Florida State University president named to Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

Florida State University President Richard McCullough will be a member of the newest class inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. 

McCullough was recognized for his discovery and development of a type of polymer known as regioregular polythiophenes and other breakthrough organic electronic materials, and for founding companies that have advanced the commercialization of printable electronics and reactive metal inks. 

“I’m honored to be recognized for this achievement,” McCullough said. “Founding companies based on my research gave me a firsthand look at how scientific discovery can make the most impact on society. I try to bring the same entrepreneurial and enterprising mindset to my leadership of FSU.” 

The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame is a statewide initiative dedicated to honoring and celebrating inventors with a connection to Florida whose achievements have significantly advanced the quality of life for all Americans, while also encouraging discovery, promoting a culture of creativity and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers and change-makers. 

The polymers developed by McCullough can be ordered in three dimensions, which gives them excellent electrical properties useful for applications such as solar cells and field-effect transistors. His development and commercialization of conductive ink was a breakthrough technology allowing for successful printed electronics with capabilities beyond those of competing metallic inks.

McCullough has a history of innovation throughout his academic career. 

As a professor and vice president for research at Carnegie Mellon University, he developed a vibrant innovation ecosystem, including the Greenlighting Start-ups Initiative that exponentially increased the generation of university spin-out companies and corporate engagement. 

Prior to joining FSU, McCullough had served as vice provost for research and professor of materials science and engineering at Harvard University. 

During his tenure, he launched the Harvard Data Science Initiative, a collaboration between 12 of the university’s schools and more than 120 faculty. He also led the development of a new $100 million, multi-institution collaboration to build the Advanced Biological Innovation and Manufacturing Center and Facility, known as Landmark Bio, which is a hub for medical research and education, as well as economic and workforce development. 

In 2013, he was elected a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. 

McCullough joins three other FSU-affiliated faculty members of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame: Robert Holton, the inventor of the anti-cancer drug Taxol; the late Thomas Lipo, whose pioneering innovations in the field of electrical machinery and power electronics have improved the technology that runs subway cars and paved the way for hybrid and electric vehicles; and Alan George Marshall, the founding director and chief scientist of the Ion Cyclotron Resonance Program at FSU. 

McCullough will be recognized with other 2025 inductees at a ceremony to be held Oct. 31 in Tampa. 

Visit the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame website for more information about the recognition and this year’s class of honorees.

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