SRC Landmark Innovation Award
Call for Nominations

Background

Strategic research programs conducted by creative SRC-supported university researchers overcome seemingly insurmountable technological challenges on an ongoing basis. Their innovation significantly contributes to the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry, and ultimately leads to prosperity and higher standards of living for our national and global economies. In addition to sponsoring the research efforts of SRC university researchers, the SRC recognizes and appreciates those whose efforts lead to patentable inventions.

In acknowledgment of the continuing and significant impact of such contributions, in 1989 the Board further endorsed the recommendation of an ad hoc SRC Intellectual Assets Study Group (chaired at that time by Jack Kilby), establishing a Landmark Innovation Award to be conferred on an SRC university researcher(s) when an SRC-supported invention proves to have a long-term, significant benefit. Nominations may be made at any time to the SRC. The Landmark Innovation Award is a cash award and with no prescribed limit established on the dollar amount of this award. Thus, the impact of the innovation can be correspondingly rewarded.

Nominations

Nominations may be submitted at any time, directed to SRC for the consideration of the SRC Board. Nominations will be accepted from selected members of the SRC community, including the SRC Board of Directors, SRC Technical Advisory Boards, mentors, member company employees, university principal investigators, and research task leaders.

Nominations should be sent via e-mail or sent physically to the SRC address. No particular form or format is required, and any additional supporting documentation (letters, publication bibliographical information, etc.) that help distinguish a nomination are welcome. Nominations will be confirmed by e-mail or first class mail, depending on the means used for submission to the SRC.

Awards Committee

Evaluations will be conducted by the Awards Committee under the leadership of the Director of Corporate Legal Affairs and IP Counsel, and including the Vice President of Research Operations, the Vice President of Business Operations and Strategic Initiatives, the Director of Member Services, Satisfaction and Value Management, representatives of the SRC Executive Technical Advisory Board, and SRC management staff representatives. This committee will determine whether any nominations for the Landmark Innovation Award meet the criteria and justify presenting an award. The Awards Committee presents its recommendations to the SRC Board of Directors; and the Board will approve and confirm any award recipients.

Selection Criteria

Given the nature of this award, the selection criteria is intentionally general in nature. Also, there is no guarantee that any nominations will satisfy the criteria for this award. The award will be for SRC sponsored innovation that has a long-term and significant impact on the industry. The impact of the innovation may be technological or economic in nature, and preferably should have created a broad or globally recognized benefit for the industry. Examples of some factors that could support an award are significant cost savings or revenue generation for SRC member companies, compelling reasons for SRC membership, proven commercialization and implementation in industry, direct/indirect beneficial impact on the industry, and long term benefits to the industry and/or society. The award is shared among key contributors to innovative technology that significantly enhances the productivity and competitiveness of the semiconductor industry

Notification

Finalists and nominators will be notified of the Board of Directors' decision.

For further information related to the award, please contact the Director of Corporate Legal Affairs and IP Counsel, by telephone to 919-941-9400 or by e-mail.