[labnetwork] UGIM 2024 - Announcing Working Groups

[Jorg Scholvin]

Dear Labnetwork and UGIM Enthusiasts:

We're excited that UGIM 2024 is quickly approaching (June 23-26).  A few reminders, and two exciting new opportunities to participate:


  1.  Registration is open (https://mitnano.mit.edu/events/UGIM2024/registration). Early registrations help us plan better, and we offer reduced rates until April 15.
  2.  Call for papers are still open (https://mitnano.mit.edu/ugim-abstract), deadline is April 15.
  3.  Sponsorship opportunities for vendors:  (https://mitnano.mit.edu/form/vendor-interest-ugim-2024)


New this UGIM: Working-Groups

We will prototype two working-groups, to explore this concept for future UGIMs. The goal of a working group is (1) to pre-discuss a key topic of broad interest and (2), in doing so, pool in-depth data and information from across many different participant organizations. The resulting group-consensus (or lack thereof) will be presented at UGIM in a 40 min talk, followed by 20 mins of panel discussion.  The working group therefore creates a reference point, or even an "industry standard", which lab managers can point towards in their decision making (or when convincing their administration).

Working Group #1 - Staffing & Continuity - Led by Mary Tang (Stanford)
Abstract:  Do you have a succession plan for the critical roles in your organization? Experimental research facilities have a unique set of operational challenges; this brings us together every two years to share experiences, commiserate, and find inspiration. One unique challenge is professional staffing from recruiting and career growth to retention. For UGIM 2024, we propose a working group to frame professional development for technical staff in research fab facilities. We aim to identify key skills and training that would help prepare a recruit or current staffer for a variety of technical or administrative professional roles. With national attention to workforce development, we will also explore opportunities and resources that align with these efforts.
Interested in participating?  Reach out to Mary at mtang at stanford.edu<mailto:mtang at stanford.edu>

Working Group #2 - Process Control in Shared Facilities - Led by Brian Thibeault (UCSB)
Abstract:  The overarching goal of open access fabrication facilities is to provide the systems and expertise to enable success for the science and engineering communities we serve.   In order to improve the success rate and outcomes of our users, process controls of various kinds need to be implemented and refined over time.  The controls and feedback take various forms including system operating procedures, preventative maintenance, SPC charts, process centering, in-situ measurements, system log file analysis, efficient and high quality issue reporting and remedy, materials restrictions, etc.  In our university facilities, we are asked to support a diverse range of materials and processes, using limited sets of equipment that can most often not be dedicated to a restricted set of materials and processes.  We are often understaffed and also have to accommodate a wide variety of user skill levels.   Improving process controls within this environment in service to our user communities can be very challenging.  The process control workgroup will seek to explore these process control practices, effectiveness, and improvements within our greater community in order to help us all better reach our fabrication service goals.
Interested in participating?  Reach out to Brian at thibeault at ece.ucsb.edu<mailto:thibeault at ece.ucsb.edu>

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