Seminar on Joint Training and Research in Semiconductor and Microchip Technology between VNU University of Science and the University of Arizona, USA

In order to promote exchange and strengthen cooperation in training and research, particularly in the field of semiconductor technology, on the morning of July 30, 2024, the VNU University of Science, Hanoi, held a seminar with a delegation from the University of Arizona, USA, led by Ms. Liesl Folks, Vice President of the university.

Representing the university, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang, Vice Rector of the VNU University of Science, along with leaders, faculty members, and students from the Faculty of Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, and the Nano and Energy Center, had an open meeting and exchange with the delegation from the University of Arizona. During the seminar, Prof. Liesl Folks, Vice President in charge of Semiconductor Strategy and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, gave an overview presentation introducing the University of Arizona as well as the university's Semiconductor Manufacturing Center.

In response to the partner's insights, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang expressed great delight at the opportunity to establish a cooperative relationship between the university and the University of Arizona. Regarding research and training in semiconductor technology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang shared that the VNU University of Science was the first institution in Vietnam to offer education in this field. To date, the university has expanded its training in materials science and semiconductor technology by partnering with National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in Taiwan, China, to offer master's programs in semiconductor technology (five cohorts have been implemented so far) and plans to enroll students in a joint undergraduate program in semiconductor technology next year. These programs follow a collaborative model, where students will initially study at the VNU University of Science, and in the next phase, they will continue their studies and internships directly at NYCU. The quality of the university’s semiconductor students is highly regarded by partner institutions, as evidenced by the high percentage of students receiving internship scholarships at prestigious corporations like Micron or obtaining scholarships for higher education in major countries around the world.

The University of Arizona is a long-established institution, founded in 1885. Today, UA is a member of the G63, a group of leading research universities in the United States and Canada. The University of Arizona currently has 19 member colleges offering programs in a wide range of fields, including science and engineering, natural sciences, applied sciences and technology, medicine, pharmacy, law, social sciences and humanities, education, and more.

Notably, during this visit to the VNU University of Science, the delegation included professors from the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, such as Prof. David W. Hahn, Dean, and Prof. Mark E. Van Dyke, Vice Dean. According to the representatives from the university, the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona currently has 160 faculties, with six distinguished faculty members being part of the National Academy of Engineering. Each year, they enroll about 4,000 undergraduate students and 500 graduate students. The College offers 17 undergraduate programs with 10 specializations, including Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering; Biosystems Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Chemical & Environmental Engineering; Civil, Architectural & Mechanical Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering; Materials Science & Engineering; Mining and Geological Engineering; Optical Sciences & Engineering; and Systems & Industrial Engineering.

In addition, according to Prof. Liesl Folks, the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is the largest institution in the United States for training PhD and Master's students in applied sciences each year. To date, approximately 3,369 individuals have graduated from the college, including 979 PhD graduates, 1,691 Master's graduates, and 699 Bachelor's graduates.

Prof. Liesl Folks also emphasized that semiconductor technology is currently a highly valued field in the United States. Each year, over $210 billion in private investment is made in this sector, with more than 25% of that investment directed to Arizona. At the University of Arizona’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Center in 2023, there were 7,770 Bachelor's graduates, 2,297 Master's graduates, and 467 PhD graduates from five key colleges, including the College of Engineering, Wyant College of Optical Sciences, College of Science, College of Applied Science and Technology, and Eller College of Management.

To promote the development of high-quality human resources, the development goals of the University of Arizona’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Center include the following key points:

• Collaborating to expand access to technical training and education at all levels, from high school, community college, and university students, to those currently working in the semiconductor field, as well as continuing education for other target groups.

• Recruiting 12th-grade students into the semiconductor technology program through engaging learning and practical experiences.

• Sharing the model’s success with partners to further spread its impact.

At the seminar, the delegates had the opportunity to exchange a wealth of information regarding the training and cooperation programs that the University of Arizona is currently implementing in the fields of semiconductor and microchip research and education. During the discussions, not only faculty members but also students expressed their desire for collaboration in research and training, as well as opportunities to participate in exchange programs and internships at the University of Arizona.

Regarding scientific research collaboration, the VNU University of Science expressed a desire to work with the University of Arizona on joint projects to enhance research capacity and improve laboratory facilities at the institution.

 The seminar was lively and promises to bring about effective collaborative relationships in the field of semiconductor and microchip technology in particular, as well as in other areas, between the two universities.

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