Research Coordination Networks for Semiconductors (RCN-SC)

Funding Agency:

  • National Science Foundation
RFP# and Website: 
NSF 22-116
Description: 

With this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), the Directorate for ENG encourages the submission of proposals to the Research Coordination Networks for Semiconductors (RCN-SC) program that focuses on developing, piloting, and sharing innovative and transformative approaches to enhance knowledge in the broader area of semiconductors (SC). Proposed RCN-SC with networking activities that lower access barriers to advanced technologies, encourage student engagement, and support a pipeline of talent in semiconductors education and innovation, are especially encouraged.

Semiconductor technologies play a vital role in our modern society. They have paved the path to today's advances, such as cellular phones, computers, and smart devices. Semiconductors are fundamental to Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G/6G, quantum computing, high-power electronics, additive manufacturing, autonomous vehicles and countless more. They directly impact industries such as transportation, robotics, healthcare, agriculture, smart infrastructure, education, media, etc. Semiconductor-enabled technologies hold significant potential to provide efficient solutions to clean energy production, manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, etc. With growing demand arises many challenges and opportunities. New solutions are needed to help meet the growing demand, including specialized manufacturing tools and automation, sustainable processes, the ability to recycle SC materials, better design tools to handle complex designs, characterization and models of nanoscale devices working well into the terahertz frequency regime, 3D packaging and effective thermal management to meet the functional density requirement to name a few. The fundamental steps to meeting this challenge are a well-trained workforce, a better understanding of the current and future SC ecosystem, and a greater focus on research and development. Towards this goal, the RCN awards will provide opportunities for SC communities to communicate-collaborate and exchange information in research and teaching.

Awards: 

Standard Grant or Continuing Grant

Anticipated Funding Amount: 

$3,600,000

Letter of Intent: 
Please contact the program director.
Full Proposal Submission Deadline: 

For full consideration, RCN-SC proposals should be received by May 31, 2023 (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time).

Contacts: