IRES: Pathway for Research and Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing (IRES-PRISM)

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $749,539 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Semiconductors are foundational to the technologies that power modern life, from artificial intelligence and telecommunications to healthcare and the automotive industry. U.S. leadership in these sectors depends on advancing domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing. While the U.S. pioneered the field, it now produces only about 10% of the global semiconductor supply and relies heavily on Asia, especially Taiwan. Taiwan leads the world in semiconductor manufacturing, supported by top-tier research institutions, leading companies, a robust supply chain, and strong government investment. The International Research Experiences - Pathway for Research and Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing (IRES-PRISM) program creates a summer research opportunity for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research on semiconductor devices and manufacturing in Taiwan. Over five years, the program will support 40 student researchers from the U.S. to gain hands-on experience, immerse themselves in Taiwan’s vibrant semiconductor ecosystem, and build lasting research partnerships. Working with mentors from both the U.S. and Taiwan, students will be well-positioned to advance U.S. innovation and global leadership in the semiconductor industry. Built on established partnerships with leading institutions in Taiwan across multiple engineering disciplines, the IRES-PRISM program advances frontier semiconductor research in thermal management, IoT sensors, and da

Key facts

NSF award ID
2607549
Awardee
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NC)
SAM.gov UEI
JB33DT84JNA5
PI
Ying Sun
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
KOREA, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
Estimated total
$749,539
Funds obligated
$739,941
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 06/30/2030