Introduction to Integrated Semiconductor Electronic and Photonic Systems

Become part of the talent shaping Europe’s semiconductor momentum. ISEPS is an intensive, international short programme delivered at Warsaw University of Technology within the ENHANCED Learning Campus initiative (SPINAKER–NAWA), developed in close alignment with the educational priorities of the ENHANCE European Universities Alliance. Today's economic and geopolitical landscape has made one thing clear: semiconductors are a strategic backbone of modern society. To strengthen technological sovereignty and supply-chain resilience, Europe is investing heavily in semiconductor capabilities through the EU Chips Act — creating an urgent need for engineers and researchers who can design, fabricate, characterise, and optimise these systems.

This programme is designed to give you exactly that foundation. You will explore the core building blocks behind today's chips and photonic integrated circuits, and gain a practical overview of how modern devices and systems are conceived, modelled, and engineered — bridging physics, technology, and design. You'll leave with a clearer picture of the full semiconductor value chain and skills that are increasingly decisive for careers in industry and research.

Upon completing this ILO students will:

• understand the importance of semiconductor electronic and photonic systems for modern society and strategic technology development;
• be familiar with the fundamental concepts, terminology, and theoretical background of semiconductor technologies, microsystems, semiconductor device physics, VLSI design, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs);
• know the basic methods of fabrication, integration, and characterisation of modern electronic and photonic devices and systems;
• understand the main stages of the semiconductor value chain, from device concepts and physical principles to design, fabrication, testing, and optimisation;
• be able to distinguish and classify basic methods and techniques used in the integration of electronic and photonic components, circuits, and systems;
• be able to analyse simple engineering problems related to integrated semiconductor electronic and photonic systems and propose a basic plan for solving them;
• be able to use selected scientific programming tools in Python for basic modelling, data processing, and engineering-oriented problem solving;
• understand how theoretical knowledge is translated into practical engineering workflows in laboratory environments, including technology, electrical/optical characterisation, and design laboratories;
• be able to work effectively in an international and interdisciplinary team, including contributing to discussions, and presenting results;
• be able to critically discuss proposed solutions, communicate acquired knowledge clearly, and evaluate the outcomes of their own work and the work of others.

We welcome applications from students (BSc and MSc) and PhD candidates affiliated with ENHANCE Alliance universities. You do not need to be currently specialising in integrated electronic–photonic systems to apply — curiosity and motivation are what matter most. The programme is delivered in English.

The programme introduces participants to the complete landscape of semiconductor and photonic systems, from physical fundamentals to advanced AI-driven design. It is divided into six modules integrated into one vision:

• Fundamentals of Semiconductor Technologies (online: 12h, on-site: 3h)
• Introduction to Microsystems (online: 10h, on-site: -)
• Physics of Semiconductor Devices (online: 6h, on-site: 9h)
• Introduction to VLSI Design (online: 9h, on-site: 6h)
• Introduction to PICs (Photonic Integrated Circuits) Design (online: 6h, on-site: 9h)
• Scientific programming and neural networks in Python (online: 15h, on-site: -)

The two-level mutual trust-based quality assurance scheme has been adopted:

• at the university level: Warsaw University of Technology has applied its internal quality assurance procedures and structures to the proposal of Introduction to Integrated Semiconductor Electronic and Photonic Systems it submitted to ENHANCE and to its implementation - the related learning activities,
• at the Alliance level: the body composed of Education Officers has made decisions regarding the inclusion of Introduction to Integrated Semiconductor Electronic and Photonic Systems proposed by Warsaw University of Technology to the Innovative Learning Campus part of the joint ENHANCE educational offer, based on the compliance with the formal requirements and ENHANCE goals.

This School will consist of an online phase and a 1-week onsite phase.

The online phase will last from 11.05 until 19.06 (58 hrs of meetings).

The on-site phase will last from 22.06 until 26.06 (27 hrs of meetings).

The achievement of learning outcomes will be verified through the following methods:

• active participation in online classes and tests, onsite laboratories, and tutor-led discussions;
• assessment of practical laboratory work and task completion during onsite sessions;
• evaluation of individual and group assignments related to device physics, fabrication, design, integration, or programming tasks;
• oral presentations of project or laboratory results;
• participation in discussions, including the ability to formulate conclusions, justify solutions, and provide critical feedback.

To apply, please complete the application form on the school website — this is the only way to submit your application. Along with the form, you will be asked to upload your CV and a short motivation letter.

Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline (30 April 2026). Selected participants will receive further instructions and organisational details by email.

The programme is delivered in a blended format — high-quality online learning followed by intensive, hands-on laboratory work at the Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics, Warsaw University of Technology.

This summer school is financed through NAWA SPINAKER funds. Each enrolled participant will have accommodation, travel and living costs reimbursed. The subsidy amount depends on the location of the student's home university.