Gregorio Ynciong Zara (8 March 1902 – 15 October 1978)[1] was a Filipino engineer, physicist, a National Scientist, and inventor.

[1] Among his other notable inventions include a solar-powered water heater,[1][4], the discovery of the physical law of electrical kinetic resistance called the Zara effect,[4][2], and a propeller-cutting machine,[4] among others.

][citation needed] Zara then enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States,[1][4] and graduated with a degree of BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1926.

Upon his return to the Philippines, Zara was appointed Technical Assistant on aviation matters in the office of the Secretary of Department of Public Works and Communications (DPWC).

During his lifetime he received several awards[10], which include the following: In 1978 he was conferred the Order of National Scientist by President Ferdinand Marcos.