International Grid Research and Advanced Training in Energy (InteGRATE)
Preparing students for GLOBAL engagement and leadership in the energy challenges of tomorrow.
About InteGRATE
International Grid Research and Advanced Training in Energy
A new project funded by the National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program, InteGRATE will be an immersive international research and training program to prepare U.S. students to address global energy challenges through collaborative, cross-border experiences. Led by the University of Memphis, in partnership with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), InteGRATE will connect students with world-class researchers and facilities to build their technical expertise, broaden their global perspective, and develop leadership in sustainable energy innovation.
Students will gain hands-on experience through projects that bridge modeling, control, simulation, and experimentation. Research activities span across both universities’ unique strengths: the University of Memphis contributes advanced modeling and power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing capabilities, while TUM offers access to its Center for Combined Smart Energy Systems (CoSES), a world-class lab for sector-coupled microgrid research that includes heating, electricity, and transportation layers.
In addition to research, students participate in technical workshops, receive mentorship from leading experts in the U.S. and Germany, and explore how differences in infrastructure, energy policy, and technology shape energy decisions across countries. This exposure equips students with a deeper understanding of global energy systems and prepares them for careers that span both national and disciplinary boundaries.
Through international collaboration, high-impact research, and intensive mentorship, InteGRATE develops future engineers and researchers who are ready to lead in a complex, interconnected energy landscape.
Center for Combined Smart Energy Systems
The research Center for Combined Smart Energy Systems (CoSES) at Technical University Munich (TUM) has been established with a laboratory facility that is capable of emulating a small microgrid that consists of heating, cooling, transportation and electric subsystem. With the aim to provide a test environment with conditions close to those in real-life, the laboratory is equipped with the full set of high power components that practically eliminates a need for modeling in tools such as real-time simulators.
CoSES microgrid laboratory comprises five building emulators, which are connected by three grids – communication, heat and electricity. The Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) philosophy is at the core of the design of electrical and heating grids, and is interconnected in real-time by the communication grid. The real world analogy of the lab is a microgrid of five houses, four single-family houses and one multi-family building. The interconnections form an electrical and a heat network, allowing for sector coupling, robust pricing mechanisms and having a decentralized grid control with high shares of renewable energy resources.
Why Become an InteGRATE Fellow?
Becoming an InteGRATE Fellow offers more than just a research experience — it opens doors to global opportunity, personal growth, and real-world energy impact. Through this immersive international program, students:
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Conduct cutting-edge energy research in the heart of Europe, collaborating with leading faculty at the Technische Universität München (TUM) and the University of Memphis.
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Train in state-of-the-art laboratories, including power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing environments and advanced microgrid simulation platforms.
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Explore the energy systems of tomorrow, gaining insights into how different nations approach electricity, heating, transportation, and storage across urban and rural contexts.
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Experience European research culture firsthand, attending major energy and engineering conferences and participating in cultural and technical excursions across Germany and neighboring countries.
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Build lifelong international networks, working side-by-side with U.S. and international researchers and graduate students on solutions for renewable integration, hydrogen systems, and smart grid control.
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Develop global fluency, learning how energy decisions are shaped by policy, infrastructure, and culture — skills essential for future leaders in the energy sector.
This program is ideal for students eager to make an impact on the world stage while sharpening their technical expertise and expanding their worldview.
Fellowship Support: What’s Covered?
InteGRATE Fellows are fully supported throughout their international research experience — allowing them to focus on growth, discovery, and collaboration without financial burden. Selected students receive:
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Full Travel Support
Round-trip airfare between the U.S. and Germany is fully covered, along with local transit passes and any required travel for conferences or official excursions.
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Housing Accommodations
Comfortable and safe housing is provided for the entire stay in Germany — conveniently located for commuting to TUM and exploring Munich and the surrounding region.
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Generous Living Stipend
Fellows receive a competitive stipend to cover meals, personal expenses, and everyday living costs during their 10–12 week stay abroad.
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Funded Conference Attendance
All students attend at least one international conference or workshop as part of the program, with all registration and travel expenses covered. This gives Fellows a chance to present their work, network with global experts, and deepen their academic and professional engagement.
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Cultural & Professional Enrichment Activities
In addition to technical training, the program includes curated outings to explore energy sites, historical cities, and German cultural heritage — helping students grow both personally and professionally.
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Mentorship & Career Development
Fellows are matched with mentors from both the University of Memphis and TUM, with structured opportunities for feedback, networking, and guidance on future graduate school or career pathways.
Example Research Areas: Shape Your Experience
Research projects at the heart of InteGRATE span the rapidly evolving field of clean energy systems, giving students the opportunity to engage in meaningful, hands-on work that supports a more resilient, decarbonized grid. Fellows work alongside leading researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in one of Europe’s most advanced energy laboratories — the CoSES (Center for Combined Smart Energy Systems) — to contribute to the development of future-ready energy technologies.
Below are just a few of the research directions students may explore:
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Grid-Integrated Battery Testing
Design and evaluate control strategies for lithium-ion battery systems connected to dynamic electric and thermal microgrids using real-time emulation platforms.
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Hydrogen Systems and Sector Coupling
Analyze the use of hydrogen as a flexible storage medium and investigate its role in sector-coupled systems that unify electricity, heating, and transportation.
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Converter-Dominated Power Systems
Develop and test control algorithms for systems with high penetrations of power electronics, ensuring stability and efficiency under dynamic grid conditions.
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Smart Grid Control and Monitoring
Investigate communication-enabled energy control systems, focusing on demand response, fault recovery, or multi-vector system coordination.
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Technoeconomic Planning Tools
Use optimization techniques to assess tradeoffs between cost, degradation, and performance across a range of energy storage and generation assets.
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High-Power Converter Development
Collaborate on projects to design and characterize new hardware solutions for high-efficiency power conversion in renewable-rich grids.
Tailor Your Research
Every student brings a unique perspective, and InteGRATE is designed to honor that. Prior to departure, fellows meet with faculty mentors to discuss their technical interests, career goals, and project ideas. Whether you’re passionate about batteries, power systems, control theory, or modeling — or want to explore something new — we’ll work with you to define a project that fits your strengths and the time you have abroad.
Our goal is to ensure your experience is not only impactful and technically rich, but also personally meaningful and aligned with your future trajectory.
University of Memphis Mentors
Technische Universität München Mentors
How to Apply
We are seeking curious, motivated, and collaborative students who are interested in conducting international energy research. Applications are open to upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in engineering that are interested in a career in related subject areas.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
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Must be enrolled full-time in a U.S. institution at the time of application and participation
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Must be available to travel internationally and participate in the full summer program (approximately 10–12 weeks)
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Preference will be given to University of Memphis students, but students from other universities are welcome and eligible to apply as well
To apply, please submit the following materials:
Personal Statement (1–2 pages)
This is your opportunity to show us who you are and how you hope to grow through the InteGRATE program. Please address the following:
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What are your research interests within energy systems (e.g., microgrids, battery degradation, power electronics, hydrogen systems, etc.)?
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Why are you interested in participating in an international research experience?
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How do you see this experience fitting into your academic and professional goals?
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Do you have a potential project idea or research question you'd like to explore while abroad?
Even a rough idea is welcome—students are encouraged to discuss with their current research advisor before applying. We will work closely with selected fellows to tailor project scopes that are feasible within the summer timeline and match both your interests and host lab capabilities.
Resume or CV
Include relevant coursework, research experiences, technical skills, and any prior international or professional experiences.
Unofficial Transcript
This will help us better understand your academic preparation and identify project areas aligned with your strengths.
References Contact
Contact information for two references (Name, relationship to the applicant, and email address) will be required. We recommend these references be faculty members or mentors that have worked with the candidate in a research capacity. References will be asked to supply a reference letter, highlighting the student’s academic performance, research potential, and dedication to a career in energy systems. Letters should speak to your research capabilities and readiness for international collaboration.
Submission Instructions and Deadlines
2025-26 InteGRATE Cohort
All application materials should be compiled into a single PDF document in the order listed below:
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Personal Statement
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Resume or CV
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Unofficial Transcript
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Reference Contact Information
Please name your file as:
InteGRATE_LastName_FirstName.pdf
Priority Deadline (University of Memphis Students): September 30, 2025
Students currently enrolled at the University of Memphis will receive priority consideration through this date.
Final Deadline (All Applicants): October 31, 2025
After September 30, the application will be open to students from other institutions. All applications must be received by October 31 to be considered.
Submit your application
For
For any questions, contact:
Dr. Alexander J. Headley
Assistant Professor Mechanical Engineering
University of Memphis