ATIC and UAEU appoint inaugural ATIC Professorship for Semiconductor Research

Press release

Published June 29th, 2011 - 10:03 GMT

Ibrahim Ajami, CEO of ATIC

ATIC and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have today announced the appointment of Professor Bernhard E. Boser from the University of California, Berkeley to the newly created ATIC Professorship for Semiconductor Research.

Extending Abu Dhabi’s collaboration with internationally recognized academic institutions, the first incumbent of the ATIC Professorship for Semiconductor Research, Prof. Boser joins UAEU from the faculty of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley. A specialist in advanced technology his research interests lie in the area of analog and mixed signal circuits, with a special emphasis on analog-digital interface circuits (ADCs) and micromechanical sensors and actuators.

Sami Issa, Executive Director, Abu Dhabi Ecosystem Development Unit, ATIC said: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Boser to the post of ATIC Professorship for Semiconductor Research. Professor Boser’s caliber and experience as a leading innovator in his field will bring immeasurable benefit to our work to establish a thriving ecosystem for research and innovation in the Emirate. The appointment also reflects ATIC’s ongoing commitment to support the alignment of research with industry demand.”

The appointment of Professor Boser comes as a direct result of the previously announced Memorandum of Understanding between ATIC and UAEU. It marks a significant step forward in the process of building capacity within the region’s R&D community through supporting semiconductor programs at UAE universities.

Speaking about his appointment, Professor Boser said: “I am very much looking forward to taking up this new opportunity as the inaugural ATIC Professor for Semiconductor Research. It is an exciting prospect to be participating in the nurture and establishment of a thriving ecosystem for research and innovation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. By establishing new graduate degree programs and research efforts in Microelectronics at UAEU and through intensifying the collaboration between UAEU and the University of California, Berkeley, I hope that my tenure will encourage more students to participate in this exciting field of work.”

Professor Boser will commence his position during the new academic year 2011-12 for a three year tenure.

Background Information

Advanced Technology Investment Company

Established in 2008, the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) is a specialist investment company mandated to focus primarily on the global advanced technology sector. ATIC's sole shareholder is the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The company aims to deliver superior financial returns to our shareholder by responsibly and sustainably investing in, and building, leading technology companies around the world.

Initially focused on the semiconductor industry, ATIC's potential scope is global and will focus on leading technology companies and centers in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

Company Profile

United Arab Emirates University

Welcome to the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) - the first and foremost comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU aspires to become a comprehensive, research-intensive university and currently enrolls approximately 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.