The MUT–Imperial Semiconductor AI & BioSensor Electronics Research Lab (SABER Lab) brings together Imperial College London’s world leading expertise in integrated circuit (IC) design and biomedical electronics with MUT’s advanced electronics design and training capabilities. This international partnership was launched at Imperial College London with senior representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), marking a major milestone in global semiconductor and biosensor research.
Our vision
Co-directed by Prof. Pantelis Georgiou (Imperial) and Assoc. Prof. Panavy Pookaiyaudom (MUT), the SABER Lab creates a world-class platform for doctoral training and research in semiconductor design, embedded AI, and biosensor electronics. The lab will play a pivotal role in strengthening global semiconductor resilience by delivering advanced training and driving innovation to meet the urgent needs of the industry.
Over the next decade, the SABER Lab aims to:
- Train the next generation of Thai PhD scholars in integrated circuit design
- Be a centre of academic excellence for training and research in semiconductor AI and biosensor electronics
- Conduct cutting edge research and innovation in Biomedical and Agrifood Electronics with direct deployment and impact
- Pioneer entrepreneurship by establishing successful translation of technologies through start-ups and spin-out formation
- Be a global focal point for innovation with critical mass in Semiconductor design
- Publish in top-tier IEEE journals and international conferences
- Establish the annual UK-Thailand international workshop in IC design
- Inform policy and national strategy on the topic of semiconductors
SABER Lab will serve as a beacon for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship in semiconductor IC design, AI and biosensor systems. With a focus on real-world impact, it will address the global challenges we face in healthcare and agriculture. We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and to MUT for supporting this initiative.
Training and research
Training and research will take place across at two facilities under the joint umbrella of the SABER Lab: at Imperial in the UK and at MUT in Thailand. These hubs will host PhD scholars and serve as centres for online and in-person training of post-graduates to meet the critical skills gap in Thailand’s semiconductor industry.
Imperial will focus on training in integrated circuit design using state of the art CMOS technology. MUT will focus on PCB design training using their state-of-the SMT line and equipment.
Find out more about our SABER Lab PhD programme.
The SABER Lab will additionally conduct research and innovation focussing on:
- Healthcare technologies, addressing the global burden of chronic diseases
- Agrifood electronics, contributing to more efficient farming, sustainable societies and net zero
The lab design centre will involve industrial partners who will actively contribute to placements and bridge the skills gap between academia and industry.
