Nobel Prize Laureate addresses the MOVPE XIV International Conference hosted by GT-L
Professor Abdallah Ougazzaden, Director of the Unité Mixte Internationale UMI-GT-CNRS at Georgia Tech Lorraine
In his opening remarks to the XIV International MOVPE (Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy) Conference, Abert Fert, 2007 Nobel Prize laureate in physics, recalled his own research in Spintronics leading to a quantum leap in computer hard drive storage capacity. The conference, chaired by Professor Abdallah Ougazzaden, Director of the Unité Mixte Internationale UMI-GT-CNRS at Georgia Tech Lorraine (GT-L), was held in Metz, France, June 1-6, 2008. The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Metz, Mr. Dominique Gros, the President of Metz Agglomeration (CA2M), Mr. Jean-Luc Bohl, and the Region’s Vice President of Higher Education and Research, Mr. Jean-Pierre Moineaux, among other dignitaries.
The conference, which was held in the historical Arsenal Hall downtown Metz, focused on recent advancements in material processing by epitaxy and attracted 350 researchers from 29 countries participating in 226 oral and poster presentations. The team of Graduate students and staff led by Josyane Roschitz-Pierre, GT-L’s Academic Director, managed the parallel sessions and conference logistics. "It is a unique experience for graduate students not only to interact with top researchers in the field but to gain knowledge and proficiency in what it takes to run a successful conference,” noted Yves Berthelot Director of GT-L.
Professor Abert Fert, 2007 Nobel Prize laureate in physics
Professor Russell Dupuis, GT-ECE, one of three keynote speakers, provided an overview of recent advancements in the Growth and Fabrication of High-Performance Photodiodes. Dupuis will chair the conference development committee in 2010.
“The conference underscores the rapid and wide range of applications of MOVPE from aeronautics to environment to communication,” said Ougazzaden in an interview with French National TV Channel 3, “the participation, commitment and sponsorship of the 25 industrial exhibitors at the conference attest to the significant impact of these applications. It also reflects Georgia Tech’s Global leadership and reputation in the field,” he added.
MOVPE XV will be held in Lake Tahoe, NV in 2010 -- "A tough act to follow," said Dr. Christine Wang, MIT, upcoming Conference Chair, “I am counting on Prof. Ougazzaden’s advice and help and I am glad Professor Dupuis is chairing the conference development committee.”
