Recognizing outstanding Ph.D. students driving advances in semiconductor devices, technology, design and manufacturing.
The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) invite nominations for the Costas John Spanos Semiconductor Manufacturing Awards. Created in honor of CITRIS Director Emeritus and Andrew S. Grove Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley Costas John Spanos, this award was established to encourage and recognize outstanding graduate student research in semiconductor devices, technology, design and manufacturing.
The semiconductor industry is entering a period of extraordinary growth and transformation, driven increasingly by artificial intelligence. Continued scaling requires innovations in devices, materials, architectures, manufacturing, and advanced packaging. At the same time, the rapid growth of AI is driving sharply higher demands for electricity and other resources, making advances in computational and energy efficiency essential to limiting its global environmental footprint. Together with emerging opportunities in quantum computing, communications, and sensing, these challenges underscore the need for a new generation of semiconductor innovation and talent.
The Spanos Semiconductor Manufacturing Awards, part of a $1 million philanthropic endowment, supports this effort by investing directly in graduate researchers. These students are advancing breakthroughs in computing, AI, and advanced manufacturing — bringing innovation and building resilience for a globally competitive future.
Self-nominations and Letters of Recommendation due Dec. 7, 2026
Award Overview
- Four Ph.D. students will be selected annually across the four CITRIS campuses.
- Each student will receive a $10,000 award package, including a $5,000 direct stipend and up to $5,000 in research support for travel, professional development, and project expenses.
- An annual event will showcase winners, foster industry collaboration, and build a semiconductor innovation community.
Eligibility
Candidates must be:
- Ph.D. students currently enrolled at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Merced, or UC Santa Cruz.
- Doctoral candidates who are between their preliminary and qualifying exams (more advanced students will be considered but not preferred).
- Conducting research in semiconductor devices, technology, design, or manufacturing.
Evaluation Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated on:
- Academic excellence and demonstrated research potential.
- Strength of letters of recommendation (including one from the primary research advisor).
- Evidence of contributions to the semiconductor field (publications, presentations, patents or industry experience).
- Potential for significant impact in advancing semiconductor manufacturing and enabling AI technologies.
Preference will be given to candidates with relevant industry experience (internships, collaborations) and/or published work in peer-reviewed outlets.
Process
This is a self-nomination: PhD students must complete and submit their own applications and request two letters of recommendation as listed below.
- Self-nomination Form
- Curriculum vitae of the candidate.
- Research statement (~500 words) describing the candidate’s current work, its significance and its anticipated impact on semiconductor manufacturing.
- Two letters of recommendation, including one from the candidate’s faculty advisor, to be submitted directly by the letter writers to the evaluation committee.
Finalists will be invited to present their proposed innovations to the selection committee in short (10- to 15-minute) in-person meetings. A slide template will be provided.
Timeline
- Oct. 21, 2026: Nominations open
- Dec. 7: Nominations close
- Feb. 13: Winners notified
- March: Spanos Semiconductor Manufacturing Awards winners announced
- March/April: Spanos Semiconductor Manufacturing Awards presented at CITRIS Day 2027
Contact
For questions regarding eligibility, submission requirements, or review, please contact citrisprograms@berkeley.edu.