Professor Eric Fossum

Dartmouth engineering professor Eric Fossum, inventor of the sensor technology used in cell-phone cameras and Director of Thayer School's PhD Innovation Program, has been selected as a member of the 2016-2017 Class of AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassadors.

First piloted in 2013, The AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassadors Program has served as a platform for inventors to demonstrate their role as change agents in society and as problem solvers. Since its inception, there have been two classes and 14 Ambassadors selected that meet the program’s vision to “showcase the human face of inventors in order to inspire, inform and influence thought leaders and global community.”

The 2016-2017 Class of Invention Ambassadors will:

• Inspire a new and diverse generation of inventors dedicated to solving difficult global challenges
• Inform on the components needed to create inventions that sustainably solve global problems
• Influence policy makers, thought leaders & public

This diverse group of Invention Ambassadors draws from various backgrounds and research areas and has leading roles in different sectors. The group has over 1,100 patents and has demonstrated: (1) a high regard for the role of invention; (2) an invention track record; (3) an accomplished professional career; (4) a commitment to invention’s role in impacting environmental sustainability; and (5) experience or interest in speaking to audiences.

AAAS and The Lemelson Foundation will welcome and celebrate the 2016-2017 Ambassadors at “Celebrate Invention” on July 14th, where the Invention Ambassadors will join together at AAAS to share their stories as inventors, introduce their inventions and their impact in solving global problems.