Academics and industry partners from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, here at the University of Sheffield, recently attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Semiconductors’ annual parliamentary reception at the House of Commons in February 2026. The event highlighted both the school and the University’s research excellence and reinforced its role in shaping national semiconductor policy and innovation.
Attending from the school were Professor John Goodenough and Professor Jon Heffernan, who shared insights into their work in semiconductor materials, device physics, and electronic systems. This engagement provided a unique opportunity for us to exchange views with policymakers on how world-leading research can support national ambitions, unlock economic growth, and strengthen the UK semiconductor ecosystem.
Chaired by Ruth Jones MP, the event brought together Members of Parliament, senior industry figures, and leading academic experts to focus on the strategic importance of semiconductors - foundational technologies essential to advanced manufacturing, clean energy systems, defence, digital innovation, and national economic growth.
With the event itself focusing on shaping national semiconductor policy and innovation, the University of Sheffield is central to this proposition with established excellence in microelectronics and semiconductors, national translation assets (for example, the National Epitaxy Facility), and leading student-facing facilities such as The Diamond building.
Posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), Abtisam Mohamed, Labour MP for Sheffield Central, who attended the event alongside Professors Goodenough and Heffernan wrote: “Great to attend the APPG on Semiconductors and hear about Sheffield’s contribution on the national stage. The University of Sheffield is a UK leader in semiconductor research, ranked second nationally for research income. Pleased to see Sheffield at the forefront of innovation”.