Supriyo Datta, the Thomas Duncan Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University, has been honored with the 2023 University Research Award by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC).

Annually, SIA and SRC recognize professors with the University Research Awards for their outstanding contributions to advancing semiconductor technology and design research. John Neuffer, president and CEO of SIA, emphasized the critical role of research in driving semiconductor innovation.

Supriyo Datta, the Thomas Duncan Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University

“Professor Datta represents the finest in the field of semiconductor research, contributing to semiconductor advances that are making our world smarter, greener, healthier, more productive and better connected,” Neuffer said. “We are thrilled to recognize him for his outstanding achievements.”

Neuffer also underscored the significance of ongoing efforts to implement the CHIPS and Science Act, which provides essential incentives for semiconductor manufacturing and research. He emphasized the importance of federal research funding to complement the substantial investments made by the semiconductor industry in research and development, which currently amounts to approximately one-fifth of its revenue.

Datta received the award for his excellence in semiconductor technology research, particularly for his groundbreaking work in quantum transport theory, molecular electronics and spintronics. His research has laid a solid foundation for modern nanoelectronics, and his contributions extend to quantum-inspired computing for addressing challenges such as drug exploration. Datta's use of room temperature technologies, such as magneto-resistive random-access memory (MRAM), has been instrumental in advancing these fields.

Recognized as an IEEE/APS Fellow, Datta has previously received prestigious awards, including the 2001 SRC Technical Excellence Award, the 2002 IEEE Cledo Brunetti Award and the 2008 IEEE Leon Kirchmayer Award. He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Mark Lundstrom, the Don and Carol Scifres Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, previously received a University Research Award in 2005. As Purdue’s first chief semiconductor officer, Lundstrom leads the university’s efforts toward workforce development and innovation for semiconductors and works with the state on Indiana’s developing semiconductor economy.

As part of a major initiative, Purdue Computes plans to invest $100 million over the next few years to support growth in semiconductor education, research and industry partnerships.