Dr Andy Sellars, Strategic Development Director at Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, has been appointed to the UK Government’s Semiconductor Advisory Panel.
Dr Sellars joins nine other experts on the panel who will be tasked with helping to grow the domestic semiconductor sector, mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions and protect national security.
The panel will also focus on how to nurture skills, improving access to finance, and developing stronger international collaboration, setting out how industry can work directly with government to achieve these goals.
Co-chaired by Technology Minister Paul Scully and renowned industry veteran and former Chief Executive of Dialog Semiconductor Dr Jalal Bagherli, the panel will provide the government with advice and feedback on how it can support companies involved in the delivery of semiconductor products and ensure critical British industries have safe and steady access to the chips they need to drive innovation and grow the economy.
Dr Sellars early career was spent leading R&D teams with Rolls Royce, Spirent PLC, and Abbott Diagnostics.
At InnovateUK, Dr Sellars delivered £15m of strategic investments in electronics, smart materials, and compound semiconductors before developing the business case and strategy for the £50m CSA Catapult in 2015.
Dr Sellars is regularly called as an expert witness to provide evidence to Parliamentary committees, most recently on the National Security and Investment Act, the Telecom Security Act, and the Parliamentary committee on semiconductors.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Sellars said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the Semiconductor Advisory Panel chaired by Minister Paul Scully MP and Dr Jalal Bagherli. I look forward to working with the chairs and members of the panel, implementing the National Semiconductor Strategy to deliver resilience, economic growth and societal impact for the UK.”
The panel will meet every two months to agree key actions for both industry and government. It will engage broadly across the sector and government will continue to speak to a wide range of players across the UK semiconductor industry.
Technology Minister Paul Scully said: “Properly engaging and listening to the experts at the heart of researching, designing and producing semiconductors is essential if we’re serious about growing our domestic sector, protecting our national security, and unleashing rapid innovation across the British economy.
“The Semiconductor Advisory Panel serves as the perfect way for industry and government to work together closely on this critical industry so that we can deliver on our Semiconductor Strategy.”
In addition to Dr Sellars and the two co-chairs, the Semiconductor Advisory Panel includes:
