Student Travel Grant Launched for 31st Annual AAR Research Review
The event is slated to bring together leaders from Class I railroads, government agencies, suppliers, universities, and global research organizations, and will allow students—the next generation of rail researchers and engineers—to gain “insight into the nation’s most advanced rail research initiatives”; engage with MxV Rail engineers, scientists, and technical experts; and get a “firsthand look at the critical work shaping the future of rail transportation,” according to MxV Rail, an AAR subsidiary.
MxV Rail on Feb. 9 reported that the Student Travel Grant Program will provide up to $1,500 in travel reimbursement, in addition to complimentary registration. It is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in ABET-accredited U.S. institutions.
Interested students should complete this online application form and submit the required materials (including a one- to two-page personal essay and one faculty recommendation letter) by March 6, 2026. Award notifications are expected by March 20, 2026.
According to MxV Rail, the new Student Travel Grant Program, formerly known as University Days, expands its “commitment to fostering academic engagement and supporting students in engineering and physical science disciplines,” as the AAR Research Review will showcase “emerging technologies, high-impact research, and the latest advancements in safety, testing, and innovation.”
“We are proud to invest in developing the next generation of rail innovators,” said Kari Gonzales, President and CEO of MxV Rail. “This travel grant program allows students to immerse themselves in research that directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and future of the North American rail network.”
