A View From Research and Innovation August 2023

The federal government is making unprecedented investments in the American research enterprise through the CHIPS & Science Act — and the University of Arkansas is well-positioned to take advantage. Given the act’s goal of reestablishing and advancing the semiconductor industry, and our research prowess in silicon carbide and related technologies, the U of A will play a major role in the localization, development and expansion of this technology.

This is an exciting time not only for our researchers, but also for our students seeking opportunities in this exciting field and our industry partners who will move this work from lab to fab to market. These developments underscore the relevance of public, land-grant universities like ours – originally founded to advance agricultural research and educate farmers about new discoveries that would increase productivity. Our pursuit of research excellence in superconductor development is merely the latest evolutionary step of that ongoing mission to work for the benefit of all Arkansans.

It means we are also adding new areas of expertise represented by the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation, I3R, and our work in smart mobility. As we pursue research excellence, the U of A is determined to contribute to building a strong state and nation on a sturdy foundation of research, education and outreach.

Margaret Sova McCabe

Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation