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Welcome to the Third Edition of the SynTrac Newsletter - Advancing sustainable aviation through integration, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Since publishing our last newsletter, SynTrac has continued to build momentum through active engagement with the scientific community, industry partners, and the public. Through conferences, exhibitions, outreach activities, and collaborative exchanges, we have shared preliminary findings, gathered valuable feedback, and strengthened connections across disciplines.
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A particular focus in 2026 will be expanding our presence at trade fairs and industry-oriented events which we successfully started in recent months. These engagements provide valuable opportunities to showcase the project's emerging results, exchange perspectives with key stakeholders, and establish new connections across the aerospace sector and related industries.
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By reaching beyond our established networks, we aim to foster future collaborations, identify pathways for technology transfer, and ensure that our research remains aligned with the needs and challenges of industry.
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As our research advances, we remain committed to disseminating results, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable future aircraft. In this newsletter, we are pleased to share some of the project's latest highlights, achievements, and outreach activities.
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SynTrac connects with the scientific community
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SynTrac continues to build its international networks
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Disseminating research results and building strong international networks are essential to progress in a dynamic research environment. In 2026, the project continues to contribute to numerous national and international conferences and events, sharing findings with the global research community and strengthening collaborations. With the SynTrac team continuing to disseminate at events of all scales, this newsletter highlights selected attendances from recent months.
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AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, USA
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SynTrac participated in the AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando (12–16 January 2026), one of the world’s largest aerospace research conferences with around 6,000 participants from over 40 countries.
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Manuel Zeitler from the Technische Universität Braunschweig presented paper on propulsion system integration and wind tunnel simulation of rear-mounted engine concepts, highlighting SynTrac’s contribution to increasing efficiency and advancing sustainable aviation research.
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The forum provided a key platform to engage with international research novel propulsion systems and next-generation aircraft design.
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Collaboration in Aerodynamic Analysis
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As part of SynTrac Project A02 (“Simulation of Aircraft Flow Losses”), Myles Zabel visited ISAE-SUPAERO to take part in the course “Analyse aérodynamique basée sur l’exergie” during ISAE Mobility Week. The programme introduced advanced exergy-based methods for aerodynamic analysis, combining lectures with hands-on work using the EPSILON post-processing tool.
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During the visit, Myles presented SynTrac research on aircraft flow losses and highly integrated aircraft concepts, fostering valuable exchange with students and researchers on current challenges in aerodynamic performance assessment.
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The visit also further strengthened ongoing collaboration with the research group at ISAE-SUPAERO and supported knowledge transfer around modern methods for evaluating aerodynamic efficiency in future aircraft design.
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ASA Meeting in Philadelphia, USA
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On 14 May 2026, SynTrac spokesperson Prof. Sabine C. Langer (TU Braunschweig) presented the paper “Toward acoustics-oriented aircraft design for highly integrated transport aircraft” at the 190th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA).
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The presentation highlighted SynTrac’s vision of integrating acoustic considerations from the earliest stages of aircraft development, moving beyond traditional noise-abatement approaches. Focusing on future highly integrated aircraft concepts, the work emphasized the importance of advanced modelling and simulation methods to assess both external and internal aircraft noise throughout the entire design process.
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Presenting SynTrac research highlighted how it informs acoustics-oriented design of future aircraft that are not only environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient, but also optimized for passenger comfort and community acceptance.
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SynTrac at GAMM Annual Meeting 2026
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The GAMM Annual Meeting 2026 was hosted from 16–20 March 2026 by the Institute of Structural Mechanics and Dynamics in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Stuttgart, a member of the SynTrac consortium. The conference brought together researchers from around the world to discuss advances in modelling, simulation, optimisation, uncertainty quantification, and machine learning for complex engineering systems.
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Researchers from the SynTrac consortium contributed to the programme, presenting their work and engaging in exchange with the international scientific community.
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Through participation in events such as GAMM, SynTrac continues to strengthen its research network and advance methodologies that support more efficient and sustainable aviation technologies.
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In addition to the featured events, project members attended several other scientific conferences, workshops, and networking events tover the last few months. Such participation is an important part of our work, providing opportunities to disseminate results, exchange knowledge, build collaborations, and stay informed about the latest developments in the field.
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Trade Fairs and Exhibitions
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Showcasing SynTrac's research to key stakeholders
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Attending trade fairs and public exhibitions is a key component of SynTrac's outreach strategy. These events provide valuable opportunities to present our research to a broad range of stakeholders, from industry representatives and policymakers to members of the public.
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For industry, trade fairs offer an important platform to showcase emerging results, gather feedback from experts, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. Engaging with potential users and stakeholders ensures the relevance of our research and supports the transfer of knowledge beyond academia.
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Equally important is our engagement with decision-makers and funding bodies. By communicating the progress and outcomes of the project, we can demonstrate the value and impact of publicly funded research, highlighting how investments in scientific innovation contribute to technological advancement and more sustainable aviation solutions.
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Public outreach remains a central pillar of our activities. As a state-funded research initiative, we believe it is important to keep the public informed about the work being carried out on their behalf. Exhibitions such as Hannover Messe allow us to share our vision, explain the societal relevance of our research, and foster broader understanding and support for the challenges and opportunities facing the future of air transport.
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At this year’s Hannover Messe, SynTrac showcased its latest research on sustainable aviation at the joint stand of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture. The project attracted strong international interest from industry, academia, policymakers, and the public, while welcoming distinguished guests including Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture, Falko Mohrs, and TU Braunschweig President Prof. Angela Ittel.
