UC Riverside enginnering professor Cengiz Ozkan has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding academic inventors whose innovations have made a significant societal impact.
Since joining UCR's Bourns College of Engineering in 2001, Ozkan’s research has focused on nanomaterials for energy storage, nanoelectronics, and sensors. His pioneering work has earned him nearly 50 U.S. and international patents in energy storage, nanomaterials, and nanoelectronics, which are aimed at advancing renewable energy solutions and efficient technologies.
Ozkan’s laboratory explores applications such as bio-nano systems, 2D materials including graphene and dichalcogenides, carbon nanotube and semiconductor nanowire fabrics, and chemical vapor deposition. His innovations have contributed significantly to advancements in sustainability, energy, and manufacturing.
“I am deeply honored to be elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors,” Ozkan said. “I am thrilled that our innovative research at UCR in energy storage technologies, nanomaterials, and nanoelectronics is being recognized at the highest echelon. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my students, collaborators, and colleagues for their invaluable support.”
Ozkan is among 170 inventors who make up the 2024 NAI Fellow class, representing 135 universities and research institutions worldwide. This cohort, announced on December 10, exemplifies the NAI’s mission to celebrate creativity and innovation across disciplines. Fellows collectively hold more than 5,000 patents and have generated economic activity worth over $3.2 trillion globally.
“This year’s Class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors. 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,” said Paul Sanberg, NAI president.
Ozkan and his fellow inductees will receive their medals at the NAI’s 14th Annual Meeting on June 26, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event will celebrate the achievements of inventors driving technological progress and economic growth.
Ozkan also been recognized with several other accolades including the Materials Research Society Fellowship, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Fellowship, and prestigious awards such as the William Johnson International Founders Award and the TUBITAK Presidential Scientific Achievement Award.