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Welcome to the First Edition of the SynTrac Newsletter - Advancing sustainable aviation through integration, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Global mobility gives all of us access to the products and services we rely on, connects us to labor markets and education, enables personal development, and fulfills individual needs. Thanks to flight speeds of up to 970 km/h, air transport allows us to cover vast distances in just a few hours — making even the most remote parts of the world feel within reach.
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But this irresistible desire to overcome distance comes at a cost: the faster we move, the more energy we need to transport mass across those distances. To reduce the negative environmental impact of high-speed mobility, new scientific foundations must be developed.
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This is where the Collaborative Research Center/Transregio SFB-TRR 364 “Synergies of Highly Integrated Transport Aircraft – SynTrac” comes in. Our mission is to fundamentally rethink the relationship between propulsion systems and the aircraft itself, researching the complex engineering challenges of highly integrated transport aircraft. By exploring the interfaces between propulsion and airframe, we aim to significantly increase overall aircraft efficiency – minimizing the energy required for air travel and reducing its environmental footprint.
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Our work is guided by a clear and systematic approach, providing a robust scientific foundation for next-generation transport solutions:
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Increased Integration
Unlocking synergies by combining propulsion and airframe technologies to maximize efficiency and performance.
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Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Breaking down traditional boundaries between disciplines and methods to foster innovative solutions through diverse perspectives.
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Non-Linear Interactions
Exploring how local design decisions interact in complex, non-linear ways, enabling the discovery of novel design optima.
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System View
Taking a comprehensive approach to aircraft design, optimizing performance not just component-by-component, but as an integrated whole.
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Future-Oriented Thinking
Pushing beyond today’s forecasts to explore the long-term potential for radically more efficient, sustainable air transport.
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New Work
Adopting flexible, interdisciplinary collaboration models and dynamic methodologies to match the complexity of the challenges we face.
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Through SynTrac, we are laying the groundwork for a future where mobility and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We’re excited to share our journey with you — from research milestones and team insights to outreach highlights and collaboration opportunities. Thank you for joining us.
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SynTrac Advisory Board
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Adding value through an external perspective
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A research initiative as ambitious and multifaceted as SynTrac relies on a strong organizational project foundation and a well-integrated internal research structure that supports collaboration across disciplines and allows interdisciplinary work to flourish.
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Additionally, SynTrac benefits from external perspectives that help align its work with the latest scientific insights and evolving industry trends, ensuring continued relevance and innovation.
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In a significant step towards advancing sustainable aviation, the CRC/TRR SynTrac has formed an Advisory Board, comprising industry and academic experts from Airbus, DLR (German Aerospace Center), MTU Aero Engines, and TU Darmstadt.
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The following members of the Advisory Board will be by our side to lend their expertise to the SynTrac Project agenda:
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- Daniel Reckzeh
- Cord Rossow
- Dr Reinhold Schaber
- Cameron Tropea
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The SynTrac management committee (pictured with the Advisory Board) and the rest of the SynTrac Team appreciate their contributions and enjoy the productive collaboration.
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Interdisciplinary collaboration
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An emphasis on advancing joint research
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Annual Meeting 2024 sets Agenda
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From November 25–27, 2024, the SynTrac team came together at the University of Stuttgart in the Internationales Begegnungszentrum (IBZ) for its Annual Meeting. With more than 50 participants from our partner institutions—TU Braunschweig, University of Stuttgart, DLR, and Leibniz University Hannover—the gathering was both a vibrant showcase of the year’s research milestones and a launchpad for shaping an ambitious agenda for 2025.
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Following the strategic direction of the Management Committee and guided by the Advisory Board , the leadership emphasized strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding international networks, building on the strong foundation already established within the German scientific community.
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Dedicated SynTrac session at DLRK 2024
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At the German Aerospace Conference, DLRK 2024, the SynTrac team gave an early glimpse into its research. SynTrac was prominently represented with multiple contributions, underscoring its central role in research on energy-efficient and climate-neutral flight.
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A dedicated SynTrac session, moderated by Prof. Dr. Ingo Staak (TU Braunschweig), brought together speakers from all three SynTrac research areas (A - Assessment, B - Integration, and C - High Impact Physical Processes).
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Their presentations not only shared initial results but also showcased interdisciplinary approaches and technical integration across different aircraft system levels—laying the foundation for future joint research efforts and publications.
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At the DECHEMA/VDI Heat and Mass Transfer Section Annual Meeting 2025, the SynTrac team showcased the strength of its interdisciplinary approach through a joint poster by members from subprojects A02: Simulation of flow losses and B01: Waste Heat recovery.
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The collaborative research of Abhishek Borad, Myles Zabel, both University of Stuttgart, and Marit Blanke, TU Braunschweig, focuses on optimizing waste heat recovery in more-electric turbofan engines by enhancing heat transfer in the bypass duct. The event fostered valuable exchanges between academia and industry, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary solutions in tackling complex engineering challenges.
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Strategic support for joint publications
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From 16–18 June 2025, twenty six SynTrac doctoral researchers gathered in Fulda for an integrated Resarch Training Group (iRTG) retreat designed to strengthen both professional skills and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
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The core activity of the event was a scientific writing workshop led by Dr. CJ Fitzsimons (Leadership Sculptor GmbH), focusing on the early phases of research writing. Through interactive exercises, participants identified the core ideas of their upcoming papers, explored strategies for co-authorship, and practiced structuring their projects across disciplines.
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The retreat emphasized SynTrac’s mission to combine academic training with collaborative skill-building, helping young researchers lay the groundwork for joint publications and a vibrant, connected research community.
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Training the next generation
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SynTrac puts a focus on PhD Students & young researchers
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Integrated Research Training Group (iRTG)
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The Integrated Research Training Group (iRTG) of CRC/TRR 364 SynTrac prepares doctoral researchers to thrive in a cross-disciplinary, cross-system research environment. Tackling the complex interfaces between aircraft and propulsion systems demands deep expertise across aerodynamics, acoustics, flight physics, structural mechanics, and thermodynamics—and the ability to bridge them.
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Our structured training program ensures:
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- Scientific excellence and early independence
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across locations and fields
- International networking and mobility
- Strong communication and outreach skills
- A shared, agile work culture aligned with the “New Work” philosophy
- Access to dedicated infrastructure such as team rooms
By fostering diversity, openness, and collaboration, the iRTG equips young researchers to shape the future of sustainable aviation — and to lead in an evolving global research and innovation landscape.
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The training is significantly enriched by the contributions of international experts through the SynTrac guest lecture series. in 2025 we have so far welcomed eight national and international experts.
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SynTrac International Female Program
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Another means to promote young talent in SynTrac is the International Female Program (IFP). SynTrac has already hosted two young candidates.
The IFP offers employment opportunities at various qualification levels that are designed to recruit excellent female researchers.
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In 2024 we had the pleasure to host two young researchers who worked with the SynTrac team: Katerina Yakimova and Qi Qi. Katerina successfully completed the research her Master Thesis, while Qi continues to pursue her doctoral studies in collaboration with the SynTrac project.
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In 2025, the success of the IFP program continues and the SynTrac project is currently hosting Kai Xin Lum at the Institute of Aircraft Propulsion Systems at University of Stuttgart.
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Successful Winter School 2025 in Stuttgart
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A prominent example of the drive for global excellence in training the next generation was this year`s Winter School that took place from 26 to 28 March in Stuttgart.
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Held as part of the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG), the event sparked enriching discussions, offered hands-on learning opportunities, and connected global perspectives on critical aerospace issues.
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This year’s SynTrac Winter School welcomed two world-class experts from the U.S., Prof. Mark Drela from MIT and Prof. Jeffrey Bons from Ohio State University, to engage with our SynTrac Team.
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Prof Drela presented on the Power Balance Method developed by him which enables the joint evaluation of the drive, aircraft and their interactions. It is therefore an excellent starting point for evaluating the synergy effects investigated in the CRC/TRR 364 SynTrac.
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Prof. Bons shared his extensive knowledge of advanced aircraft technologies, including active flow control and improved turbine cooling. His lectures weren’t just about the cutting-edge research he’s conducting—they were about the journey of scientific discovery itself
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With international guests in attendance the event took the opportunity to also focus on the importance of intercultural competence in the training of our researchers. Navigating diverse academic environments and working in multinational teams is essential in today’s globalized world.
