UCIMU - Prizes of degree thesis

Premi UCIMU thesis prize

For an outstanding Master’s thesis (Laurea Magistrale) on the topics of machine tools, robotics and production systems, you will receive a one-off prize of 3,000 EUR. The prize is sponsored by the Fondazione UCIMU, the foundation of the Italian Association of the Machine Tool, Robotics and Automation Industry. Each year, several prizes are awarded in three subject areas: machine tools, robotics and production systems; economic, social and environmental sustainability; and the digital factory. Additional prizes are awarded to theses written in collaboration with a UCIMU member company. The winners will be honoured at the BI-MU trade fair in Milan.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have obtained a master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale) from an Italian university or polytechnic within the permitted timeframe. For the current round, this period runs from July 2025 to June 2026.
• Field of study: Your dissertation focuses on engineering, economics, computer science, industrial design or communication studies.
• Topic: Your dissertation deals with machine tools, manufacturing systems, robots or automation, including the associated technology, organisation or operational management, and has a clear link to industrial practice.
• Studying abroad: A dissertation written at a university outside Italy will also be recognised, but only if you have undertaken it in collaboration with a UCIMU member company.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, and there is no age limit.

How to apply

You must submit your final thesis to the Fondazione UCIMU, together with your degree certificate and a letter of recommendation from your supervisor. The exact rules are set out in the annual call for entries (Bando Premi UCIMU). The deadline for submissions is 10.07, and the prizes will be awarded in the autumn at the BI-MU trade fair.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a highly specialised award. Your Master’s thesis must be current, fall within one of the listed specialist areas and relate to machine tools, robotics or production systems, meaning that only a few theses meet the criteria. If your thesis fits into this area, your chances are good, particularly if you have produced it in collaboration with a company from the industry. As previous award winners generally come from renowned technical universities, a well-reasoned thesis that is relevant to industry stands out in particular.