Future innovation depends on today's small electronic devices getting even smaller. That's why Texas Instruments is investing along with key universities around the world in nanoelectronics research to study transistor devices so tiny that they require special attention to the interaction between atoms.

Recently, TI and The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) celebrated the investiture of some top nanoelectronics researchers, supported by grants from TI. The company and university have partnered for nanoelectronics research for several years, with TI supporting four key faculty members in this exciting area.

The recent UT Dallas formal investiture ceremonies included two TI Distinguished Chairs of Nanoelectronics, Dr. Massimo Fischetti and Dr. Julia W.P. Hsu, who were invested along with a number of other faculty members.

Representatives from TI attended the ceremony for the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. The company donated funds to create the chairs for Fischetti and Hsu, both professors of material science and engineering who were recruited to the University in 2010.

TI also supports two other endowed positions in the Jonsson School, for Dr. Kenneth O and Dr. Yves Chabal, whose investitures were celebrated two years ago.

"Philanthropic donors of endowed chairs, like Texas Instruments, are catalysts of discoveries that will enhance our understanding of the world and improve the lives of billions of people, now and in centuries to come," said Michael DeFrank, UT Dallas assistant vice president for Corporate and Foundation Relations.

Trisha Cunningham, TI chief citizenship officer, said the company made the investments because it wanted to support UT Dallas' efforts to become a national research university and to maintain its close ties with the institution that the company's founders established.

"We enjoy our partnership with UT Dallas. We work with universities all over the world, and it is wonderful to work with an institution of this caliber so close to home. We are truly happy with the trajectory they are on," she said.

Read what was said at the recent investitures about UT Dallas' distinguished new chairs.