Conference: 84th Device Research Conference (DRC 2026)

Semiconductor devices are key to all modern technology, and continued innovations are needed to achieve high-performance computing, robust high-speed communications, machine learning, image and video processing, as well as energy-efficient and sustainable power generation and control. For continued U.S. leadership in these important fields, it is critical that the next generation of STEM researchers be trained to address emerging needs for electronic, optoelectronic and quantum devices. Federal investments in the semiconductor manufacturing industry make the training of device engineers even more imperative so we can provide the skilled workforce that will support expansion of domestic chip production. The annual Device Research Conference, which is currently in its 84th year, is the premier forum for innovative and emerging semiconductor devices. The 2026 Device Research Conference (DRC) will be held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. One of the key features of DRC is the balanced participation of students and leading world experts in the field, which provides a unique learning and training opportunity for the student participants.

In addition to contributed oral talks and posters, the 2026 DRC will offer a half-day technical short course taught by prominent experts, three plenary sessions and over 40 invited talks by academic and industry leaders, and an evening rump session at which panelists interact with attendees to debate a technical topic of particular current importance. This year, the main session topic will be “Everything Switches: Sorting Fact from Fiction in Future Devices.” The short course will focus on “Best Practices for Reporting on Electronic Devices.” ECCS support for the 2026 DRC will provide student participants with the opportunity to gain exposure to new materials and devices, their basic physics, as well as engineering applications.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Award Number: 2621410
Principal Investigator: Sarah Swisher
Funds Obligated: $10,000
State: MN