Passages: Professor Humphrey Maris

By NEWS FROM PHYSICS

Professor Humphrey Maris, hailed as the most successful inventor in the history of Brown University, passed away in July.

Faye Maris & OVPR — Faye Maris with Neil Veloso, Executive Director of Industrial Engagement & Corporate Ventures in the Division of Research and then-Vice President for Research Jill Pipher.

Image of Prof. Maris

Professor Humphrey John Maris, 86, passed away on July 28, 2025. Born and raised in England, he earned a Ph.D in physics at Imperial College, London in 1963 and moved to the United States shortly after.

Professor Maris joined the Brown Department of Physics faculty in 1965, where he remained until his retirement in 2014. For his research he received many awards, including Brown's inaugural Impact Award for being the most successful inventor in Brown University history.