Indiana University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Richard DiMarchi will serve as a keynote speaker during the National Academy of Inventors’ fourth annual conference set for March 19 and 20 in Pasadena, Calif.

In addition, DiMarchi was elected as an NAI Fellow. The Standiford H. Cox Professor of Chemistry and Linda and Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences in the IU-Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, DiMarchi is one of 21 NAI Fellows who also has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

One of the world’s leading peptide chemists and a prolific entrepreneur, DiMarchi holds more than 100 patents and has co-authored more than 150 publications. He has co-founded four biotechnology companies — the latest being Assembly Biosciences, which is developing treatments for hepatitis B and C. difficile-associated diarrhea. He also advises several pharmaceutical companies and venture funds.

“This latest honor for Dr. DiMarchi is further testament to the degree to which his peers recognize his extraordinary contributions to human health and their esteem for him as he provides one of the keynote addresses for this year’s conference,” IU Vice President of Engagement Bill Stephan said.

“It has been my privilege to work with Dr. DiMarchi in the filing of over 600 patent applications for discoveries made at IU of potential therapeutics for treatment of diabetes and obesity,” said Bill Brizzard, director of technology commercialization for the Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. “His election as an NAI Fellow is well-deserved recognition of his achievements.”

Read more about DiMarchi, his work and the National Academy of Inventors here: