Xing honored for excellence in semiconductor research

For excellence in semiconductor research, Huili Grace Xing, the William L. Quackenbush Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell, is the recipient of the 2025 University Research Award in Technology from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC).

SIA and SRC present the University Research Awards annually to professors who demonstrate excellence in advancing research in semiconductor technology and design. They awards were established in 1995 by SIA to recognize lifetime research contributions to the U.S. semiconductor industry by university faculty. Winners are selected in conjunction with the SRC Board and the SIA board chairman and Board of Directors.

The 2025 award, announced Nov. 6, will be formally presented at the SIA Awards Dinner on Nov. 20 in San Jose, California. Todd Austin, professor of computer science and engineering and of electrical and computer engineering science at the University of Michigan, is recipient of the University Research Award for Design.

"Research is the beating heart of our industry, fueling the innovations that power our economy and improve lives around the world," said John Neuffer, president and CEO of SIA. "Professors Xing and Austin exemplify excellence in semiconductor research, with their cutting-edge work expanding the frontiers of chip technology and strengthening America's role as the global innovation leader. We're honored to recognize Dr. Xing and Dr. Austin for their outstanding achievements."

Xing is receiving the award for her pioneering work in III-V nitride materials and devices, oxide materials and devices, 2D crystal semiconductors and layered crystals. Her research on wide-bandgap semiconductors like aluminum nitride and gallium nitride ultra-scaled high electron and hole mobility transistors for high-speed, high-power applications has significantly advanced applications of polar semiconductors in electronics and in photonics, such as high-frequency wireless communication, solid-state electronics and energy-efficient devices.

"The hallmark of SRC research programs is the consistent delivery of real-world impact through visionary research, deep collaboration and a commitment to excellence across academia, industry and government," said Todd Younkin, president and CEO of SRC. "Professors Huili Grace Xing and Todd Austin exemplify this legacy - not only through their groundbreaking innovations and mentorship, but through the scale and ambition of the programs they've helped lead. Their work moves at industry speed and demonstrates the power of public-private partnership to accelerate progress and shape the future of microelectronics."

Xing's contributions include both fundamental research, such as studying material properties at the atomic level, and applied research, involving the design and testing of gallium nitride devices in real-world scenarios. A Fellow of IEEE, AAAS and APS, Xing has previously received numerous awards, including the ISCS Young Scientist Award, NSF CAREER Award, and AFOSR Young Investigator Program Award.

"I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award," Xing said. "This recognition highlights the vital partnership among academia, industry and government that drives innovation in semiconductor technology. Over the past two decades, I've been fortunate to contribute to this collaboration in various roles - from a contributing PI to a JUMP 2.0 center director. This award is also a tribute to the many generations of my graduate students and close collaborators who have shared this journey with me."