Alessandra Lai
Where do you work at the moment and what are you currently doing there?
I currently work at ASML in Eindhoven, the world leader in the most advanced lithography systems for semiconductor manufacturing. My work focuses on patterning technology, which is a key part of creating the extremely small and complex structures on modern microchips.
What is the most exciting thing about your job?
What I find most exciting is working on highly complex technology at the limits of what is technically possible, and seeing how different areas of physics and engineering come together to solve real problems in semiconductor manufacturing. Working in a big company with people from all over the world is also very exciting.
In which area did you work during your time at FZJ?
IKP-1 then ZEA-2.
What lessons did you learn from your time at the FZJ?
My time at FZJ taught me how to approach complex technical problems systematically, work independently, and collaborate with people from different scientific and technical backgrounds. I also learned how valuable it is to stay open to new fields and to transfer knowledge from fundamental research to more applied industrial problems.
Was there anything that prepared you well for your next career step?
The combination of hands-on technical work, scientific problem-solving and working in an interdisciplinary environment prepared me particularly well for moving into industry. It gave me a strong technical foundation and the confidence to quickly become familiar with new technologies and application areas.
If money and time were no object, what would your next project be?
I would open a bakery.
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Last Modified: 07.09.2026