ISA Awards Scholarships to Future Automation Leaders
The International Society of Automation (ISA) has made a significant commitment to the future of automation by awarding scholarships to 31 exceptional students hailing from seven different countries. This initiative emphasizes ISA’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of professionals in automation, instrumentation, and control systems.
On August 5, 2026, the ISA announced that it will distribute a total of $62,000 in scholarship funds, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and promote research activities among the selected recipients. The scholarships are awarded based on outstanding academic performance and potential impact in the field, ensuring that promising individuals are given the opportunity to thrive.
“On behalf of ISA, I am pleased to congratulate this year's outstanding scholarship recipients,” remarked Claire Fallon, CEO of ISA. “Investing in the next generation of automation professionals is central to our mission of creating a better world through automation. We are proud to recognize so many talented students and look forward to the contributions they will make in advancing and strengthening our field.”
The Recipients of 2026 Scholarships
Among the distinguished recipients, notable names include:
- - Luis Matias Jimenez Sanchez from Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador, recognized under the Bob Mary Ives Endowment.
- - Lauren Fortier from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, celebrated under the Daris Gerald Wilbanks Endowment.
- - Tanishka Manoj Dixit from Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Technology, Pune, India, supported by the Huston Endowment.
Additionally, the General Education Fund recipients include:
- - Arya Prasanna Pakhare (Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Technology, India)
- - Khushi Varma (MKSSS's Cummins College of Engineering for Women, India)
- - Mohamadali Tofigh (University of Alberta, Canada)
- - Paayal Kapoor (Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology, India)
- - Pranav Ganesh Ram (National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, India)
- - Prapti Bordoloi (University of Minnesota, USA)
- - Yifan Li (Tsinghua University, China)
- - and numerous other deserving students who share the common goal of advancing automation technology.
The Importance of Automation Education
As the automation industry rapidly evolves, it is vital to equip the future workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge. The ISA scholarships provide crucial financial support to students, enabling them to concentrate on their studies and innovative research without the added stress of financial constraints. With the world becoming increasingly automated, ensuring that skilled professionals enter the workforce is essential for maintaining technological progress and competitiveness.
ISA’s commitment extends beyond financial support; it also includes a framework for professional development and networking opportunities. Scholarships serve as a gateway to participation in ISA’s educational programs, conferences, and mentorship programs, allowing recipients to engage with leading experts in the field.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the 31 scholarship recipients embark on their academic journeys, they carry the hopes of ISA and the broader automation community. Their success will not only benefit the organizations they join in the future but also contribute to innovative advancements in technology that impact society as a whole. The ISA is proud to play a role in shaping these young minds as they move towards becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
For more information on the ISA scholarships program and the impact it has on the automation community, visit
www.isa.org/scholarships.
ISA remains dedicated to fostering development in the automation sector, ensuring a promising future for both the field and its professionals.