On June 18, 2026, in Nuremberg/Erlangen, the DACH Section MeetUp “Rightsizing the SDV” will explore scalable and efficient Software Defined Vehicle concepts with contributions from Anton Scheib (Elektrobit) and Martin Schleicher (formerly Aumovio).
Learn autonomous vehicle architecture, ROS 2 basics, and sense-think-act systems while building skills in robot programming and simulation.
Connect with the Next Generation of Engineers. SAE Collegiate Design Series sponsorship gives your organization direct access to top student engineering talent.
year of establishment
2000
Members
600
organized activities
532
rewards achieved
7
History
SAENA is the first SAE International section in Italy. It was founded by Felice E. Corcione and officially inaugurated in December 2000 by Rodica Baranescu.
Since its establishment, SAENA has grown into a dynamic organization with more than 600 members. Its governing board includes representatives from the Universities of Bologna, Rome, Parma, Naples, Lecce, and Salerno, as well as the Politecnico di Milano and the Politecnico di Torino.The Istituto Motori of the National Research Council is the main sponsor, providing both administrative support and operational facilities.
Core Activities
The main activities include supporting professional development, organizing technical meetings, and hosting educational seminars. The association also arranges visits to research and development divisions within industry and to research centers. In addition, it promotes special initiatives in collaboration with engineering schools and facilitates electronic communication among its members.
Additional Roles & Contributions
SAENA informs eligible engineers about the benefits of SAE membership and encourages new members to join. It works closely with engineering schools to strengthen the link between education and industry. The organization also promotes participation in both local and international activities and identifies, encourages, and develops leadership potential within its membership. These efforts ensure continuity and support the long term growth of the association.
Policies & Strategic Objectives
SAENA aims to stimulate technological and scientific progress in the fields of land, sea, and air transportation.
Member Value
SAENA provides networking opportunities that enable collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals, researchers, and students in the transportation and mobility sectors.
recognitions
Congratulations to our Giacomo Belgiorno, SAENA member, for being honored with the “2025 Ford Young Industry Leadership” award by the SAE Foundation (US).
This award recognizes people with less than 12 years of industry experience who have achieved significant accomplishments and who show potential for exceptional leadership growth in the industry.
ICE 2027
Save the date for ICE 2027, the 18th International Conference on Engines and Vehicles for Sustainable Transport, taking place from September 12 to 15, 2027, in Capri.
For over 30 years, ICE has gathered leading researchers and industry experts to share knowledge and advance sustainable mobility. Join this unique forum and learn more about the event.
FORMULA SAE AWARD
SAENA supports Formula SAE® teams by recognizing and promoting their performance and engagement throughout the racing season. Teams displaying the SAENA logo on their car can apply for an annual award, evaluated based on competition results, event participation, member involvement, and communication activities. In return, SAENA highlights participating teams through its website and member communications, strengthening visibility and collaboration between students and the organization.
Recognitions and Rewards
