Laith Altimime, President, SEMI Europe
Biography
Laith Altimime, as President of SEMI Europe, leads SEMI’s activities in Europe and the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Altimime has P&L responsibility as well as ownership of all Europe region programs and events, including SEMICON Europa. He is responsible for establishing industry standards, advocacy, community development, expositions, and programs. He provides support and services to SEMI members worldwide that have supply chain interests in Europe. He manages and nurtures relationships with SEMI members in the region and globally as well as with local associations and constituents in industry, government, and academia. Altimime has more than 30 years of international experience in the semiconductor industry. Prior to joining SEMI in 2015, He held senior leadership positions at NEC, KLA-Tencor, Infineon, Qimonda and imec. Altimime holds an MSc from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.
Elisabeth Brierley, Sustainability Graduate, Edwards
Abstract
Semiconductors are critical for a sustainable, low carbon future, as they optimize and enable innovation such as renewable energy infrastructure, cloud computing, IOT (Internet of Things), logistics, automation and digitisation. The global semiconductor (chip) industry is predicted to be worth $1 trillion by 2030, but comes with a large environmental footprint. In this session we will explore how our innovation, products and services enable chip manufacturers to reduce the environmental impact of chip production This can be achieved, for example, by reducing energy intensity, conserving water and recovering resources like hydrogen for recycling. like.
Biography
Elisabeth (Lis) joined Edwards in September 2023, having secured a first-class degree in international relations and development from the University of Birmingham. As a Sustainability Graduate, Lis's initial mission is to drive culture change through engagement and communications with employees. Lis is immersed in projects across the sustainability programme, including operational climate transition, products and services and supply chain. Through working across these different areas Lis has gained valuable knowledge and insight about the importance and opportunity of sustainability in all areas of the semiconductor industry.
Since joining Edwards Lis has seized some remarkable opportunities, including moderating panels featuring leaders from across Edwards and external guests from industry giants like Microsoft, Schneider Electric and ERM. Lis has recently commenced her Level 6 Chartered Institute of Marketing studies.
Eloise Bond, Senior Etch Process Engineer, SPTS Technologies Ltd, a KLA Company
Biography
Aaron Bowen, Development Engineer, Edwards
Biography
Isabella Drolz, Vice President Product Marketing, Comet Yxlon;
Abstract
As the semiconductor industry continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, Europe faces the imperative challenge of closing the talent gap to sustain its competitive edge. This speech is poised to unveil the captivating realm of semiconductor its intricate supply chain, illuminating the pivotal role of future innovators in shaping our world. Drawing insights from global influences, we will explore successful models from around the world and discern actionable lessons for Europe. From industry-academic collaborations to innovative talent retention practices, the discussion aims to inspire stakeholders to collectively contribute to shaping a dynamic and skilled workforce, ensuring Europe's prominence in the semiconductor industry for years to come.
Biography
Isabella Drolz is the Vice President of Product Marketing at Comet's X-Ray Systems division, which specializes in providing X-ray and CT inspection solutions for R&D labs and production environments. With a focus on enhancing productivity for semiconductor customers, Isabella oversees product management, business development, global application solution centers, and marketing initiatives. In addition to her industrial engineering education, Isabella holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and an MBA degree from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City, USA. She has a wealth of experience in the mechanical and plant engineering industry, having held several management positions that focused on driving market-oriented product development.
Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager, Workforce Development & EU projects, SEMI Europe
Biography
Victoria joined SEMI Europe in 2023 to support initiatives related to workforce development and lead the implementation of associated EU projects. In this role she coordinates the EU Erasmus+ project “European Chips Skills Academy” and engages with the European institutions and industry stakeholders to develop and promote skills-related activities. Prior to joining SEMI Europe, Victoria advised on policies concerning the functioning of the EU Internal Energy Market. She holds a Master's Degree in Political Science from Boston University.
David T C Davies, Secretary of State for Wales
Biography
David T C Davies was appointed Secretary of State for Wales on 25 October 2022. He was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales between December 2019 and October 2022. Previously, he held the role of Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee between 2010 and 2019. He was elected Conservative MP for Monmouth in 2005.
Andrew Evans, Senior Director - Compliance & Commercial Services, KLA
Abstract
For over 40 years, engineers and researchers based here in South Wales have developed world-leading process technologies which are used to turn silicon and compound semiconductor wafers into a wide range of chips and microelectronics devices. This presentation will illustrate just a few examples of how the wafer processing equipment we make in Wales is used by leading chip manufacturers around the world, and contributed to transformative technologies, such as smartphones, electric and autonomous vehicles, biomedical advancements, and energy-efficient LED lighting. From the use of deep silicon etching for the world’s first silicon MEMS-based airbag sensors in the 1990s and wafer dicing, to the plasma deposition of metals and piezoelectric materials for signal filters in the latest 5G smartphones, our technologies have played a key role in enabling the evolution of the semiconductor industry over the past 4 decades.
