From 24 to 26 February 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) hosted an intensive course on semiconductor technology, conducted by Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn, a Principal Research Staff Member at IBM Albany Nanotech in the United States. The programme brings together 50 lecturers and postgraduate students, focusing on the latest advancements from foundational principles to specialised expertise, with particular emphasis on chip fabrication, packaging techniques, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence within the semiconductor industry.
The curriculum is structured to guide participants from fundamental concepts to advanced applications, encompassing: an overview of the historical evolution of the semiconductor industry; theoretical frameworks for integrated circuit fabrication; advanced chip packaging technologies; and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in semiconductor design and manufacturing. A primary highlight of the programme is the synthesis of academic rigour with over 40 years of professional experience gained by Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn within high-technology environments at IBM and other major corporations.
Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn is currently a Principal Research Staff Member at IBM Albany Nanotech (USA), situated at the University at Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (New York)—one of the pre-eminent semiconductor research centres globally. Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the State University of New York (SUNY Plattsburgh) in 1978 and earned a PhD in Solid State Chemistry from Brown University in 1981. Research conducted by Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn focuses on electronic materials, including low-k dielectrics and copper interconnects for future high-performance nano-electronic logic and memory devices. With over 44 years at IBM, alongside tenures at Exxon Research and Applied Materials, Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn has contributed to the research and development of numerous generations of microelectronic technologies and advanced dielectric materials for DRAM, CMOS, thin films, and recording heads. Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn held the position of Chief Technical Officer for the dielectric group at Applied Materials between 2002 and 2003 and served as a Research Chemist at Exxon Research in 1980. Significant accolades include several IBM Outstanding Technical Achievement and Corporate Awards, notably for research into low-k dielectric materials. Furthermore, Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn has been honoured with multiple technical awards from the IEEE. To date, Dr Nguyễn Văn Sơn holds more than 317 patents granted in the United States and internationally, complemented by over 188 scientific publications, including conference presentations, university lectures, journal articles, and book chapters.
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