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SynTrac supports student team at InnovAero2024
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Beyond the training activities designed into the project, SynTrac actively embraces opportunities to engage with the next generation of engineers wherever they emerge.
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Last year, we were proud to support a team of aerospace engineering students from the University of Stuttgart in the InnovAero Competition 2024—an industry challenge hosted by Lufthansa Technik.
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Under the guidance of Prof. Stephan Staudacher, SynTrac co-spokesperson, the team reached the finals as one of the top 11 out of 44 international teams, presenting innovative strategies to reduce contrail formation, a key contributor to aviation’s climate impact.
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Dissemination and outreach
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Connecting with our communities
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With sustainable aviation as a topic, SynTrac has a broad audience
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SynTrac researches a topic that has wide societal relevance, many people are interested. We aim to connect with the scientific community, the general public and in particular we put a focus on engaging pupils of all ages, introducing them to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and motivating the next generation of aerospace engineers to actively work on a sustainable future.
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Engagement with wider public
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Communicating the goals and societal relevance of SynTrac’s mission is central to fostering public support and understanding for climate-neutral aviation. The SynTrac team actively engaged with the broader public at several events across Germany.
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Stallwächterparty 2024 – “THE aerospace LÄND” in Berlin
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At the 59th Stallwächterparty held at the Baden-Württemberg State Representation in Berlin, SynTrac joined 1,800 guests for an evening celebrating the innovation and diversity of the federal state—this year with a spotlight on aerospace. SynTrac representatives used the occasion to highlight the urgency and feasibility of climate-neutral flight, engaging in dialogue with stakeholders from science, politics, industry, and the public. The event underscored a key message: transformative goals like those of SynTrac can only be realized through broad collaboration and societal buy-in.
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AERO Friedrichshafen – Reaching the Aviation Community
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SynTrac was also represented at AERO in Friedrichshafen in 2024 and 2025, one of Europe’s leading general aviation exhibitions, where over 600 exhibitors gathered to showcase innovations in aircraft design, avionics, and propulsion.
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Within an exhibition space dedicated to collaborative aerospace research at the University of Stuttgart, the team presented SynTrac’s vision to the aviation community.
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Visitors learned not only about the technical innovations behind SynTrac’s integrated aircraft systems but also about the societal and environmental benefits of sustainable flight.
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Duett Series hosted by Science and Art Lab TU Braunschweig
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In a vacant storefront in the heart of Braunschweig, the Science Showcase creates space for dialogue between science and society—with exhibitions, talks, and workshops that make research tangible and accessible.
As part of the “Duett” series hosted by the Science and Art Lab, where researchers and artists explore shared topics, SynTrac spokesperson Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sabine Langer met sound collector and composer Yeongbin Lee for a unique exchange on the diverse soundscapes that enrich our daily lives.
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"Ortswechsel" Series hosted by Haus der Wissenschaft Braunschweig
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SynTrac took part in the “Ortswechsel” series organized by Haus der Wissenschaft Braunschweig - a format that brings scientific topics to unusual places and fosters dialogue between science and society.
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Each Ortswechsel is unique in topic and location: our spokesperson Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sabine Langer engaged in conversation with the public about scientific, technological, and social perspectives on silence - at the St Magni Church. With SynTrac as a prominent example, together, they explored thought-provoking questions such as “What will the future sound like?”
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Outreach to Younger Generations
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At SynTrac, we believe that inspiring curiosity and engagement in science begins early. Therefore, we continuously expand our outreach to the next generation of engineers and researchers through more and more hands-on events. Across all ages and activities, these outreach efforts reflect SynTrac’s commitment to promoting STEM education and empowering future generations to shape a greener future in aerospace.
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Very early career Researchers from elementi Kinderhaus visit SynTrac twice
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The element-i Kinderhaus “Steppkes” brought a younger group of curious minds to the Institute of Aerospace Thermodynamics (ITLR) at the University of Stuttgart. The kindergarten children, part of a STEM-certified program, were welcomed with storytelling, hands-on glider-making, and a colorful demonstration with thermal imaging cameras. They even saw a real aircraft engine up close—an unforgettable introduction to aerospace.
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Nationwide Girl’s Day/Future Day2025
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Girls' Day 2025 saw enthusiastic participation at both the University of Stuttgart and TU Braunschweig.
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In Stuttgart, 10 girls from grades 5 and 6 explored the physics of flight through model-building workshops, turbine demonstrations, and dye flow experiments. They also connected with female researchers who shared their experiences in aerospace.
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In Braunschweig, 18 participants rotated through interactive stations featuring Chladni sound patterns, stereo microscopy, strobe-lit vibrations, 3D printing, and a SynTrac-led acoustic camera session—bridging science with sensory exploration.
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Science Day in Stuttgart - Making Science Tangible
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What does rowing have to do with flying? Each year visitors find out by trying the SynTrac rowing ergometer—a public outreach tool developed to illustrate energy demands in aviation. Users experienced firsthand how much effort is currently needed to keep an aircraft airborne, and then compared it to the significantly reduced energy demands envisioned in SynTrac’s future aircraft configurations.
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This interactive installation, part of SynTrac’s Science Lab initiative, brings complex physical principles to life and makes research accessible to non-experts of all ages.
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Engaging with prospective aerospace engineering students
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Meanwhile, older students took part in the “Wunderwelt der Tropfen” event as part of the Try Science initiative at the University of Stuttgart.
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Sixteen high school students joined SynTrac researchers to dive into the science of droplet dynamics, learning how research into water vapor and contrail formation contributes to more sustainable aviation.
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With lab tours, student-led experiments, and mentoring from doctoral candidates, participants gained first-hand insight into how curiosity evolves into innovation.
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Dissemination in the Scientific Community
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Sharing scientific insights and promoting interdisciplinary exchange is a key pillar of the SynTrac project. In 2024 and early 2025, SynTrac researchers actively contributed to leading conferences in Germany and abroad —reinforcing the project’s commitment to transparent, high-impact dissemination.
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International Presence – IMAC XLIII 2025 and AIAA Aviation Forum 2025 in the US
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At the IMAC conference in Orlando, Florida, SynTrac researcher Michael Pitzal, University of Stuttgart, introduced an Adaptive Harmonic Balance scheme for simulating long- and quasi-periodic vibrations—critical in turbomachinery and other aerospace systems.
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This method significantly reduces computational effort while maintaining high simulation accuracy, making it a valuable tool for structural and acoustic analysis in complex systems.
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Alexander Tidow und Elrawy Soliman, DLR, represented SynTrac at the AIAA Aviation Forum 2025. Their respective presentations covered the topics of "Integration of an Inner Mixing Aft-Mounted Engine Concept in a Research Configuration with Boundary Layer Ingestion" and "Evaluation of Transition Models in the Slipstream of Distributed Propulsion Systems"
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These contributions highlight SynTrac’s ongoing work in advanced flow modeling, aerodynamic transition, and propulsion system integration — driving innovation in sustainable and efficient aviation.
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Scientific dissemination events in Europe
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The SynTrac team also contributed to many other scientific gatherings, amongst those were the 14th EASN Conference on Innovation in Aviation and Space in Thessaloniki, the Thermodynamics Colloquium 2024 – Celebrating 200 Years of Thermodynamics in Stuttgart, the DAGA – Annual Meeting in 2024 and 2025, the DLRK 2024 and 2025 as well as others, further establishing SynTrac’s relevance across diverse scientific domains.
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Through these scientific forums, SynTrac not only shares its breakthroughs but also fosters vital collaborations that accelerate progress toward sustainable, high-performance aviation.
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Looking ahead, SynTrac plans to deepen its engagement with both technical and non-technical audiences. Through interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and public science communication, the project continues to build bridges between cutting-edge research and everyday awareness—ensuring that the flightpath toward climate-neutral aviation is a shared journey.
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Future events
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Upcoming highlights from our diverse outward reaching project activities
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- SynTrac Lecture Series: Prof. Anita Schulz, HWT, Berlin - 24 October 2025 at TU Braunschweig
- SynTrac Lecture Series: Prof. Giovanna Barigozzi, University of Bergamo, Italy, - 27 October 2025 at University of Stuttgart
- Science Pub at Rosenau in Stuttgart – 26 November 2025
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Thank you for your interest in our project activities. If your curiosity has been sparked, we warmly invite you to get in touch—we’re happy to answer any questions and continue the conversation!
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