“While each existing center will continue to be responsible for its own specific programs, IEN will provide a single point of entry for industry and government organizations that seek to leverage Georgia Tech’s intellectual capabilities and a projection point for greater thought leadership in this significant research domain,” Cross said. “From a practical standpoint, we can also maximize cost efficiencies by sharing equipment and facilities, while more effectively utilizing current personnel to facilitate more rapid expansion of the research.”

The IEN will be led by Executive Director Mark Allen. Under his leadership, the new center will focus on integrating existing center personnel and equipment into the Marcus Nanotechnology Building and other nearby spaces.  

According to Cross, IEN builds on the vision and leadership established by Nanotechnology Research Center Director James Meindl, who has positioned Georgia Tech as a global leader in this area.

“Georgia Tech applauds his dedicated leadership and insight, which will both play a key role in the Institute’s renewal of related NSF-funded programs,” Cross said.

Patterned after the highly successful Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, which is comprised of 15 different research centers, IEN will include the following centers and research programs:

• Center for Compound Semiconductors
• Center for MEMS and Microsystems Technologies
• Georgia Electronic Design Center
• Georgia Tech Quantum Institute
• Georgia Tech Research Institute’s research in microelectronics and nanotechnology
• Interconnect Focus Center
• Interconnect and Packaging Center

• Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (Epitaxial Graphene)

• Microelectronics Research Center
• Microsystems Packaging Research Center
• University Center of Excellence for Photovoltaics Research and Education

“Our bold aspiration is to develop a world-renowned epicenter for electronics, nanotechnology and related materials research,” Cross added.