Project Grant 2503801

This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Office of International Science and Engineering (CFDA 47.079) provides $363,657 to the University of Akron to fund an 8-week international research experience for 18 undergraduate and graduate students over 3 summers. The project, titled "IRES: Advancing Sustainable Technology and Recycling for Composite Materials", sends U.S. students to collaborate with researchers at universities in Japan, including the University of Tokyo, Tokyo University of Agricultural and Technology, and Nagoya University. Students receive training at the University of Akron on composite materials design, manufacturing, and testing before traveling to Japan to conduct research on recycling composite materials with a focus on long-term use, lower costs, and energy-efficient processes. The project aims to expose U.S. students to global mindsets and learning ecosystems, while also providing career guidance and research mentorship from both U.S. and Japanese professors to advance their expertise and leadership skills in the field of composite materials.