Overview
The Excellence in Nanofabrication award recognizes outstanding research involving hands-on work at one or more nanofabrication laboratories in a post-secondary institution in Canada.
The successful competitor will have demonstrated high-quality work in use of techniques for micro-nanofabrication, including testing, packaging, and assembly.
Competitors may also be eligible for TEXPO award categories.
Judging Criteria
The judging panel will consist of three representatives from Canadian industries and universities. Judges assess each competitor and select the demonstration that best meets the following criteria:
- Achieves technical success with a functional fabrication outcome.
- Demonstrates originality or innovation in the approach to the problem.
- Demonstrates a disciplined approach to process design and an understanding of process integration. Practices can include, but are not limited to, design of experiments, process simulation, and wafer tracking.
- Demonstrates understanding of the role of manufacturability aspects, such as design-for-test, metrology, yield analysis, and process control.
- Duly considers the role of packaging and/or integration and the interaction of these processes with the fabricated components.
- Effectively uses lab capabilities, considering potential use of toolsets from multiple labs, or a combination of hands-on fabrication and lab services. The research objectives pursued by custom fabrication could not have been readily achieved otherwise.
- Documentation of the fabrication process facilitates retention of knowledge, and if appropriate, transfer of knowledge.
- Lab user(s) works effectively with lab staff to maximize efficiency of the research and likelihood of success.
- The technology shows commercial potential that leads to societal benefit. (Industry involvement in the work is viewed favourably but is not mandatory.)
- Explanation of the background information or theory in a form understandable to one’s peers.
- Clarity of explanation of key technical points.
- Fluency in explanation, interplay between those making the presentation.
- Humour, flair, originality.
- Smooth recovery from an unexpected problem.
- Quality and effectiveness of visual/written materials.
Note
Where projects have been undertaken by a team and over a period of time, the presenter must clearly differentiate what the current contribution is, including their own contribution.