June 26, 2024
Flanders Semiconductors Members Engage with North American Semiconductor Academics
From June 10 to 13, the Chancellery and Foreign Affairs Department of Flanders organized a visitor program for eight academics from the United States and Canada, centered around the theme of semiconductors. The visiting scholars, nominated by Flemish entities, visited VUB, UHasselt, UGent, UAntwerpen, Imec, and KU Leuven. They hailed from prestigious institutions including Purdue University, Columbia University, Arizona State University, UC Irvine, Washington State University, University of Toronto, University of Michigan, and the College of William and Mary. The choice of the semiconductor theme was inspired in part by the recent US mission of the Prime Minister of Flanders.
On Wednesday, June 12, members of Flanders Semiconductors participated in a dinner with the visitors at the University Club of the University of Antwerp. During this event, Flanders Semiconductors association was introduced by its President and Françoise Chombar, President of Melexis, a Flanders Semiconductor member, highlighted the necessity for transatlantic cooperation. This gathering provided an excellent opportunity for individual members to explore potential collaborations.
On Thursday, June 13, in the afternoon, members of Flanders Semiconductors, following an introduction by Luc Sels, rector of KU Leuven, engaged in a debate session titled “Effectively Collaborating Intercontinentally.” The discussion also addressed the increasing demand for a semiconductor-trained workforce and the pivotal role that universities can play in meeting this need. The subsequent reception and walking dinner offered additional networking opportunities.
Flanders Semiconductors extends its gratitude to the organizers and visiting academics for this unique and enriching experience.
