Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee and the International Steering Committee, it is a privilege, joy, and great honor to welcome you to Raleigh, NC, USA, for the 2024 International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials (ICSCRM 2024).

My SiC electronics journey started over 20 years ago. Since then, dramatic improvements have been made in substrates, epitaxy, device design, fabrication, power modules, as well as the circuits where SiC insertion provides proven advantages. This is evidenced in the proliferation of SiC electronics worldwide, many of which are driving down the road for all to see as a happy reminder of how far SiC has progressed. Although the expansive commercial growth of SiC technology has brought job creation and economic benefits, SiC has a far loftier purpose. Indeed, it is a critical enabler of the efficient “electrification of everything,” which is vital in achieving decarbonization and energy sustainability. Our work not only contributes to economic prosperity but also puts us in the forefront of shaping a “greener more livable planet” for generations to come. It is this latter goal that makes accelerating volume SiC electronics adoption a strong passion for many of us.            

ICSCRM provides a unique forum to those across the SiC semiconductor supply chain – material scientists, equipment technologists, device designers, fab professionals, and test and reliability engineers – to share technology updates, research findings, development experience, and application knowledge. The conference is also a great opportunity to learn and network in an informal setting, which is crucial in catalyzing large-scale adoption of energy efficient SiC technology. Through my role as the Executive Director & CTO of PowerAmerica, I have been able to witness firsthand the incredible, expansive growth of SiC technology, and as you will hear at this year’s conference, that growth is slated to expand unabated in the coming years. 

As in years past, the Technical Program Committee (TPC) has worked diligently to bring you an excellent peer-reviewed program with a tutorial day on Sunday, plenary sessions on Monday and Friday, and oral/poster technical sessions throughout the conference. I would like to acknowledge the support and dedication of the 69 TPC members who have worked hard to bring you a high-quality technical program. And with your record submission of 390 abstracts, an information-packed first-class ICSCRM 2024 program it shall be!

The expansive SiC growth is bringing many “newcomers” to all areas of the SiC semiconductor supply chain. To accelerate the learning curve, the Sunday Tutorial Day will introduce basic technology concepts of benefit to all SiC practitioners. The diverse topics, delivered by experts in the SiC semiconductor field, will provide a comprehensive background that is a great prelude to the conference technical program. Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced professional, the tutorial is a “must” for those seeking a better understanding of SiC technology spanning from substrates and epitaxy, device design, fabrication, reliability, ruggedness, all the way through to the efficient power electronics applications SiC enables. 

In closing, I am greatly indebted to our generous sponsors and exhibitors. Please visit their booths to experience the latest in products and services relevant to SiC semiconductor electronics research, development, and production. I am also grateful to the members of the Organizing and Steering Committees, who have tirelessly volunteered their precious time and expertise to make this event a success. And on a personal level, I am beyond excited to meet once again with old friends and make new ones. 

Welcome to ICSCRM 2024!