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A highlight for visitors was the aircraft-shaped rowing ergometer, which demonstrates how improved efficiency can reduce energy consumption, the key driver of SynTrac`s research. SynTrac Co-Spokesperson Prof. Stephan Staudacher also contributed to the official Expert Stage programme with a talk on the future of sustainable aviation.
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The event provided valuable opportunities for exchange, networking, and collaboration, further increasing the visibility of SynTrac’s research.
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SynTrac was also sucessfully represented at the ILA 2026 in Berlin, more on which will be published in the next newsletter.
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Aero 2026 in Friedrichshafen
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SynTrac returned to AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen, one of the leading international trade fairs for general aviation, to present its research on highly integrated aircraft concepts and sustainable aviation. The event offers valuable opportunities to connect with key staleholders from industry, academia, as well as aviation enthusiasts.
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Particularly encouraging was the strong interest from the general public, with many visitors engaging in discussions about climate-neutral air transport, the future of mobility, and the role of research in addressing societal challenges.
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AERO 2026 once again proved to be an excellent platform for exchange, networking, and dialogue on the future of sustainable aviation.
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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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Engaging with the public and inspiring future generations are essential parts of our research mission. Through a range of outreach activities, the project shares its work beyond academia, fosters dialogue with society, and promotes interest in science and engineering.
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Engagement with the wider public
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Communicating the goals and societal relevance of SynTrac's mission is central to fostering public support and understading for climate-neutral aviation. The SynTrac team actively engages with the broader public at dedicated events. In 2026, SynTrac sucessfully connected with the general public at larg-scale events such as Hannover Messe and Aero in Friedrichshafen where we also were present for the "Family Day" on Saturday.
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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 outeach to the next generation of engineers and researchers. Across all ages and activities, these outreach efforts reflect SynTrac's committment to promoting STEM educations and empowering future generations to shape a greener future in aerospace.
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In February 2026, SynTrac once again welcomed pupils in their final school years to the “Wunderwelt der Tropfen” outreach event at the University of Stuttgart as part of the Try Science initiative. Participants explored the science behind sustainable aviation, gaining insights into SynTrac’s research on droplet dynamics and its role in reducing the climate impact of air travel.
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Through laboratory tours, discussions with researchers, and hands-on experiments, students experienced aerospace research firsthand and learned about future opportunities in STEM fields.
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How do airplanes fly, and who designs the aircraft of the future? At Girls’ Day 2026, a group of enthusiastic schoolgirls aged 10 to 11 joined SynTrac researchers at the University of Stuttgart to find out. Through interactive experiments, including model aircraft flights, a tour of a real aircraft engine, and a simple airflow visualization experiment as well as conversations with female scientists, participants gained a firsthand glimpse into the world of aerospace research. A particular focus was put on SynTrac’s research on future, more efficient aircraft and how they contribute to making future air transport more sustainable and climate-neutral.
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Eleven young visitors aged 5 and 6 from Kita Steppkes joined SynTrac researchers at the University of Stuttgart in March 2026 to discover the fascinating world of flight. From building and testing their own gliders to exploring thermal imaging technology, the children experienced science through hands-on experiments and playful learning.
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As part of SynTrac's outreach activities, the visit aimed to spark curiosity about science, engineering, and sustainable aviation at an early age.
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Winter School
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Three Days Dedicated to Research, Collaboration and Personal Development
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From 18–20 March 2026, SynTrac`s doctoral researchers gathered in Braunschweig for the annual Winter School, a three-day event combining scientific exchange, skills development, and networking opportunities.
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The programme featured a lecture series by Prof. Stéphane Moreau (Université de Sherbrooke), one of the world's leading experts in aeroacoustics, who provided participants with both fundamental knowledge and insights into current research challenges in aircraft noise.
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Alongside the scientific programme, participants took part in workshops on research data management and career development, as well as dedicated sessions for the continuing interdisciplinary work and collaboration and exchange.
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Together with social events, the workshop provided a well-rounded experience, combining high-level scientific input, practical skills training, and valuable networking opportunities for the project’s PhD community.
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Recognition of Achievements
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CEAS Award for Prof. Jan Delfs
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SynTrac extends its congratulations to our esteemed colleague
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SynTrac warmly congratulates Prof. Jan Delfs (DLR Braunschweig), Principal Investigator in SynTrac, on receiving the prestigious CEAS Aeroacoustics Award. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to technical acoustics and aeroacoustics, particularly in advancing the understanding and reduction of aircraft and propulsion noise.
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The award ceremony took place during the AIAA/CEAS Aeroacoustics Conference in Brussels (26–29 May 2026), where Prof. Delfs delivered the award lecture “Aeroacoustics of Aircraft – Reduction, Analysis, Wonders.”. The award was presented by Dr. Cornelia Hillenherms, CEAS president, and the laudation was given by Prof. Wolfgang Schroeder from RWTH Aachen University.
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We congratulate Prof. Delfs on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.
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Future events
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Upcoming highlights from our diverse outward reaching project activities
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- DLRK in Aachen, 8-10 September 2026
- EASN 16th International Conference in Toulouse, France, 27-30 October 2026
- 27th CEAS-ASC Workshop on Cabin Noise, hosted by SynTrac and DLR, in Braunschweig, 20-21 October 2026
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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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