Edward Ratner, a computer information systems lecturer in the Department of Information Science Technology at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional distinction awarded to academic inventors.
Ratner is the 40th faculty member from UH who are 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,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at UH. “Here at the University of Houston, we take great pride in fostering a culture where visionary thinkers like Ed can thrive. This honor reflects not only his remarkable achievements but also the University’s commitment to shaping the future through groundbreaking research and invention.”
The 2024 class of Fellows is comprised of 170 distinguished inventors, representing 39 states and 12 countries, who collectively hold over 5,000 issued U.S. patents. Nearly half of the class, which includes Nobel Prize, National Medal of Science and U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation winners, identifies as underrepresented inventors.
“This year's class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors, each of them tackling real-world issues and creating solutions that propel us into the future,” said Dr. Paul Sanberg, president of the NAI. “NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation, and through their work, they are making significant contributions to science, creating lasting societal impact and growing the economy.”
Ratner’s research over the years, which has resulted in 40 patents to date, has spanned artificial intelligence, machine learning, image analysis, video compression and video streaming. One of his inventions on adaptive video streaming underlies the technology used almost universally today for streaming video over the internet.
“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 said.
The 2024 Class of Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.