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Hele Savin, a Professor of Micro- and Nanoengineering at Aalto University, is piloting a unique research collaboration format with the silicon wafer manufacturer, Okmetic. The novel funding instrument, established by The Finnish Research Impact Foundation, allows professors to conduct academic research at company premises for 12 months while remaining employed by the university.

The Finnish Research Impact Foundation opened a new Tandem Industry Academia Professor (TIA Professor) call in autumn 2022. Among the six professors awarded TIA funding is Savin, who started a research project with Okmetic in August. 

“I have spent my entire career in a purely academic environment, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to experience daily work in the private sector. I hope to get further inspiration for my research and to find solutions that have an immediate impact on society“, Savin says.

At Okmetic facilities, Professor Savin will explore fundamental properties of silicon wafers, i.e. the products that serve as the foundation for current microchip fabrication. She believes that the novel characterization methods originally developed for photovoltaic applications could enable scientific discoveries in semiconductor products as well. 

"We believe that this even closer combination of academic research and commercial production of silicon wafers will benefit both parties, and are looking forward insights from an academic standpoint," says Atte Haapalinna, CTO of Okmetic.

More information:

Hele Savin
Professor, Aalto University, Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering
hele.savin@aalto.fi 

Atte Haapalinna
CTO, Okmetic
atte.haapalinna@okmetic.com