MC2 at Chalmers foremost among Sweden`s semiconductor laboratoriesJune 26, 2002The three largest semiconductor laboratories in Sweden have been evaluated by international experts, and MC2 at Chalmers University of Technology has received the highest rating. "This confirms my conviction that we`ve got the best equipped process lab of any university in the world," says the director of MC2, Professor Olof Engström. He agrees with the assessment group`s recommendations regarding a Swedish network for nanotechnology. However, he is skeptical about the group`s ideas for administrating such a network.The report was commissioned by the Swedish Research Council and VINNOVA, two organisations which disseminate funds to Sweden`s research operations. The assessment group members concluded that all three laboratories - MC2 in Göteborg as well as the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) Semiconductor Laboratory in Kista and the Ãngström Laboratory at Uppsala University - have attained the highest international calibre. Moreover, the group suggested that the labs should be coordinated into a Swedish network that would comprise a national resource to be known as the Swedish Nanotechnology Network, SNN. The proposal suggests that each laboratory specialise in their respective fields. Kista would specialise in microelectronics and photonics. Uppsala University`s Ãngström Laboratory would be an educational facility and a multidisciplinary centre that was directed toward nanotechnology, biotechnology and life science. At Chalmers MC2, researchers would concentrate on high velocity electronics and high resolution nanolithography. Professor Olof Engström says that he is satisfied with these conclusions from the experts. "None of the other laboratories have received such high ratings as Chalmers. MC2 has merited the highest international classification," he remarks. "This accentuates the necessity for all who are involved with Chalmers to develop this valuable resource in a diligent manner," comments Professor Engström. Researchers who are associated with the newly built MC2 laboratory at Chalmers have attracted a considerable amount of national and international attention during the last year. Many of the millions of Swedish Crowns which the Swedish Research Council has granted to young researchers have been given to persons who are active at MC2 and Chalmers. "This network is needed to provide Swedish microelectronic research with a more formidable presence," states Professor Engström. Sweden`s semiconductor laboratories are important to research and education within microelectronics and nanotechnology. Among other benefits, these subject areas constitute the foundation of modern information technology. Swedish research into these areas is advancing at the worldwide cutting edge. The European Union is investing EU 1.3 billion (over a five year period) for research into microelectronics and nanotechnology and EU 3.6 billion (also over five years) into research relating to information technology. The USA and Japan are also making substantial investments in these areas. SSF and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation have also participated in the assessment group`s preliminary studies. The chairman of the assessment group is Karl-Fredrik Berggren, who is a professor of theoretical physics at Linköping University. The assessment group`s report can be ordered from the Swedish Scientific Council or obtained from their web site, www.vr.se. VetenskapsrÃ¥det (The Swedish Research Council) |
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