Fulbright Early Career Research Lectureship at the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Trento
Italy
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The activity entails 60% research and 40% teaching.
The Fulbright scholar is expected to:
- give lectures at an advanced level (master’s and doctoral students) within the master’s degree courses (Materials Engineering; Mechatronics Engineering and Management and Industrial Systems Engineering) and the courses offered by the International Doctoral School in Materials, Mechatronics, and Systems Engineering. The teaching load is up to 4 hours a week. The average size of classes is between 10 and 20 students.
- carry out research within the Department of Industrial Engineering (DII) of the University of Trento. Research activities can be agreed upon, based on mutual interest.
Other activity: Willingness to perform other duties such as thesis advising is preferred, and support to international students is desirable.
The Scholar can also conduct a research project of his/her choosing.
Department of Industrial Engineering, http://www.unitn.it/dii
University of Trento, https://www.unitn.it/en
The University of Trento is a young medium sized University which is constantly working to develop its international dimension, establishing and developing networks and partnerships that guarantee the opportunity of cooperation with regard to education, research and relations with industry.
The University of Trento offers a wide range of excellent undergraduate, graduate and PhD programmes: their quality is the result of recognized scientific achievements, international cooperative projects, and effective worldwide industrial cooperation. Most graduate and PhD programmes are completely held in English.
Located in one of the most gorgeous natural environment in the world, the Dolomites, Unesco World Heritage since 1997, the University of Trento has strong links to its territory: the city and the university converge towards a policy of full commitment to maintaining quality in life - Trento is one of the ten smart cities in the field of the quality of life in the world - and in academic standards, the latter involving research, teaching, university facilities and services. Trento has been called a “Silicon Valley in the Alps” thanks to its growing tech industry.
Today the University of Trento has around 16.000 students, 25 undergraduate degree options, 30 master’s programmes and 600 professors. There are eleven departments and several other research and learning centres." --
University of Trento | World University Rankings | THE (timeshighereducation.com)
Three months
Grant beginning in January-February 2026. Grantees who will need to stay longer will have the option to stay, though the total number of months cannot exceed four. The Commission will sponsor their study visa application; however, they will not receive an extension of their Fulbright stipend.
Any field within the Department research areas: Management and Industrial Systems Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Data Science, Embedded Electronics and Computing Systems, Operations Research, BIOtech - Biomedical Technologies.
The Department's main focus is the development of materials, structures, processes, and integrated intelligent mechanical and electronic systems promoting and supporting technological innovation. The multidisciplinary approach ranges from traditional materials to nanostructured materials and biomaterials, including chemistry and fiber and polymer technology, biotechnology, material physics, materials for electronics, and process technology, along with design and product development and the related environmental impact.
The Department of Industrial Engineering gathers together researchers from a broad range of areas, ranging between:
- Materials Engineering: Materials production and optimization; Structural and functional materials applications; Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies; Biomedical technologies and applications; Materials for energy and environment; Materials and technologies for cultural heritage; Mechanical and Processing Industry
- Mechatronics: Manufacturing Systems and Industrial Automation; Mechanical Measurements and Sensor Data Fusion; Intelligent Systems (Vehicles and Robotics); Space Technologies; Accessibility and Assistance Living
- Embedded Electronics and Computing Systems: Nano & Microsystems, including design, numerical simulation and modeling, electrical and functional characterization, and design of custom analog read-out and signal processing circuits; Sensors & Networks, including designing and implementing modern distributed systems and networks, increasingly characterized by stringent requirements in terms of high performance, Quality of Service, large scale, dynamicity, and security.
- Operations Research: Managing, optimizing, and supporting research and industrial production planning, cost analysis, quality and reliability of the industrial processes, simulation and optimization. Development and application of information technology tools.
The Department is made up of 50 professors and research fellows, most of whom have research experience at major universities and research centers worldwide. DII also has an international doctorate school with around 60 students, mainly coming from Italy, Western/Eastern Europe, and Asia. The Department is organized in research labs (Glass and Ceramics, Materials Chemistry, Mechanical Design and Metallurgy, Coatings and Industrial Corrosion Control, Polymers and Composites, Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Mechatronics, Electronics, and Systems Engineering) and includes a Research Center in Biotechnology (Biotech); these labs and centers cover the most significant research topics in the broad field of Industrial Engineering.
The Fulbright scholar will have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects in one of the above areas.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Lectures can be given in English and no interpreters are provided. Conversational Italian is helpful to better integrate in the local community but it is not mandatory.
Teaching experience is desirable.
University of Trento: http://international.unitn.it/
Contact person at the U.S.-Italy Fulbright Commission: Barbara Pizzella, Senior Program Officer, bpizzella@fulbright.it, Chiara Petrilli, Program Officer, cpetrilli@fulbright.it
Monthly stipend of €1,333 for a total of €4,000 for three months ($1,459 and $4,380; the amounts may change depending on exchange rate fluctuations). The award, which is a maintenance allowance for the entire period, is disbursed in Euro currency. In addition, the University provides free housing.
International Travel allowance of €1,100 ($1,204; the amount may change depending on exchange rate fluctuations). The allowance is disbursed in Euro currency.
The region Trentino-Alto Adige is located in the heart of the Alps, which have been listed in the UNESCO world heritage site and it is an ideal location for both summer sports (due to the presence of many lakes) and winter sports.
Trento is a small town with a high quality of life and is people-friendly. It is very easy to get around the city and the university campuses by public transport.
