Nanoelectronic research enhanced with Open Access H2020 project
Horizon 2020 is backing a €4.7m project that will make the unique research infrastructure of three of Europe’s premier research centres available to the nanoelectronics modelling-and-characterisation research community.
The nanoelectronics research centres of the Tyndall National Institute in Ireland, CEA-Leti in France and imec in Belgium have entered into a collaborative Open Access project entitled ‘Access to European Nanoelectronics Network’, or ASCENT, to mobilise European research capabilities. The project will share best scientific and technological practices, form a knowledge-innovation hub and train new researchers in advanced methodologies. The project will also establish a leading research network of advanced technology designers, modellers and manufacturers in Europe, helping to strengthen the continent’s knowledge in the integral area of nanoelectronics research.
The three partners will provide researchers access to advanced device data, test chips and characterisation equipment. This access programme will enable the research community to explore exciting new developments in industry and meet the challenges created in an ever-evolving and demanding digital world.
Speaking on behalf of the Tyndall National Institute, the project’s co-ordinating institution, chief executive Dr Kieran Drain said: “ASCENT has the capacity to change the paradigm of European research through unprecedented access to cutting-edge technologies. We are confident that ASCENT will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of global nanoelectronics development.”
Adding her thoughts, Leti CEO Marie-Noëlle Semeria said: “The ASCENT project is an efficient, strategic way to open the complementary infrastructure and expertise of Tyndall, Leti and imec to a broad range of researchers from Europe’s nanoelectronics modelling-and-characterisation sectors. Collaborative projects like this, that bring together diverse, dedicated and talented people, have synergistic effects that benefit everyone involved, while addressing pressing technological challenges.”
The project will engage industry directly through an ‘industry innovation committee’ and will feed back the results of the open research to device manufacturers, giving them crucial information to improve the next generation of electronic devices.
