“Rutgers University Scientists Win Two Edison Patent Awards at New Jersey’s Innovation Event”

Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, was among the prestigious recipients of the 2022 Edison Patent Awards, presented by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey (R&D Council). The awards ceremony took place last Thursday at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, where the state’s most innovative inventors and researchers were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to science and technology.

The Edison Patent Awards, named after the renowned inventor Thomas Edison, are the highest accolades for inventors in the state of New Jersey. This year, 14 patents created by 54 inventors were recognized across a range of categories, from environmental and medical health to defense and biotechnology.

Rutgers University was honored with two Edison Patent Awards. The first was in the Defense category for the patent “Unmanned Air and Underwater Vehicle,” created by Francisco Javier Diez-Garias and Marco M. Maia. This innovative patent presents a vehicle that can seamlessly transition from underwater to air, a significant advancement in unmanned vehicle technology.

The second award for Rutgers was in the Biotechnology category for the patent “A Nuclease-Independent In Vivo Targeted Gene Editing Platform and Uses Thereof,” developed by Shengkan Jin and Juan-Carlos Collantes. This patent represents a significant step forward in gene editing technology, with potential far-reaching implications for the treatment of genetic diseases.

The awards ceremony was attended by more than 200 people, primarily research scientists from academic institutions and businesses. R&D Council President Anthony S. Cicatiello, in his address to the audience, emphasized the importance of innovation and the role of the scientists in shaping the future. He said, “Everyone in this room knows what it takes to make a difference in the world. You know about the education that is needed; the failure, perseverance and success; and the blood, sweat and tears. … It is the determination of people in this room that makes a difference.”

R&D Council Chairman Kevin Campos, who is also vice president and head of process, research & development at Merck, echoed Cicatiello’s sentiments. He said, “Similar to Thomas Edison, you defied the status quo. You chose to imagine what might be possible, turning your ideas into reality.”

The Edison Patent Awards are not just a recognition of the inventors’ achievements but also a testament to New Jersey’s status as the Innovation State. The awards highlight the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement, and the role of institutions like Rutgers University in driving this progress.

The awards ceremony also recognized other notable figures in the field of science and technology. Princeton chemist and Nobel Prize Winner David W.C. MacMillan, Ph.D. received the Science and Technology Medal, while New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli received the Chairman’s Award. New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz was honored with the Educator of the Year Award.

The Edison Patent Awards are a celebration of innovation and a recognition of the tireless efforts of scientists and researchers in pushing the boundaries of knowledge. The awards serve as an inspiration for future inventors and innovators, encouraging them to dream big and turn their ideas into reality.