Despite exceptionally high summer temperatures, the University of Stuttgart’s Science Day 2026 attracted large numbers of visitors eager to explore the latest developments in science and research. Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, the event once again demonstrated how research can be made accessible and engaging for all ages.

As part of SynTrac’s public outreach activities, the Science Lab invited visitors to experience the principles of sustainable aviation through an interactive flight simulation. Using a rowing ergometer, participants generated the energy needed to “power” a passenger aircraft into flight before repeating the challenge with the SynTrac concept aircraft, representing the next generation of highly integrated, energy-efficient aircraft systems.

The difference was immediately apparent: achieving the same flight performance required significantly less effort with the SynTrac concept. The demonstration provided a tangible illustration of how integrated aircraft and propulsion design can reduce energy demand and contribute to more sustainable aviation.

Visitors interested in learning more explored the SynTrac project through displays and an SynTrac film presenting the project’s objectives, interdisciplinary research approach, and vision for the future of aviation. Together with the hands-on exhibit, these materials offered a deeper understanding of the science behind the concept.

A live leaderboard added a friendly competitive element, while many visitors took the opportunity to discuss future aircraft technologies, sustainable aviation, and climate-friendly mobility with the SynTrac researchers. The booth became a lively space for both interactive learning and engaging conversations.

As part of SynTrac Project A02, “Simulation of Aircraft Flow Losses,” Myles Zabel recently visited ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse, France, to participate in the course “Analyse aérodynamique basée sur l’exergie” (Exergy-Based Aerodynamic Analysis) by Miguel Aguirre. The course was organized within the framework of ISAE Mobility Week and brought together students from across the ISAE Group to explore advanced approaches to aerodynamic performance assessment.

A central focus of the course was the application of modern exergy-based methods for aerodynamic analysis. Participants gained insights into the theoretical foundations of these approaches while also working hands-on with the open-source post-processing tool EPSILON. By combining lectures, practical exercises, and collaborative discussions, the course provided an excellent opportunity to deepen understanding of innovative methods for evaluating aerodynamic losses and aircraft efficiency.

On 25 June 2026, the German Aerospace Society (DGLR) and the Collaborative Research Centre SynTrac TRR 364 jointly hosted the symposium “Powering Future Aircraft – Integrated Development of Aircraft and Engines” at the Haus der Wirtschaft in Stuttgart. The event brought together experts from academia and industry to discuss current challenges and innovative approaches in the integrated design of future aircraft and propulsion systems.

The symposium was opened with a series of welcome addresses by representatives from the hosting and supporting institutions, including the SynTrac Spokesperson Prof Sabine Langer, Dr. Gerhard Ebenhoch, Head of Aerospace Propulsion Division L5, German Aerospace Society (DGLR), Dr. Markus Fischer, Divisional Board Member for Aeronautics, German Aerospace Center (DLR) as well as Jennifer Staudenmeyer of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Baden-Württemberg. The opening remarks emphasized the strategic relevance of integrated aircraft–propulsion research and the role of strong partnerships between academia, research institutions, and industry in advancing sustainable aviation technologies.

The symposium opened with a keynote by Dr. Reynard de Vries, Chief Engineer at Elysian Airlines, entitled “Distributed propulsion: a form of propulsion integration for the next generation of (hybrid) electric passenger aircraft.” His talk provided insights into industrial development approaches for future propulsion systems, building a bridge between research and application.

A further highlight was the presentation by Prof. Dr. Arvind Gangoli Rao, Professor of Sustainable Aircraft Propulsion at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology. In his contribution “Energy Transition in Aviation,” he placed current developments in aviation transformation into an international research context and discussed perspectives for sustainable propulsion technologies.

SynTrac successfully presented its research at this year’s Hannover Messe as part of the joint stand of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture. Throughout the exhibition, project team members welcomed a diverse range of visitors from industry, academia, public institutions, and the wider public, creating numerous opportunities for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and new connections. The strong international interest in the stand underlined the global relevance of SynTrac’s work on the future of sustainable aviation.

The project was honoured to welcome several distinguished guests, including Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture, Falko Mohrs, Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science, Rianne Letschert, President of TU Braunschweig, Prof. Angela Ittel, and Lower Saxony’s State Secretary for Science and Culture, Prof. Joachim Schachtner. Their visit highlighted the importance of research-driven innovation in addressing societal challenges and supporting future transformation.

A particular attraction at the SynTrac stand was the aircraft-shaped rowing ergometer, which demonstrates how the same performance can be achieved with lower energy consumption based on insights gained through SynTrac research. Many visitors took the opportunity to test the exhibit themselves, including Prof. Angela Ittel and Minister Falko Mohrs, who both took a turn on the rowing ergometer and experienced the concept firsthand.