For info on public transport see https://international.unitn.it/incoming/bus-and-train-travel-card
For info on the cost of living: https://international.unitn.it/incoming/cost-of-living.
As a rule, large cities in the North and the Center of Italy are more expensive, while living in the South is less costly, even in larger cities. An average monthly budget for two persons could range between €1.400-€2.500 ($1.533-$2.737 approx.). Rent is usually the major expense, ranging between €600-€1.500 ($657-$1.642 approx.). Individuals’ lifestyles, and choosing to live downtown or on the outskirts of a city can make a difference. The following websites could help navigate the costs of living in Italy. While none of them is sponsored by official institutions, the information is provided mostly by international visitors themselves and ex-pats:
https://wise.com/gb/blog/cost-of-living-in-italy; https://internationalliving.com/countries/italy/cost-of-living-in-italy/; https://www.mondayfeelings.com/cost-to-live-in-italy/; https://www.internationalcitizens.com/living-abroad/costs/italy.php; https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Italy; https://www.forextradingitalia.it/costo-della-vita/italia.html
A guest flat that can accommodate up to 4 people is available for hosting the visiting professor. The apartments are all furnished and located in the city center or close to the Faculty, with parking space and bike rental facilities. Utilities such as electricity and gas are included in the rent; weekly change of linen is provided; telephone is not available in all apartments and is at extra charge. Internet connection is available in most apartments. The monthly rent, which is offered by the University, ranges between €700 and €1150 per month (approx $766 and $1.259), for one or two bedrooms apt, respectively.
The Department can be easily reached by car or bus (10-15 minutes) from the city center. I can also be reached on foot (20-30 minutes walk).
Office space will be provided, including a landline telephone; the visiting scholar will have access to the university canteen and facilitated access to the university network of sports services and sports facilities (Uni.Sport).
More information about the university and the city of Trento is provided on our international website.
The Fulbright Scholar will be eligible for the Fulbright Inter-country Travel Grant Program, http://www.fulbright.it/fulbright-intercountry/, and to receive a travel grant to lecture, hold workshops, and conduct other relevant outreach activities at other Italian and European academic institutions.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Italy
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Italy for 2024-25, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.
The program in Italy is open to scholars and professionals from all disciplines; preferences are indicated under individual award descriptions. Scholars may be invited to give occasional lectures or seminars at various Italian universities. Some of the awards offer free housing (paid for by the host institution), or a financial contribution to offset housing costs.
Preference for candidates who have not already had substantial experience (5 years or more) studying or teaching in an Italian university.
The academic calendar, which is usually divided into two semesters, is generally October to June. However, dates may vary depending on the university.
Entry Visas to Italy: Selected grantees must enter Italy on a study or, in some cases, a research visa covering the authorized length of the grant. Information about the two visas and their application process is available on the Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The possibility of staying for longer periods and/or being accompanied by dependents is subject to the provisions and restrictions of Italian Law. Italian embassy and consulates are the sole authorities in matters pertaining to visa issues.
Basic Visa Information: U.S. grantees must apply for a Study Visa (D) at the Italian Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction in the State where they reside. The Commission will support their application with a letter that will be sent to grantees after they have signed the official grant authorization but will not be able to assist grantees in their application procedures.
Due to restrictions in the Italian Immigration Law, there are potential challenges related to the duration of grantee stay in Italy, and the visa and permit-to-stay for their dependents.
The requested duration of the grantee's stay in Italy should not be much longer than the official grant period. In case of significant discrepancy (more than 30 days overall), the Consulate may reject the grantee's visa request.
Grantees who wish to be accompanied to Italy by their family dependents should be aware that the Commission cannot sponsor their dependents’ visas. Available options are:
1. Dependents may stay in Italy without a visa for 90 days
2. Dependents may enroll in an Italian language course and apply for their study visa (the Commission cannot assist in identifying the course, nor does it have the funding to allocate for this purpose)
3. Dependents could apply for a Ricongiungimento Familiare. The procedure entails that grantees travel to Italy on their own and once they arrive in Italy they must request a nulla osta per il ricongiungimento familiare. The nulla osta will be issued within 180 days from the request, which may exceed their grant length. Only then will dependents be able to travel to Italy to join the grantee and to apply for a permit to stay for ricongiungimento familiare.
Enrichment activity during your stay: Each June, the U.S.-Italy Fulbright Commission hosts a meeting where U.S. grantees returning to the States after their grant and Italian grantees departing to begin their grant meet, interact, network, and often start relationships that continue in the United States. The Meeting--a celebration of the Fulbright experience--is held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the United States. Italian alumni are also invited to participate in the day's activities.
HELPFUL LINKS
A listing of Italian universities and access to their homepages can be found at A valuable search engine can be found at https://cercauniversita.cineca.it/ https://www.universitaly.it/
Useful links with information about the Italian academic system can be found at and the MIUR website. https://www.cimea.it/EN/
To view more about life in Italy, visit here: https://madeinitaly.gov.it/en/
For further information on the awards, contact Barbara Pizzella, Senior Program Officer at the Commission, at bpizzella@fulbright.it, and Chiara Petrilli, Program Officer, at cpetrilli@fulbright.it.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Academic calendar:
First semester: September - December; Second Semester: February-June
Holidays: two weeks in December (Christmas holidays), one week at Easter
Exam sessions: June-September, January-February
Courses taught by Fulbright scholars are shorter than regular core courses at an Italian university and scholars will be able to complete all academic activity during the award period.