Peter O’Brien has received the 2025 Semi European Award, which recognises those who have had an impact on global semiconductor innovation.

Tyndall National Institute’s photonics expert Prof Peter O’Brien has been honoured by the global semiconductor industry for his work in the sector.

O’Brien is the head of research for photonics packaging and systems integration at the University College Cork-based deep-tech institute. He has received the 2025 Semi European Award, which recognises leaders whose work has had a significant impact in global semiconductor innovation.

Semi is a global industry association representing companies and research organisations across the semiconductor and electronics development and manufacturing supply chain.

O’Brien has been recognised for his contributions to photonics electronic packaging, his leadership in Europe’s semiconductor pilot lines, and his work in developing specialised training programmes for up-and-coming researchers in the field.

“It is a great honour to receive the Semi European Award for 2025,” said O’Brien. “Through this award, I would like to recognise my many collaborators around the world. Working together, we accelerate research and development, turning early ideas into impactful breakthroughs.”

Prof William Scanlon, the CEO of Tyndall, added: “Prof O’Brien’s leadership and vision have placed Tyndall at the forefront of advanced packaging globally, and his contributions are shaping Europe’s semiconductor future.”

Meanwhile, Eric Beyne, a senior fellow at the Belgium-based nanoelectronics and digital tech research and innovation hub IMEC, received the Special Service Award at the ceremony earlier this month for his contributions to high-density interconnection and packaging technologies, and helping advance next-gen semiconductor integration techniques.

“We are honoured to recognise Peter O’Brien and Eric Beyne for their outstanding contributions to advancing semiconductor innovation and strengthening Europe’s technology ecosystem,” said Semi Europe president Laith Altimime.

“Their leadership and vision have helped drive transformative progress across the industry while inspiring the next generation of engineers and researchers, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and innovation that continues to propel the semiconductor industry toward a more resilient, digital and sustainable future.”

Tyndall has made several major announcements this year. The Cork-based research institute recently announced a €100m expansion project.

It is also co-ordinating I-C3, Ireland’s National Competence Centre in Semiconductors, leading Ireland in a major €50m European initiative called Photonics for Quantum, and supporting a new €2.5bn pilot line to develop EU’s semiconductor leadership.

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