GlobalFoundries CEO delivers Presidential Lecture, bolstering partnership with Purdue
Purdue University continues to engage in a groundbreaking research and workforce development partnership with GlobalFoundries (GF), a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors. Most recently, the company’s leadership traveled to West Lafayette on Wednesday (Jan. 15) to tour campus facilities and participate in two vital forums: the first installment of this year’s Presidential Lecture Series, featuring President and CEO Dr. Thomas Caulfield, and the inaugural Semiconductors@Purdue lecture by Corporate Fellow Ted Letavic.
During “Semiconductors: The Core of the World Economy,” a conversation with Purdue President Mung Chiang, Dr. Caulfield addressed student questions on technology challenges, career opportunities and leadership in complex environments.
"Participating in Purdue’s Presidential Lecture Series was a great opportunity to discuss how semiconductors are at the core of global economic and technological progress,” Dr. Caulfield said. “The event highlights the strategic importance of semiconductors to global supply chains and economic security. At GlobalFoundries, we are proud to partner with Purdue to advance semiconductor research and development, collaborating with the university’s talented faculty and students to drive innovation and prepare the workforce of the future.”
During his lecture, Letavic discussed how GlobalFoundries advances new technology by collaborating with Purdue and other universities through GF Labs, the gateway to the company’s research and development ecosystem. As part of the visit, Letavic met with key Purdue faculty to identify areas of future collaboration, toured the Birck Nanotechnology Center and met with STARS, SoCET and VIP@Birck students.
"It was inspiring to meet with key professors doing groundbreaking research at Purdue in multiple areas of semiconductors and advanced packaging,” said Letavic, who is also senior vice president at GlobalFoundries. “The dedication to advancing semiconductor innovation and education at Purdue is evident in every detail. Collaborating with a university that shares our commitment to technological excellence and workforce development ensures a stronger, more resilient future for the semiconductor industry.”
Ali Shakouri, associate dean for research and innovation in the College of Engineering and professor in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said the visit further bolsters Purdue’s partnership with GlobalFoundries.
“We were delighted to host GlobalFoundries' leadership at Purdue and strengthen the research partnership,” said Ali Shakouri, associate dean for research and innovation in the College of Engineering and professor in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “Several faculty already use GF for their research in custom chips. Purdue’s extensive investment in Purdue Computes and key role in several CHIPS projects align well with GF. We look forward to working more closely on the next-generation integrated circuit devices and systems.”
Since announcing a strategic partnership in 2022, GlobalFoundries has been a major sponsor of the Summer Training, Awareness, and Readiness for Semiconductors (STARS) program, offered internship opportunities for Purdue students and provided speakers for the Changing the World with Chips course, which helps recruit first-year college students into semiconductor fields.
GlobalFoundries also serves on the Semiconductor Degrees Leadership Board, which has been instrumental in defining Purdue’s workforce development.
“Global Foundries has been a top-tier partner in our efforts to attract and develop students for careers in the semiconductor industry,” said David Janes, co-director of the Semiconductor Degrees Program and a professor of electrical and computer engineering. “Their strong involvement complements our academic programs nicely, by providing insights into careers in the industry, connecting students to real-world problems and conducting joint projects that advance both organizations.”
The company is also invested in SCalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE), the preeminent U.S. program for semiconductor workforce development in the defense sector.
"GlobalFoundries is a member of SCALE's public-private-academic partnership, which provides current opportunities for students and new graduates in microelectronics and semiconductors-related fields, and guidance on what specific knowledge, skills, and abilities they will need," said Peter Bermel, co-director of the SCALE program at Purdue and Elmore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “The internship and STARS opportunities that Global Foundries provides are particularly valuable to our SCALE students. The experience they gain in these programs before graduation increases their hands-on skills and abilities well beyond most candidates coming out of college.”
Purdue’s growing semiconductor innovation ecosystem is one of the key pillars of Purdue Computes, a comprehensive initiative across computing departments, physical AI, semiconductors, and quantum science and engineering to enable unparalleled excellence at scale.