall of Fame, in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), recognizes these inventors for their groundbreaking achievements. Coke Morgan Stewart, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property at USPTO, emphasized the honor in recognizing the pioneers who have changed the world through their inventions and their commitment to fostering future generations of STEM innovators.

Honorees of 2025

Among the distinguished inductees are:

• - John R. Adler Jr.: The creator of the CyberKnife®, a revolutionary system allowing for non-invasive treatment of tumors using robotic and image-guided technology, helping patients worldwide.
• - James Fujimoto, David Huang, and Eric Swanson: Inventors of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which has transformed ophthalmology by enhancing the diagnosis and management of eye diseases. OCT’s applications have extended to cardiology and various medical fields.
• - Barney Graham and Jason McLellan: Their work on Structure-Based Vaccine Design contributed to the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines which have been pivotal in global health.
• - Kerrie Holley: Pioneer of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), a model that has optimized IT infrastructures across diverse businesses.
• - Pamela Marrone: An advocate for environmentally safe pest management through her development of biological products that revolutionize pest control practices.
• - Richard Schatz: Co-inventor of the Palmaz-Schatz Coronary Stent, which has been instrumental in treating coronary artery disease for millions.
• - Karl Bacon and Ed Morgan: Recognized posthumously for creating the world’s first tubular steel track roller coaster, setting a benchmark in amusement park design.
• - Tom Blake: Posthumously awarded for designing the first lightweight, hollow surfboards, which changed the surfing landscape significantly.
• - Emil J. Freireich and George Judson: Their innovation led to the continuous-flow blood cell separator, an essential advancement in cancer treatment.
• - Virginia Holsinger: Played a significant role in enhancing dairy product innovations that addressed nutritional needs globally.
• - Virginia Norwood: Developed the Multispectral Scanner (MSS), which initiated a revolution in satellite imaging technology.
• - Charles Richard Patterson: Posthumously honored for his contributions to the automotive industry as the founder of the first Black-owned automobile company in the U.S.

These remarkable innovations reflect a diverse array of fields, underscoring the profound societal impacts made by these visionaries.

Event Highlights

The induction event will include:
1. Illumination Ceremony: On May 7, the new inductees will place their names on illuminated hexagons at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum in Alexandria, Virginia.
2. Induction Ceremony: A formal gala will be held on May 8 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., featuring a black-tie dinner honoring the contributions of the inductees.

Michael Oister, CEO of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, remarked on the importance of celebrating these innovators and their transformative impact on society. This event not only honors their past achievements but also inspires future generations to innovate.

By recognizing creativity and resilience through annual ceremonies and educational programs, the Hall of Fame continues to uphold the spirit of American ingenuity.

For additional details regarding the event and to learn more about the inductees, you can visit the official site of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.