In an interview during the PANNDT 2025event, Heather Cowles, Executive Director of the ASNT Foundation, explained how the organization reinforces its commitment to the development of the global Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) community through scholarship programs, research funding and networking events that directly fund the professional growth of students and emerging experts.
The objective of the ASNT Foundation
The Foundation focuses on advancing the NDT discipline through three pillars: scholarships, research and fellowships. In contrast to ASNT’s broader work, the Foundation conducts market research on the NDT workforce to understand the demand for vacancies and talent gaps and earmarks specific funds for students and faculty to conduct essential technical research.
It also offers grants that facilitate participation in training programs and conference attendance, enabling access to NDT’s professional network.
Among its most outstanding initiatives are the “student travel grants”, aimed at master’s or doctoral students who are developing cutting-edge research on inspection technologies. These grants enable young researchers to present findings, exchange ideas with industry leaders and consolidate long-term careers in NDT. In addition, the foundation funds tuition, hands-on training and volunteer experiences at events, fostering leadership skills and commitment to the discipline.
Cowles points out that the foundation not only provides funding for training and tuition, but also involves beneficiaries as volunteers in educational outreach and event operations, strengthening their professional profile. This dual approach of technical training and interpersonal skills development seeks to create professionals with global vision and leadership skills within the NDT community.
Future prospects
The ASNT Foundation plans to consolidate and expand NDT career pathways, backing new generations with financial resources and support networks. According to Cowles, the goal is to ensure that each identified talent has the funding and opportunities needed to pursue a sustainable career in inspection, thus contributing to technological advancement and industrial safety globally.
During the PANNDT 2025 conference, Cowles extended a cordial invitation to Inspenet supporters and conference participants to visit the ASNT in Orlando in October. Among the scheduled activities is the third annual charity golf tournament, to be held on Monday, October 6, at Falcons Fire Golf Course. This event, open to both experienced and novice players, will use all contributions to fund scholarships and training programs, combining professional networking with a charitable cause.
He also encouraged students, researchers and companies in the industry to inquire about their calls for scholarships and research collaboration opportunities. For more details on the programs and the golf tournament in October, you are invited to visit the official ASNT Foundation or contact ASNT directly through ASNT channels.
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Source and photo: Inspenet
