By: Catherine Spicer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — 

The Arkansas Research Institute for Electronic Systems (ARIES) launched this week.

The organization aims to develop next-generation power electronics, microelectronics, and semiconductors as well as provide workforce development. 

“ARIES represents exactly the kind of high-impact research we are working to expand at the University of Arkansas,” Chancellor Charles Robinson said in a release. “By bringing together exceptional researchers, advanced facilities and strong industry and government partnerships, we will accelerate innovation in critical technologies while creating new opportunities for Arkansas students, businesses and communities.”  

AIRES also looks to advance research and innovation nationwide through four research pillars, including cybersecurity, photonics and radio frequency and microwave technology. The organization is also bringing together research facilities in the U.S. such as the National Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory, High-Density Electronics Center, and the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission.  

“The unique combination of world-class researchers and facilities makes ARIES a vertically integrated research ecosystem—from basic materials to electronic systems fabrication and testing – with quantum, security and energy applications,” Margaret Sova McCabe, vice chancellor for research and innovation, said in a release. “ARIES solidifies Arkansas and the U.S. as a launchpad for next-generation semiconductor and power electronics manufacturing.”   

Alan Mantooth, distinguished professor of electrical engineering and executive director of AIRES said in a release that the organization is beneficial and the next step for the UA power group. 

“We have a proven track record of strong industry collaborations, delivering on ‘ARPA-hard’ projects (i.e., DARPA and ARPA-E) from a number of federal agencies, and producing highly sought-after talent,” Mantooth said in a release. “Adding the photonics and RF/microwave groups to UAPG brings a broad portfolio of electronics expertise from materials to systems all into one organization aimed at advancing the state of the art at both the fundamental and applied levels. ARIES is poised to become one of the ‘go-to’ research institutes in the United States for electronics.”