The University of Arizona proudly announced that Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, their senior vice president for research and partnerships, has been inducted into the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This recognition marks the 21st time a university scientist has joined this distinguished group. Díaz de la Rubia joins 184 other inventors as part of the 2025 class, which highlights significant contributions to innovation both nationally and internationally. Their formal induction is set for June 4, 2026, during the NAI’s annual conference in Los Angeles.
NAI fellowship is considered the pinnacle of professional recognition for inventors, celebrating individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields. The 2025 class is composed of 169 U.S. innovators and 16 international fellows, all together holding over 5,300 U.S. patents. They include Nobel Prize winners, National Medals of Science and Technology and Innovation recipients, and members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
“Tomás epitomizes the spirit of the National Academy of Inventors through his dual commitment to groundbreaking scientific discovery and the translation of those discoveries into real-world impact,” stated University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. Díaz de la Rubia’s contributions to materials science and fusion energy have been transformative, and his leadership has propelled economic growth through the commercialization of innovations.
Díaz de la Rubia’s achievements in science and technology are vast, including seven U.S. patents in materials engineering. Notably, his work on the laser inertial fusion engine, or LIFE, has been pivotal for scientific fusion ignition, a development crucial for advancing clean energy solutions globally. Additionally, his patents have been instrumental in the creation of strain-engineered CMOS chips that enhance the efficiency of modern processors.
Reflecting on his career, Díaz de la Rubia remarked, “I am deeply honored by this recognition, which reflects not only a lifetime of work, but the power of research to shape a better future.” His career has spanned roles in academia, national labs, and industry, emphasizing the importance of scientific research as a beneficial societal force.
Doug Hockstad, associate vice president of Tech Launch Arizona, praised Díaz de la Rubia’s influence on fostering a culture of innovation. “From the beginning, he has championed promoting a culture of innovation – driving discoveries beyond the lab and into the marketplace where they can change lives.” His drive to integrate innovative practices within the university’s ecosystem aims to transform ideas into tangible solutions.
Paul R. Sanberg, president of the National Academy of Inventors, highlighted the importance of the new fellows: “NAI fellows are a driving force within the innovation ecosystem, and their contributions across scientific disciplines are shaping the future of our world.” The NAI eagerly anticipates honoring this remarkable cohort at their upcoming conference.
Beyond his current role, Díaz de la Rubia has an esteemed career history, including leadership positions at the University of Oklahoma and Purdue University, strategic consulting at Deloitte LLP, and a significant tenure at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. His scholarly contributions are extensive, with over 150 peer-reviewed articles and a notable h-index of 63, reflecting his impactful research work.
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