Florian Solzbacher is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Utah, where he also served as Chair until December 2023. He holds adjunct professorships in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering, reflecting his interdisciplinary research profile. He is affiliated with the College of Engineering and leads research in harsh environment microsystems, neural interfaces, and implantable sensors. BS, Electrical Engineering, Universitat des Saarlandes, 1994 MS, Electrical Engineering, Technische Universitat Berlin, 1997 Dr.-Ing (Ph.D.), Engineering, Technical University Illmenau, 2003 Dr. Solzbacher's research focuses on harsh environment microsystems , including silicon carbide (SiC), SOI, and GaN materials, metallization systems for high temperatures, and silicon fusion bonding. His work extends to implantable sensors and neural interfaces , particularly in the development of wireless, biocompatible microsystems for biomedical applications. A significant portion of his recent research involves smart hydrogels for glucose and fentanyl sensing, employing ultrasound readout and microfluidic integration for point-of-care diagnostics. His expertise spans materials engineering, MEMS, and neural prosthetics. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward minimally invasive, implantable sensors using smart hydrogels with ultrasound or optical readout. There is a focus on flexible, high-resolution neural electrode arrays for epilepsy and brain-computer interfaces, as well as artificial muscles based on twisted coiled polymers. His work bridges fundamental materials science with clinical translation, particularly in neuroengineering and metabolic monitoring. Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineers (AIMBE) Best of State winner in Applied Science/Technology Utah Best of State award, Medical Innovation Distinguished Innovation & Impact Award, University of Utah Distinguished Researcher Award, ECE Department Dr. Solzbacher has secured extensive research funding from NIH, NSF, DARPA, and private industry, supporting projects on neural interfaces, smart hydrogels, and auditory implants. He mentors graduate students through thesis research in PhD and MS programs. He is actively involved in technology commercialization, co-founding Blackrock Microsystems and holding multiple patents. He leads or participates in several advisory boards, including the FDA’s iBCI-CC, USTAR, and the European Research Council. His lab develops advanced microfabrication techniques for PCB-integrated MEMS and flexible neural arrays.
