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Shuji Nakamura (Ehime, Japan 1954), who now holds American citizenship, is the inventor of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or diodes that emit green, blue and white light. These constitute a revolutionary source of light that is highly efficient, has a long-life and a much reduced energy consumption than traditional sources, such as incandescent light bulbs. Considered to be the lighting of the future, LEDs have an enormous potential in underdeveloped areas which are not covered by the power supply. He has also developed ultraviolet LEDs that enable drinking water to be sterilized, which could lead to a great improvement in life and health conditions for many millions of people in the Third World.

Another of his major achievements is the blue laser, which has important applications in optoelectronics and data storage. This laser has given rise to the blu-ray technology, by means of which it is possible to increase the volume of information stored on devices like the DVD fivefold. He has published 390 articles in the most prestigious scientific journals, which have been referenced 18,936 times by his colleagues, resulting in an exceptional h-index of 108. He also has 448 patents, approved or pending.