Melissa Pappas
Christopher B. Murray, Richard Perry University Professor in Materials Science and Engineering and in Chemistry, has been elected to the 2024 class of National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed upon academic inventors. The NAI Fellow designation recognizes individuals whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly advanced innovation, economic development and societal welfare. Murray joins a distinguished group of inventors celebrated for their exceptional achievements and ongoing commitment to transforming research into real-world applications.
Murray works at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, electrical and chemical engineering. His research explores novel ways to improve energy and environmental sustainability, information processing and human health. He works across scientific boundaries to develop new chemical methods to create building blocks at the 1- to 100-nanometer scale for materials to address these challenges.
Murray holds 26 current and four pending patents for inventions at the nanoscale, a domain 100,000 times smaller than the width of a sheet of paper where unusual quantum mechanical properties emerge yielding new electrical, optical, magnetic and catalytic behavior. Using Penn’s Singh Center for Nanotechnology as a crucible for discovery, he commercializes and educates across academic disciplines and maintains research partnerships with information technology, sustainable energy, aerospace, specialty chemicals and life sciences companies. His work has not only contributed to scientific advancement but also directly improved the quality of life for individuals around the world.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the National Academy of Inventors,” says Murray. “This award is a testament to the incredible collaboration and support I’ve received from my colleagues, students, and the broader research community at the University of Pennsylvania. I am proud to contribute to advancing technologies that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Founded in 2010, the National Academy of Inventors includes over 4,600 members worldwide, including inventors, academic researchers and leaders in innovation from more than 260 institutions. The Academy recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation through their inventions and who have contributed to economic growth and public welfare through their work. With over 1,800 Fellows currently, the NAI Fellowship is considered the highest professional distinction for academic inventors.
“This year’s Class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors,” says Dr. Paul Sanberg, FNAI, President of the NAI. “Each of these individuals are tackling real-world issues and creating solutions that propel us into the future. Through their work, they are making significant contributions to science, creating lasting societal impact and growing the economy. NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation, generating crucial advancements across scientific disciplines and creating tangible impacts as they move their technologies from lab to marketplace. We are excited to welcome and honor this newest Class of Fellows during our 2025 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I can think of no better group that exemplifies our conference theme, Forward Together: Innovating with Purpose.”
Murray will officially be recognized during the NAI Fellows Induction Ceremony at the NAI Annual Conference in June 2025. This prestigious event will bring together leading inventors and researchers from across the globe to celebrate their contributions to science, technology and innovation.
Read NAI’s press release announcing this year’s fellows here.