Mar 12 2009
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced the recipients of its 2009 University Researcher Awards, Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan of MIT and Dr. Kang Wang of UCLA. The awards were presented at the annual SIA Washington conference on March 12.
“The ‘crown jewel’ in the U.S. innovation ecosystem is our network of world-leading research universities,” said Hector Ruiz, chairman of SIA. “America’s research universities attract the best and brightest students and teachers from around the world. University researchers do the fundamental research that has enabled U.S. chipmakers to lead the world in developing innovative products and solutions. Each year, the SIA recognizes university researchers who have made significant contributions to solving the obstacles that must be overcome to continue on our technology roadmap,” Ruiz continued.
Dr. Anantha Chandrakasan is the Joseph F. and Nancy Keithley professor of Electrical Engineering at MIT. He has done extensive research in micro-power design, wireless micro-sensor arrays, and ultra-wideband radios. A recent joint project with scientists at Texas Instruments developed a microcontroller that reduces power consumption by 90 percent compared to a conventional device.
Dr. Kang Wang has been a professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at UCLA since 1979, and served as chair of the department from 1993 to 1996. He has directed research projects on silicon-carbide nano devices, self-assembly of quantum structures, spintronics materials and devices, and other basic research to develop technologies that will enable continued progress in semiconductor technology when the limits of conventional microelectronics technology are reached.
“We are pleased to recognize the important work that Dr. Wang and Dr. Chandrakasan are doing to address the significant challenges our industry faces as we move beyond the horizons of the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors,” Ruiz concluded.