The Italian Manufacturing Association (AITeM), in collaboration with Ohio State University and Texas A&M University, and with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), is organizing a two-week scientific study tour of leading Italian manufacturing companies (including Leonardo, Hitachi Rail, CIRA, and others), universities, and research laboratories. The initiative is intended for PhD students specializing in manufacturing technologies.

The initiative will involve the participation of 8 U.S. PhD students and up to eight Italian PhD students, with the aim of fostering international scientific collaborations and promoting the establishment of future joint research groups between Italy and the United States.

The program includes:

• A two-week guided study tour of selected universities and industrial facilities in Rome, Naples, Palermo, Cosenza, and Bari, from November 2 to November 14, 2026;
• Technical and scientific exchange activities focusing on key topics in industrial innovation. The program will cover advanced manufacturing processes and robotics, digital manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing process simulation, advanced machining technologies, additive manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing processes, augmented and virtual reality technologies, and the horizontal and vertical integration of manufacturing systems;
• Complimentary AITeM membership until the completion of the participant's PhD program.

The selected Italian participants will be required to pay a participation fee of €650 (VAT exempt). This fee has been significantly reduced compared to the total cost of the initiative thanks to co-funding provided by AITeM.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in a PhD program in Manufacturing Technologies and Systems;
• Have a good command of the English language;
• Demonstrate a strong interest in and motivation for international collaboration, particularly between Italy and the United States.

Applications must be submitted no later than 24 July 2026.

Each application must include a curriculum vitae (CV) and a motivation letter in English, both in PDF format. A template for the motivation letter is available in the dedicated section.

Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee appointed by AITeM according to the following criteria:

• Compliance with the eligibility requirements;
• Evaluation of the applicant's CV and motivation letter;
• Preference for students in the early years of their PhD program, allowing a longer period to benefit from the international collaboration;
• Gender balance among the selected participants;
• Representation of the largest possible number of Italian universities.

The Selection Committee reserves the right to invite applicants to an online interview if deemed necessary.

Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation, which may be used to request academic credit (ECTS/CFU) from their PhD Program Board. A recommendation of 20 CFU will be provided.

This initiative is funded under the NSF IRES – International Research Experiences for Students program through a grant awarded to Sarah Wolff (Ohio State University) and Zhijian (ZJ) Pei (Texas A&M Engineering). AITeM participates in the project as a partner organization and co-funds the participation of the Italian PhD students through its own resources.

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• Applicant’s full name
• Email address and telephone number
• Host institution

Subject: Motivation Letter for Participation in the AITEM–NSF IRES 2026 International Collaboration Project

Contents

• Description of the current academic program (PhD) and its relevance to the project.
• Any professional or research experience relevant to the project.
• List of technical, methodological, language, and other relevant skills that can be contributed to the project, together with an explanation of how they will support its objectives.

Research Interests and Objectives

• Explanation of how participation in the project aligns with the applicant’s research interests and career goals.
• Description of how the applicant intends to deepen or expand their research through this international collaboration.