25 March 2022, Cardiff

The compound semiconductor industry is a dynamic and growing sector at the heart of a wide range of markets powering high-speed connectivity, automation, healthcare, and net-zero industries. In South Wales, the CSconnected semiconductor community is expanding rapidly, with between 3,000 and 5,000 additional, highly skilled new jobs anticipated over the coming 5 years across the region.

To capitalise on existing opportunities in the region, the fully-funded EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) programme at Cardiff University will train tomorrow’s experts in Compound Semiconductor technologies aligned with the needs of the industry. The programme is open to students interested in compound semiconductors and people working in a compound semiconductor related field.

Unlike traditional PhDs, the EPSRC CDT in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing provides a holistic understanding of the entire manufacturing process and students can work on their own research project based on their interests and skills, alongside industry partners.

Professor Peter Smowton, Managing Director of the Institute of Compound Semiconductors, said: “The EPSRC CDT in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing offers the next generation of PhD students the necessary skills to get ahead of the curve. There has never been such a demand for semiconductor specialists and our programme aims to help overcome the skills barriers that are currently limiting the growth of the CS cluster and more broadly of the industry. The CDT brings together scientists and engineers and benefits from strong industrial links that benefits not only the manufacturing of materials and devices but also the systems and applications that utilise them."

The EPSRC CDT in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing is led by Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd in partnership with UCL, The University of Manchester and The University of Sheffield. All four institutions are leaders in compound semiconductor research with a large, vibrant and diverse community of academics and researchers and strong industrial partnerships.

To take advantage of the extensive employment opportunities, Colleges and Universities in South Wales are delivering semiconductor programmes for students and ongoing continuing professional education. More information on relevant courses across the region can be found at: https://csconnected.com/education/.

For more information about the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing (CSM) and to apply, visit EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing (cdt-compound-semiconductor.org).

About CSconnected

CSconnected is the collective brand for a growing number of advanced semiconductor related activities in Wales, home to a unique community of academic institutions, prototyping facilities and global, high-volume manufacturing capabilities that collaborate across a range of research and innovation programs. CSconnected is uniquely positioned to develop a global advantage in a sovereign, key enabling technology which will allow Wales and the UK to increase trade globally in critical sectors such as 5G communications, autonomous and electric vehicles, advanced medical devices, and consumer electronics of the future.

In 2020, CSconnected received government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation’s flagship Strength in Places Fund (SIPF). The 55-month CSconnected SIPF project has a total value of £43million, supported by £25million of UKRI funds. It builds on Wales's regional strengths and integrates research excellence with a unique regional supply chain in compound semiconductor manufacturing.

More info at csconnected.com.