Kenneth Goodson has been recognized for excellence in semiconductor technology research

Sun, 11/15/2020

Kenneth Goodson (Photograph by Rod Searcey)

KENNETH GOODSON, professor of mechanical engineering and senior associate dean for faculty and academic affairs at Stanford Engineering, will share the 2020 University Research Award, given by the nation’s premier semiconductor industry organizations, in recognition of his work in developing technologies to help high-performance chips keep their cool.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) said Goodson and co-winner Ali Niknejad, professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, will accept their awards during the 2020 SIA Leadership Forum & Award Celebration, a virtual event taking place on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Goodson is being honored for excellence in semiconductor technology research, notably his pioneering efforts to improve the industry’s fundamental understanding of heat generation and transport in nanometer-scale transistors, as well as advanced cooling methods for integrated circuits. Goodson, who earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering from MIT, is a member of the National Academy of Engineering; the recipient of IEEE’s inaugural Richard Chu Achievement Award in 2018; and a fellow with IEEE, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Inventors.

Niknejad is being recognized for excellence in semiconductor design research, and for advanced analog, RF and mm-wave circuit design and modeling, which serve as the foundation of 5G+ technologies.

“Research is the engine of innovation in the semiconductor industry, enabling breakthroughs that power our economy and help solve society’s great challenges,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO, crediting Goodson and Niknejad with advancing chip technology and innovation.

Todd Younkin, president and CEO of SRC, said the annual award recognizes researchers who have made lifetime impacts in semiconductor technology and design. “Doctors Goodson and Niknejad have made tremendous achievements in their fields and are using their SRC research and collaborative insight to drive next-gen innovations,” Younkin said. He noted that they have mentored dozens of graduate students who’ve gone on to become industry leaders.

Kenneth Goodson has been recognized for excellence in semiconductor technology research - by Tom Abate - Stanford News - November 15th, 2020