Semiconductors sit at the heart of modern life. They power our phones, computers, transport and energy systems, and they will enable the next generation of technologies in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and secure communications.
At UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering (EEE), researchers are working across every layer of this fast-moving field: from atomic-scale materials to devices, circuits and large-scale systems. Their work combines deep scientific understanding with practical impact, helping industry and government strengthen the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Working from atoms to applications
Situated in London’s Knowledge Quarter innovation district, UCL’s semiconductor community brings together world-class expertise in photonics, quantum technologies, neuromorphic systems and two-dimensional materials.
Semiconductor research at UCL is quite unique because of the ease with which we can collaborate across disciplinary boundaries. At UCL we have some of the strongest materials research in the world but it is conducted in several connected departments rather than as a specific materials specialism, allowing us to focus on application.”
Researchers investigate how semiconductors can be grown and engineered at the atomic level to deliver new functionality and performance. They then use this knowledge to design and build devices that power communication networks, sensors, and computing systems.
This pipeline, which ranges from fundamental discovery to demonstration, is supported by collaborations across UCL and with national facilities such as the London Centre for Nanotechnology, the National Epitaxy Facility, and the Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub for a Sustainable Future. These partnerships provide access to advanced fabrication and testing facilities and ensure that new ideas can move rapidly from lab to market.
Transforming research into real-world innovation
UCL’s work is generating tangible impact. Researchers have pioneered methods to:
- Grow high-performance semiconductor lasers directly on silicon for next-generation communications.
- Precisely position single atoms in silicon, a crucial step toward quantum computing.
- Develop the first prototypes of neuromorphic chips that mimic how the brain processes information.
This culture of innovation has given rise to several successful spinouts:
- Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies – founded by Professor Tony Kenyon and Dr Adnan Mehonic, developing fast, energy-efficient memory for AI hardware.
- Quantum Motion – created by Professor John Morton, building silicon-based quantum processors using existing chip-manufacturing techniques.
- Oriole Networks – co-founded by Professor George Zervas, harnessing photonics to accelerate AI and machine learning with low-carbon performance.
UCL is one of the biggest centres for semiconductor research in terms of achievement and breadth of activity, but it isn’t always recognised as such because it's expertise is distributed across a number of departments.”
Together, these companies demonstrate how UCL’s research can attract investment, create skilled jobs and deliver technologies with global reach.
Scale, collaboration and recognition
UCL currently holds £45 million in active semiconductor grants and participates in four EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training worth a combined £30.6 million, covering areas from compound semiconductor manufacturing to quantum communications.
Between 2020 and 2024, UCL published more than 550 papers, reviews and conference proceedings in the field - ranking 4th in the UK for research output, with 2.5 percent of publications among the world’s top 1 percent by citation.
Academics from UCL have received international awards, including the Institute of Physics Isaac Newton Medal for creating the field of semiconductor nanoelectronics, the Gabor Medal for wireless-over-fibre technology, and the IEEE Photonics Society Engineering Achievement Award for bringing that research into 5G applications. Many hold editorial positions on leading journals and are regularly invited to speak at global conferences.
Supporting UK policy and industry
The UK government’s National Semiconductor Strategy (2023) sets out three priorities: world-class research and development, leadership in chip design and intellectual property, and strength in compound semiconductors. UCL excels in all three.
By combining scientific excellence with partnerships across industry and academia, UCL is helping to realise the UK’s ambition to grow its semiconductor sector sustainably and securely. Researchers contribute expertise to national networks and advisory groups, ensuring that new policy reflects both opportunity and challenge.
Collaboration is key to our work and we bring in different disciplines and specialisms both within UCL and externally across the UK and globally through specific projects and through the networks that we have developed.”
The department’s central London location and strong industrial ties, ranging from start-ups to multinational firms, make it a natural hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Developing the next generation of experts
UCL’s semiconductor research community includes over 170 PhD students working across photonics, materials, neuromorphic computing and AI hardware. Through its doctoral training centres, postgraduate programmes and CPD short courses, UCL is developing the highly skilled workforce that the UK needs to grow its semiconductor capabilities.
This emphasis on skills extends beyond academia. Professionals from industry regularly join UCL courses to deepen their understanding of advanced materials, device design and emerging applications, helping to bridge the gap between research and production.
What's next?
Semiconductors are a cornerstone of future innovation. With strengths spanning fundamental science, advanced engineering and policy engagement, UCL EEE is uniquely positioned to help shape this future, working with partners to design more efficient, intelligent and sustainable electronic systems.
Work with us
- Collaborate on research or access specialist facilities.
- Sponsor a PhD student or take part in a doctoral training partnership.
- Explore professional development through our CPD short courses.
