IMAPS-UK (International Microelectronics and Packaging Society), the largest society dedicated to the advancement and growth of microelectronics and electronics packaging, has announced the speaker programme for its MicroTech 2007 conference and exhibition.  Starting on the 6th March, the two-day conference will focus on advanced microelectronics interconnections, allowing delegates to explore the future challenges and technologies of the industry.

Speakers will include Indro Mukerjee, CEO of C-MAC MicroTechnology, who will be speaking on the panel at the Market Watch session, discussing the issue: “Is the supply pipeline broken?”.  Indro will outline the current challenges facing the UK engineering industry to recruit and retain skilled engineering students.   With reference to recent research from C-MAC on the state of the UK engineering skills gap, he will articulate the role that academics, industry bodies, and companies should play in inspiring the next generation of British engineers.

Joining Indro Mukerjee on the panel will be Prof Chris Bailey from the University of Greenwich, Dr Kathryn Walsh Director of the Electronics Enabled Products KTN, Mike Trenchard CEO of the Components Obsolescence Group and Aubrey Dunford from AFDEC.

David Lowrie, of IMAPS UK, commented: “The IMAPS-UK annual conference is now in its 35th year, and provides a fantastic platform for discussing all facets of the electronic industry’s supply chain.  In particular, the current skills crisis we are facing is at the top of the agenda and I am confident that this year’s event will stimulate inspiring discussions about what the industry can do to reverse the current trend.

Indro Mukerjee, CEO of C-MAC MicroTechnology, commented: “As the head of a company with a long and proud British engineering and manufacturing heritage, I am extremely concerned about the future of British engineering if the apparent decline of engineering studies is not combated.  It is imperative that the industry recognises that a collaborative effort is required to shape the future of UK engineering, and the IMAPS conference will provide an  invaluable contribution in bringing this issue to the forefront of the industry .”

MicroTech is taking place at the Hellidon Lakes Conference Centre, Daventry, Northamptonshire on 6th & 7th March 2007.

For further information, or if you would like to attend the event, please contact:
Sylvia Outteridge
+44 (0)1522 575 212
office@imaps.org.uk

www.imaps.org