Researchers from the School of Informatics are contributing to a new £12.5 million national research centre that will accelerate the UK’s capability to design next‑generation semiconductor and microelectronic systems. The Centre for Heterogeneous Integrated MicroElectronic and Semiconductor Systems (CHIMES²), led by the University of Sheffield, brings together experts from across the UK to develop advanced approaches for combining multiple microchips into smaller, faster and more energy‑efficient systems. This shift toward heterogeneous integration is seen as essential as electronic devices continue to shrink while requiring greater performance, security and power efficiency.CHIMES² unites a consortium of leading universities — including Edinburgh, Cambridge, Oxford, Strathclyde, Queen’s University Belfast, Newcastle, King’s College London and Manchester — alongside the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The programme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Informatics role in CHIMES² Professor Michael O’Boyle from the School of Informatics is serving as a Co‑Investigator on the programme, representing Edinburgh’s world‑leading expertise in computer systems, compilers and performance optimisation. Informatics’ involvement aligns closely with CHIMES²’s mission to connect innovation in materials and semiconductor devices with system‑level design, architecture and real‑world deployment.A major aspect of the centre will be the establishment of a national Design Commons, developed jointly by Sheffield and Southampton. This shared platform will provide system architectures, integration workflows and reusable design tools to support UK industry and contribute to the government’s Semiconductor Talent Expansion Programmes. Edinburgh's research strength in heterogeneous software and hardware is fundamental to delivering the centre's goals. CHIMES brings together the UK's semiconductor industrial sector with its world-class research base to build and deliver faster and more energy-efficient heterogeneous systems that have long lasting commercial impact. Professor Michael O’Boyle Personal Chair in Computer Science, School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh Advancing the UK’s semiconductor capability Traditional circuit‑board‑based approaches are reaching their limits, creating a pressing need for new ways to package and integrate diverse semiconductor technologies. CHIMES² aims to position the UK at the forefront of this transition by linking long‑term research with industry‑ready demonstrators, skills development and new commercial pathways — including opportunities for UK innovators to create high‑value physical chiplet products. Edinburgh is proud to spearhead the translation of emerging semiconductor technologies into industry‑ready systems through CHIMES². Utilizing the Scottish Microelectronics Centre’s unique facilities, we will drive the heterogeneous integration of emerging (e.g. memristors) with conventional semiconductor technologies, ensuring the UK’s world‑leading research is rapidly scaled into next‑generation commercial electronics. Professor Themis Prodromakis Regius Chair of Engineering and Edinburgh co‑lead for CHIMES² This centre strengthens the UK’s capability to design the advanced electronic systems that will underpin future economic growth and technological resilience. By bringing together leading expertise from across the UK and embedding that capability into both industry collaboration and national skills programmes, we are building sustainable long‑term impact. Professor John Goodenough Director of CHIMES² CHIMES² will officially launch to the wider UK semiconductor ecosystem in July 2026, coinciding with the Sheffield Semiconductor Conference. Related links Article on the University of Sheffield website Article on the New Electronics website Publication date 19 Mar, 2026