Biography
Andrew has been with KLA since 2007 playing a key role in the development of a business that has grown rapidly, especially over the last 5 years. He is also a strong advocate for education, having sat on multiple educational review panels at Welsh and UK Government level. He has been Vice-Chair of Governors for 12 years at his local secondary school and can often be found in schools across the southwest in his role as a STEM Ambassador, raising awareness of semiconductor technologies, manufacturing and careers opportunities to students of all ages. Andrew sits on the board of Manufacturing Wales, the Cardiff Capital Regions Business Development Council as well as the CBI Wales Council. Andrew has a BSc(Hons) degree in Industrial Design and Technology. He has been involved in technology and manufacturing businesses, SMEs to large multinationals, for nearly 27 years starting his career in medical technologies, then data storage solutions before moving into the semiconductor capital equipment sector.
Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation, Swansea University
Biography
Professor Helen Griffiths was appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Research & Innovation at Swansea University in August 2020. Prior to this, she was Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey. Previously, Helen was Pro Vice-Chancellor International following from five years as Executive Dean of Life & Health Sciences at Aston University. Helen has been a member of the respective University Executive Boards and Councils since 2009.
Helen is responsible for leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Swansea University’s Research & Innovation Strategy.
Helen is an alumnus of Bath University where she gained a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, and of Birmingham University (PhD from the Faculty of Medicine). Helen has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers. She has pursued an increase in understanding of mechanisms of inflammation and degenerative diseases that increase with ageing.
Helen was awarded a personal Chair in Biomedical Sciences in 2005 from Aston University. She founded the Aston Centre for Healthy Ageing in 2009 and has received prizes for research. Helen’s research has always been collaborative in nature, with clinicians and industrial partners, with the goal to develop new research talent and knowledge, which together have a positive impact on healthy ageing.
Helen is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and a member of the Editorial Board for Redox Biology. She has previously served on the Boards of Surrey Sports Park and of Surrey County Council Health and Wellbeing Board. She has been a member of the Council of Governors for two major Health Trusts in Birmingham and Guildford.
Professor Owen J. Guy, Swansea University
Biography
Professor Owen J. Guy (OJG), FRSC, is Head of Chemistry and Education Head at Swansea University’s Centre of Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM). His expertise spans semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon, Silicon Carbide, Gallium Nitride, graphene), with notable work on biosensors and healthcare technologies including microneedle MEMS devices. Formerly, he headed the Systems Process & Engineering Centre (SPEC). With 20+ years in cleanroom device fabrication, he pioneered epitaxial graphene biosensors for cancer biomarker detection. He has led numerous projects, including silicon microneedle and microfluidics technology developments. Owen has mentored over 30 PhD and Masters students and engages in extensive outreach and industry collaboration, particularly in the Compound Semiconductor Cluster and sensors industries.
Martin McHugh, CEO, CSA Catapult
Abstract
What does a sustainable future look like and how do we get there? How do we ensure that climate change is enacted upon and that our planet is protected? How do we improve the health of our populations and give them the supplies, tools and infrastructure to thrive?
The answer is microelectronics.
In this session, Martin McHugh explores some of the biggest challenges facing society and explains how the next generation of engineers will be the ones to solve them.
Chris Meadows, Director, CS Connected
Abstract
South Wales has established a strong reputation as a global centre of excellence for research, innovation and manufacturing of compound semiconductor components that enable many of today’s advanced technologies and are set to play a key role in new and emerging tech from communications to sustainable energy applications, robotics, AI, VR/AR and healthcare.
The CSconnected eco-system has been almost 40-years in the making but is set to undergo rapid growth over the coming years and will provide wide-ranging opportunities for talented individuals to develop and hone their skills and to be part of a rapidly growing, truly global sector that is set to become one of the World’s top industries over the next decade.
This session will explore the history and ambitions of our semiconductor eco-system and provide an insight into the opportunities that await you.
Biography
Chris' career in electronics and semiconductors started at British Telecom Research Laboratories before joining a new joint venture between BT and US based DuPont in 1986.
Chris was part of the founding team at Epitaxial Products International Ltd (EPI) in Cardiff in 1988 which became IQE plc in 1999 following a successful IPO.
With a background in science and engineering, Chris also holds an MBA and has held a number of senior management positions within the semiconductor industry and in particular the IQE Group before establishig CSconnected, representing the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster that is rapidly evolving across South Wales and the West of England.
Cassandra Melvin, Senior Director of Business Development & Operations, SEMI Europe
Biography
Cassandra joined SEMI Europe in 2018 to lead its operations, business development, and strategic initiatives related to diversity and inclusion. In this role she is responsible for leading a culturally diverse team, enhancing member value, and directing operations for optimized financial performance. Prior to joining SEMI, she held the position of Global Product Manager at Atotech for its semiconductor division. She began her career at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute as a Business Manager focused on technical programs for chemistry and equipment manufacturers and held project management roles in clean room operations and IT. Cassandra's written work has been published in leading technical magazines and presented at conferences globally. She holds a BS in Business Management and a Minor in Neuropsychology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.