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FEBRUARY 2025 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 75 SLAC Will Play a Key Role in DOE's New Research Centers for Advancing Next-generation Microelectronics Funded by the Department of Energy, these centers are part of an effort that brings together national laboratories, universities and industry to invent and accelerate novel microelectronics technologies to operate efficiently or in extreme environments. Around the globe day and night, the microelectron- ics behind much of modern technology help run comput- ers, medical devices and state-of-the-art instruments that power scientific discoveries. But all of that technology con- sumes energy, and adding artificial intelligence to the mix increases our energy needs dramatically. Some experts caution that this pace of energy usage is unsustainable. To tackle this challenge, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced funding $179 million for three Micro- electronics Science Research Centers that bring together multi-institutional, multidisciplinary projects in partnership with industry. The centers are organized around making microelectronics more energy efficient and able to oper- ate better in extreme environments. The DOE's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory will lead two projects in the Microelectronics Energy Efficiency Research Center for Advanced Technologies (MEERCAT). The lab will also partner in projects for the Extreme Lithogra- phy & Materials Innovation Center (ELMIC) and Co-design & Heterogeneous Integration for Microelectronics in Extreme Environments (CHIME) center. "Advancements in microelectronics are critical to fur- thering scientific discovery," said Harriet Kung, DOE Office of Science Deputy Director for Science Programs. "The innovations that come from these research centers will improve our daily lives and drive forward U.S. leadership in science and technology." The Microelectronics Science Research Centers are funded by the DOE Office of Science. SSRL and LCLS are DOE Office of Science user facilities. Source: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Embracing cultural nuances is not merely a courtesy but a strategic imperative in global business. Doing so allows businesses to build stronger relationships, navigate negotiations more effectively, and foster inclusiv- ity, which drives success in the global marketplace. A good business is a people-to-peo- ple equation. Sure, we need to espect the people we are dealing with when dealing with different cultural back- grounds, but the following should take precedence: • Authenticity: Be respectful but also be authentic. Nothing works better than being yourself. Of course, we have to make every effort to be respectful, but not to the point of artificialness. • Honesty: Be honest and always tell the truth whether you are dealing with a company across the globe or across the street. • Sincerity: Do ever ything you can to bring all you can into the rela- tionship. Finally, always follow the most important rule: Treat others the way you wish to be treated. at rule sur- passes all cultures and all nuances no matter what company and in what country we are dealing with. Treat all your customers and vendors as friends and partners and you will succeed. We can learn how to navigate cultural dif- ferences, but authenticity, honesty, and sincerity will always win out. SMT007 Tom Yang is CEO of CEE PCB. To read past columns, click here. Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory