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Edward Ratner, a lecturer in computer information systems at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This recognition is considered the highest professional distinction for academic inventors. Ratner becomes the 40th faculty member from UH to achieve this status as either a Fellow or Senior Member of the NAI.
"Ed Ratner’s recognition as a Fellow of the NAI is a testament to his exceptional creativity, dedication and impact in advancing innovation," stated Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at UH. He emphasized that this honor reflects both Ratner's achievements and the university's commitment to fostering groundbreaking research and invention.
The 2024 class of Fellows includes 170 distinguished inventors from 39 states and 12 countries. Collectively, they hold over 5,000 issued U.S. patents. Nearly half are underrepresented inventors, with some members having received prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize and National Medals for Science and Technology.
"This year's class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors," said Dr. Paul Sanberg, president of the NAI. "NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation."
Ratner’s work spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, image analysis, video compression, and video streaming technologies. He holds 40 patents; one notable invention on adaptive video streaming is widely used today for internet video streaming.
"I am very proud to be recognized by the NAI for all the hard work that I and my colleagues have devoted over the years for these inventions to come to life," Ratner expressed.
The new Fellows will receive their medals at an event hosted by a senior official from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office during the NAI's Annual Meeting on June 26th, 2025 in Atlanta.