SynTrac once again participated in AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen, reinforcing the event’s role as a regular and valued fixture in the project’s outreach and networking activities. As one of the leading international trade fairs for general aviation, AERO continues to evolve into an important platform for discussing innovation, sustainability, and the future of air transport.

Throughout the exhibition, SynTrac team members presented the project’s research on highly integrated aircraft concepts and their potential contribution to more sustainable aviation. The event provided a great opportunity to exchange ideas with stakeholders from across the aviation sector, including industry representatives, researchers, policymakers, and aviation enthusiasts.

This year, a strong interest shown by the general public was particularly notable. Visitors actively engaged with the team, asking numerous questions about the project’s objectives, technological approaches, and the broader societal relevance of aviation research. Discussions frequently focused on how research can contribute to addressing climate challenges, enabling future climate-neutral air transport, and ensuring that aviation continues to provide societal and economic benefits in a sustainable way.

The interactions highlighted a growing public interest in the future of mobility and the role that research and innovation can play in supporting the transition to more sustainable transportation systems. Many visitors expressed interest in the project’s vision and welcomed the opportunity to discuss both the technical and societal dimensions of future aviation.

AERO 2026 once again provided an excellent platform for SynTrac to strengthen its network, establish new contacts, and exchange ideas on the future of aviation. The project team returns with valuable insights and looks forward to continuing these conversations in the future.

On 25 April 2026, the nationwide Girls’ Day/Future Day took place once again, and the SynTrac research project was also in attendance with exciting hands-on activities at the University of Stuttgart’s Vaihingen campus.  The aim was to inspire schoolgirls to pursue careers in engineering and the natural sciences, from a SynTrac perspective particularly in the fields of aerospace.

Several hundred schoolgirls took part in this year’s Girls’ Day/Future Day and were warmly welcomed at a central welcome event on the Vaihingen Campus. Dr Ing Grazia Lamanna, Lead of Project Area C in SynTrac welcomed the girls in her role as the University of Stuttgart’s Equal Opportunities Officer, and introduced the participants to significant women from the history of science.

Using the current example of astronaut Christina Koch from the Artemis 2 mission, she made it clear what significant contributions female role models make. At the same time, she emphasised that it is not gender but ability, dedication and competence that matter most, and that the potential for extraordinary achievements lies within all girls, not just a few exceptions.

With this inspiring message, the girls then split into small groups to take part in the various workshops.

As part of the SynTrac project, ten schoolgirls from Years 5 and 6 were given an insight into the world of aviation at the Institute of Aircraft Propulsion at the University of Stuttgart. The workshop focused on the theme ‘Why do aeroplanes fly? and the future of sustainable aviation’, and gave us the opportunity not only to discuss modern aviation but also to explain SynTrac’s sustainability goals.

Together with SynTrac researchers, fundamental physical principles of flight were discussed and clearly explained. The girls were then able to put what they had learnt into practice straight away, using model aeroplanes that they launched themselves after personalizing each aircraft.

A particular highlight was the tour of a real aircraft engine, which was used to explain the structure and functioning of an aircraft propulsion system in a tangible way. In a further experiment in the laboratory, the participants simulated the flow behaviour of air using small particles in water which is a creative and visually striking method for exploring aerodynamic effects.

In addition, the schoolgirls had the opportunity to chat with female researchers from the aerospace sector and learn first-hand what inspires them about their work and how they came to pursue a career in research. They were given the important advice to be curious and always ask plenty of questions. This became the motto of the day, and the girls not only had fruitful discussions with the SynTrac team but also engaged in lively exchanges amongst themselves.

The enthusiasm was palpable among everyone involved, and many participants showed great interest in the scientific topics and asked curious questions. For the SynTrac project, Girls’ Day 2026 was a resounding success and a welcome opportunity to inspire young talent in technology and research.

On May 14, 2026, our spokesperson Sabine C. Langer from TU Braunschweig presented the paper “Toward acoustics-oriented aircraft design for highly integrated transport aircraft” at the 190th Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Meeting in the session: General Topics in Engineering Acoustics.

Her contribution showcased SynTrac research and highlighted the growing need for a paradigm shift in aviation acoustics: moving beyond conventional “noise abatement” strategies toward a fully acoustics-oriented aircraft design approach. Rather than addressing noise only after a system has been developed, the concept integrates desired acoustic characteristics from the earliest phases of aircraft design and technology assessment which reflects the core of SynTrac´s research paradigm.

