b'8 Partner News Winter 2022AcademicBecoming world leaders in semiconductor R&DA major research facilityThe National Epitaxy Facility, a collaborationuniversities and industry across the UK between the Universities of Sheffield,and to provide access to the expertise andthe National EpitaxyCambridge and University College Londonresources needed to progress from basic (UCL), has been awarded 12 million indiscovery to mass manufacture for major Facilitywill supportfunding from UK Research and Innovationeconomic/societal impact for the UK.(UKRI), and will be a critical element the UK in its positionof the UKs strategy in semiconductorSince 2017, the facility has supported 122 technologies. million of research in 25 universities. The as a world leader innew funding, announced on 1 July 2022 Semiconductors are crucial to a huge rangemeans the facility can continue to support semiconductor R&D isof technologies that underpin modernworld class R&D in the UK for the next five society, including the internet, smartto 10 years.being led by researchersphones, LED lighting and electric vehicles. Their importance is being highlighted by theProfessor Jon Heffernan, Director of the at the University ofcurrent global shortage of semiconductors,National Epitaxy Facility and Professor in which has caused delays in manufacturingelectrical engineering at the University Sheffield. and shortages of popular products all overof Sheffield, said: I am delighted that the world, such as car manufacturing (Mini)UKRI has continued to fund and support and new games consoles (PlayStation 5). the National Epitaxy Facility at this critical time for the UK to increase its technological The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategyinnovation in semiconductors. Committee has now launched an inquiry into the UKs semiconductor industry to take stock of its capabilities and what the government can do to strengthen the sector amid concerns over the future of global supply chains.The National Epitaxy Facility led by Sheffield is built on more than 40 years semiconductor and epitaxy research in the universitys department of electronic and electrical engineering. Its role is to deliver bespoke semiconductor wafers to world A molecular beam epitaxy system for quantum technologya class semiconductor research projects inkey piece of equipment in the National Epitaxy Facility'