Research Insipration Grant: Liudmila Starodubtceva at the Dresden Microelectronics Academy 2025

The Dresden Microelectronics Academy takes place in the heart of Dresden, the capital of Silicon Saxony, and is a perfect opportunity for young researchers to look behind the scenes of major players in the semiconductor field. Through keynote talks, students gain insights into the development of transistor technology and get updated on the latest trends in research and innovation.

During the one-week Academy, we visited four companies on site: GlobalFoundries, X-FAB, Bosch, and Infineon. Alongside engaging talks, we also had the chance to see production clean rooms — partly or fully automated and equipped with cutting-edge lithography tools.

The program also provides plenty of opportunities to build connections — both with fellow researchers from all over the world and with company representatives at the highest level. I was excited when my professor, Max Lemme, invited me to join this event. Having spent most of my studies in an academic environment, I was curious to see how research knowledge is applied in practice to build real devices.

I truly believe this Academy is valuable for any student — bachelor, master, PhD, or postdoc — who is weighing a future in academia versus industry. The interactive Q&A sessions with company employees were especially valuable, giving us the chance to ask candid questions and hear personal career stories: how they reached their current roles and the challenges they encountered along the way.

Last but not least, Dresden itself left a strong impression. A city with a rich and complex history, shaped by different eras, that is now stepping confidently into a new chapter as a European center for semiconductors.

This experience gave me not only new knowledge but also valuable connections and motivation for the future. Grateful to the organizers and all participants who made this week in Dresden such a memorable step in my journey.

Author: Liudmila Starodubtceva - associated PhD of TRR404, September 2025