French-Quebecois IMU for micro/nanotechnologies
A 21st laboratory for INSA Lyon
On June 27, 2011, the Laboratoire International Associé en Nanotechnologies et Nanosystèmes (LIA-LN2 the Associated International Nanotechnology and Nanosystems Laboratory) became the “LN2” Unité Mixte Internationale (UMI – International Mixed Unit (IMU)) « LN2 ». This new laboratory groups together Sherbrooke University, the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research), the Renatech Scientific Interest Group, INSA Lyon (National Institute for Applied Sciences), the Ecole Centrale Lyon, Joseph Fourier University and the CPE Lyon (School of Chemistry, Physics and Electronics).
This creation is the result of successful collaboration, in particular through the Laboratoire International Associé en Nanotechnologies et Nanosystèmes (LIA-LN2). Since the initial student exchange programs in 1999 between Sherbrooke University and INSA Lyon, French/Canadian collaboration has progressively developed through bilateral exchanges, mutual publications, the organization of international symposiums and cotutelle dissertations aiming, today, with the creation of the UMI-LN2, for international cooperation that incorporates training, research and industrial promotion aspects. Abdelkader Souifi, Professor at INSA Lyon, who initiated this project, has been appointed Head of the UMI-LN2. Vincent Aimez, Professor at Sherbrooke University is the unit’s Deputy Head.
INSA Lyon has played a key role in this laboratory since its creation, in particular as regards nano-electronics and microchip power. LIA-LN2 has permitted the launch of ambitious projects, such as the SEDIMOS Project, in partnership with ST Microelectronics in France and IBM in Canada, which aims to reduce the energy consumption of microchips and which should lead to the development of ultra-rapid, very large capacity data storage memories.
The UMI-LN2 is the first IMU to integrate “mirror sites” in France, including the Institut des nanotechnologies, Lyon (CNRS/INSA Lyon/Claude Bernard University/Ecole centrale, Lyon/CPE Lyon).
In Canada, it will benefit from the Sherbrooke University structures within the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technical Innovation (3IT) and the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI). The first French researchers will integrate the Sherbrooke site in 2012. As part of the initial phase, the UMI-LN2 will welcome a permanent team of around 45 persons on the Canadian site in 2012. From 2014, Canadian researchers will integrate the INL site in Lyon.
Reminder: the 4th LN2 symposium bringing together the Francophone nanotechnology community (France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland) will be held in Grenoble from July 10 to 13, 2011.
Institut National