Introduction

Preparing global technology leaders in the area of advanced material systems will address grand challenges surrounding materials for bio and electronic devices leading the way for system-on-a-chip diagnostics, cancer therapies, multi-axial drug delivery platforms, wearable thermoelectric and flexible sensors, edible electronics, antireflective coatings, and implantable sensors for real-time biological monitoring.

In this effort, the National Science Foundation (Award #1952589) is supporting the IRES-BEAMS Program (US-Italy International Research Experience for Students for Bio and Electronic Advanced Material Systems) focused on advanced materials for bio and electronic devices. The IRES-BEAMS program leverages synergistic research, education, and mentoring between the Advanced Materials Bio and Integration Research (AMBIR) group at University of South Florida (USF) and the National Research Council of Italy - Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (CNR-IPCB), and the Italian Institute of Technology Center for Nano Science and Technology (IIT-CNST), both ranking among Italy’s top ten leading research facilities.

The specific objectives of the IRES-BEAMS program are:

1. Develop student global competency to bridge differences between cultures and collaborate effectively within multinational teams for international awards and technical connectedness.

2. Expand student participation within international programs to enhance both their global engagement and preparation for cutting-edge research at the graduate level (M.S., PhD.)

3. Establish collaborative research projects of mutual interest that will result in long-term partnerships, proposals, high-impact publications, patents, and student opportunities.

4. Provide students with state-of-the art research training in bio and nano electronics under the mentorship of international scientists to strengthen a globally aware workforce.