LOOKING AHEAD: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
AND NEW RESEARCH THAT WILL
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NDT
BY HEATHER COWLES
As we kick off 2026, the momentum behind the ASNT
Foundation has never been stronger. The generosity,
engagement, and enthusiasm of our community continue
to inspire me—and they’re setting us up for a meaningful,
mission-driven year ahead. With application deadlines
approaching for annual funding opportunities and a major
industry research report set to be released soon, this year
promises to bring new insights, a broader reach, and a deeper impact across the
NDT profession.
While our scholarship and grant program
remains consistent in structure, last year
brought a significant and exciting shift: all
ASNT Foundation scholarships, grants,
and fellowships were opened to anyone
with an interest in NDT—regardless of
geographic location.
This expanded eligibility reflects
our commitment to supporting global
education and professional develop-
ment. Whether someone is just getting
started in NDT, advancing their creden-
tials, researching new technologies, or
strengthening educational programs, our
funding opportunities are now acces-
sible to the broader international NDT
community.
Funding opportunities include:
Ñ Student Scholarships for
NDT-related academic programs
and training
Ñ Professional Development
Scholarships for NDT technicians
advancing their skills
Ñ Faculty and Program Grants
supporting curriculum and training
needs
Ñ Student Travel Grants enabling
participation in conferences and
educational events
Ñ Graduate Research Fellowships
supporting emerging research and
innovation
No matter where applicants live, if
they are committed to NDT, they are
welcome to apply by 31 January 2026
at asnt.foundation.org.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF
NDT STUDY: FINDINGS
COMING EARLY 2026
One of the most anticipated develop-
ments this year is the release of the
newest Economic Impact of NDT in the
United States report, supported by the
ASNT Foundation. This study—scheduled
for publication in early 2026—will provide
a comprehensive look at:
Ñ Detailed market sizing across NDT
equipment, services, and software.
Ñ Segmentation by end-user verti-
cals and technologies, providing a
clear picture of how NDT is applied
across industries such as energy,
aerospace, infrastructure, manufac-
turing, and others.
Ñ Qualitative insights into application
trends, showing how conventional
and emerging NDT methods remain
relevant across different sectors.
Ñ A US state-by-state analysis of
end-user industries and inspection
technologies, revealing how NDT
demand is distributed geographi-
cally across the country.
These insights offer an invaluable
understanding of where NDT is growing,
where workforce needs are greatest,
and which technologies are driving
demand. The findings will help shape
workforce development strategies, guide
policymakers to understand the broader
economic and workforce implications
of technological advancements in NDT,
and inform educational programs.
Keep an eye on the ASNT
Foundation’s newsroom (foundation.
asnt.org/about/newsroom) for the official
release date and to get your copy.
LET’S MAKE 2026 A
DEFINING YEAR
As we begin this new chapter, I’m grateful
for everyone who continues to champion
and support the ASNT Foundation—
donors, volunteers, partners, and the
NDT professionals who make this field
extraordinary.
If you or your organization are inspired
to strengthen NDT education, research,
or workforce development, this is a
perfect moment to join us. Together, we
can uplift talent, drive innovation, and
ensure a strong, resilient future for the
NDT community—worldwide.
Heather Cowles, CAE, CVA, is the Execu-
tive Director of the ASNT Foundation. She
can be reached at foundation@asnt.org.
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ASNTFOUNDATION
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M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
AND NEW RESEARCH THAT WILL
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NDT
BY HEATHER COWLES
As we kick off 2026, the momentum behind the ASNT
Foundation has never been stronger. The generosity,
engagement, and enthusiasm of our community continue
to inspire me—and they’re setting us up for a meaningful,
mission-driven year ahead. With application deadlines
approaching for annual funding opportunities and a major
industry research report set to be released soon, this year
promises to bring new insights, a broader reach, and a deeper impact across the
NDT profession.
While our scholarship and grant program
remains consistent in structure, last year
brought a significant and exciting shift: all
ASNT Foundation scholarships, grants,
and fellowships were opened to anyone
with an interest in NDT—regardless of
geographic location.
This expanded eligibility reflects
our commitment to supporting global
education and professional develop-
ment. Whether someone is just getting
started in NDT, advancing their creden-
tials, researching new technologies, or
strengthening educational programs, our
funding opportunities are now acces-
sible to the broader international NDT
community.
Funding opportunities include:
Ñ Student Scholarships for
NDT-related academic programs
and training
Ñ Professional Development
Scholarships for NDT technicians
advancing their skills
Ñ Faculty and Program Grants
supporting curriculum and training
needs
Ñ Student Travel Grants enabling
participation in conferences and
educational events
Ñ Graduate Research Fellowships
supporting emerging research and
innovation
No matter where applicants live, if
they are committed to NDT, they are
welcome to apply by 31 January 2026
at asnt.foundation.org.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF
NDT STUDY: FINDINGS
COMING EARLY 2026
One of the most anticipated develop-
ments this year is the release of the
newest Economic Impact of NDT in the
United States report, supported by the
ASNT Foundation. This study—scheduled
for publication in early 2026—will provide
a comprehensive look at:
Ñ Detailed market sizing across NDT
equipment, services, and software.
Ñ Segmentation by end-user verti-
cals and technologies, providing a
clear picture of how NDT is applied
across industries such as energy,
aerospace, infrastructure, manufac-
turing, and others.
Ñ Qualitative insights into application
trends, showing how conventional
and emerging NDT methods remain
relevant across different sectors.
Ñ A US state-by-state analysis of
end-user industries and inspection
technologies, revealing how NDT
demand is distributed geographi-
cally across the country.
These insights offer an invaluable
understanding of where NDT is growing,
where workforce needs are greatest,
and which technologies are driving
demand. The findings will help shape
workforce development strategies, guide
policymakers to understand the broader
economic and workforce implications
of technological advancements in NDT,
and inform educational programs.
Keep an eye on the ASNT
Foundation’s newsroom (foundation.
asnt.org/about/newsroom) for the official
release date and to get your copy.
LET’S MAKE 2026 A
DEFINING YEAR
As we begin this new chapter, I’m grateful
for everyone who continues to champion
and support the ASNT Foundation—
donors, volunteers, partners, and the
NDT professionals who make this field
extraordinary.
If you or your organization are inspired
to strengthen NDT education, research,
or workforce development, this is a
perfect moment to join us. Together, we
can uplift talent, drive innovation, and
ensure a strong, resilient future for the
NDT community—worldwide.
Heather Cowles, CAE, CVA, is the Execu-
tive Director of the ASNT Foundation. She
can be reached at foundation@asnt.org.
SCOPE
|
ASNTFOUNDATION
82
M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
