Sen. Elizabeth Warren tours MIT to mark the approval of CHIPS and Science Bill

Senator Elizabeth Warren recently paid a visit to MIT's MIT.nano facility, a hub for nanoscale science and engineering research. During her tour, Warren interacted with a variety of individuals, from students to university leaders, all of whom shared a common interest in the CHIPS and Science Act.

The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, aims to help the U.S. reassert its leadership in microelectronics research, development, and manufacturing. The Act authorizes $52 billion for these purposes, with a significant portion going to semiconductor research.

Warren met with representatives from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and Analog Devices, who stressed the importance of infrastructure and collaboration for innovation. She also had the opportunity to meet with the founders of two startups born at MIT, Atlantic Quantum and Active Surfaces, both of which have extensively used MIT.nano facilities.

Richard Swartwout PhD '21, CEO and founder of Active Surfaces, demonstrated a paper-thin loudspeaker to Warren. This technology, developed at MIT.nano, could lead to the creation of more powerful and energy-efficient electronic devices in the future.

Warren observed atoms moving on a Hitachi HF5000 field emission transmission electron microscope at MIT.nano. Frances Ross, a professor at MIT, explained the role of the microscope in observing atoms and their behavior. The state-of-the-art microscope could be instrumental in the development of new technologies.

Semiconductors are critical components of consumer goods, medical technology, industrial equipment, and military systems. A shortage of semiconductor chips has led to production bottlenecks and record U.S. inflation. The CHIPS and Science Act aims to address this issue by investing in research and manufacturing.

University leaders emphasized the bill's potential to address sexual harassment in science and encourage more women and underrepresented minorities to pursue STEM fields. The Act authorizes significantly expanded funding for the National Science Foundation, including the establishment of a new Technology, Innovation, Partnerships Directorate.

Warren participated in a roundtable discussion with leaders from local universities on the significance of the CHIPS and Science Act. The university presidents who participated in the discussion, invited by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, included leaders from major research universities in the United States, such as MIT, Stanford, and the University of Michigan.

The students Warren met during her visit were participating in the Interphase EDGE program, a summer program that includes experiences working in the MIT.nano cleanroom. As a final project, the students presented Warren with a silicon wafer imprinted with the seal of the U.S. Senate, which they had made in the cleanroom using the same techniques that produce semiconductor chips.

The visit to MIT's MIT.nano facility and the discussions surrounding the CHIPS and Science Act highlight the importance of continued investment in research and development in the field of microelectronics. The Act, with its focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, could play a crucial role in the U.S.'s future technological advancements.