On Saturday, September 20th, we concluded our Summer School in Metallurgical Engineering at Kyoto Institute of Technology. Over the course of two weeks, students and faculty shared a rich learning experience that combined technical knowledge, cultural exchange, and collaborative challenges.
Academic Program
The main focus of the school was to introduce students to the foundations of metallurgical engineering, with classes and hands-on sessions covering:
- Fundamentals of foundry and casting
- Principles of physical metallurgy
- Microstructural control in metallic systems
- Failure analysis techniques and case studies
To deepen their understanding, students were presented with two practical exercises:
- Engineer role-play – selecting a steel grade and designing the appropriate testing strategy.
- Thermal treatment challenge – identifying the correct heat treatment path to obtain a target metallographic microstructure.
Company and Cultural Visits
Beyond the classroom, we enriched the program with external visits and cultural activities. Students had the rare opportunity to tour Daido Steel, one of the very few companies worldwide certified for the production of special airplane components. We also experienced the art of Kintsugi, learning how traditional craftsmanship can intersect with engineering values such as repair, resilience, and transformation.
Additionally, the group enjoyed a visit to Nagoya Castle, which added a historical and cultural perspective to the program.
Final Day and Guests of Honor
The closing day was particularly special, as we were honored by the presence of distinguished guests:
- Prof. Tatsuro Morita, Vice-President of Kyoto Institute of Technology
- Dr. Gianluigi Serianni, Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Tokyo
- Prof. Stefano Miani, visiting from the University of Udine, with whom KIT is starting a double degree program
- Dr. Ettore Barbieri, Vice-President of AIRJ (Association of Italian Researchers in Japan)
Their participation highlighted the growing ties between academia, industry, and international collaborations.
Closing Thoughts
The Summer School was not only an academic success but also a memorable experience for everyone involved. We combined serious learning with cultural exploration and fun, creating new bridges between Japan and Europe in metallurgical education.
We look forward to continuing this initiative in the future, expanding opportunities for young researchers and engineers to learn, connect, and grow.