A central focus of the presentation was the challenge posed by future highly integrated transport aircraft, particularly concepts featuring tighter integration between engines and airframes to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. While environmental sustainability remains a key driver in aviation research, aircraft noise is increasingly recognized as a major factor influencing passenger and crew well-being, community acceptance, and the competitiveness of future aircraft technologies.

The presentation emphasized that reliable assessments of both external and internal aircraft noise require advanced modelling and simulation frameworks capable of representing the entire “acoustic chain”, from tonal and broadband sound generation at the source, through propagation paths, to the final acoustic immission experienced by humans. Accurate modelling, reliable simulation, and perceptually informed assessment methods were identified as essential prerequisites for enabling acoustics-oriented design within future aircraft development processes.

 

SynTrac participated in the AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, Florida (12–16 January 2026), the world’s largest dedicated aerospace research and development event, bringing together nearly 6,000 participants from over 40 countries to present and discuss the latest advances in aerospace science and technology.

Within this international forum, Manuel Zeitler from Technische Universität Braunschweig presented paper AIAA-2026-1106, “Simulation of Propulsion Integration of Rear Mounted Electric Engine Simulators for Wind Tunnel Testing.” The presentation highlighted how SynTrac contributes to successfully advancing propulsion integration research.

From 18–20 March 2026, doctoral researchers gathered in Braunschweig for a three-day workshop combining scientific exchange, professional development, and networking opportunities. The event brought together PhD students from across the project to deepen their knowledge in aeroacoustics while strengthening connections within the research community.

A particular highlight of the workshop was the lecture series delivered by Prof. Stéphane Moreau from the Université de Sherbrooke in Canada. Prof. Moreau is one of the world’s leading aeroacousticians, with remarkable visibility, not least due to a very high number of highly distinguished publications. We were especially pleased to once again attract such a highly renowned guest to the Winter School.  His sessions covered key topics including an introduction to aircraft noise, Curle’s analogy for airfoil noise, and the role of wall-pressure fluctuations as a bridge between aeroacoustics, vibroacoustics, and aeroelasticity. These lectures provided participants with both foundational understanding and advanced insights into current research challenges in the field.

Complementing the scientific program, dedicated “Focus & Connect” sessions were held throughout the workshop. These interactive blocks created space for participants to concentrate on their own research while engaging in discussions with peers, exchanging feedback, and identifying opportunities for collaboration. The format encouraged both productivity and community-building, making it a core element of the event.

The event also included a workshop on research data management, with a particular focus on the tools used in SynTrac, offering participants practical, hands-on guidance on how to effectively handle, organize, share, and preserve scientific data throughout the research lifecycle. SynTrac puts a special emphasis on applying the FAIR principles, ensuring that data are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

In addition, career talks gave participants the opportunity to explore different professional pathways and gain insights into career development beyond their PhD. These sessions were enriched by personal reflections from our guest Stéphane Moreau as well as SynTrac principal investigator Jan Delfs and Michael Heere who holds a junior professorship at TU Braunschweig. They all emphasized that not everything in a career path can be planned and that it is important to move forward with confidence, even in times of uncertainty. In particular, Michael Heere spoke very vividly about the challenges of balancing family and career, offering a candid perspective that resonated strongly with participants. In SynTrac we recognize the importance of engaging with these aspects during the PhD journey to facilitate the candidates to create a vision of their own future.

Beyond the academic sessions, the workshop fostered informal exchange through a social event at an Escape Room, “Hidden in Braunschweig,” followed by a group dinner, as well as optional evening activities such as a movie screening.

Overall, 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.

In March 2026, curious visitors joined the SynTrac researchers at the Institute of Thermodynamics at the University of Stuttgart: a total of 11 children, aged five to six, from Kita Steppkes came to SynTrac to learn more about airplanes and flying.

Reaching young people is a key priority as part of SynTracs outreach activities. It is therefore especially encouraging that the daycare center is visiting with a group for the third time, a sign of lasting interest and successful early engagement.

At the beginning of this visit, the children shared their own experiences with flying. Some had already traveled on an airplane and talked about it enthusiastically, while others asked many curious questions: Why can airplanes fly? How do they stay in the air?

To make sure everyone could participate and try things out themselves, the children were divided into two groups and guided through the program.

Together we talked about the human dream of flying and how research and engineering have helped turn this dream into reality. We also discussed the role research plays today in making aviation more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Of course, the visit was not just about listening but there was also plenty of hands-on activity. The children built their own gliders, decorated them with colorful designs, and then tested how well they could fly. It quickly became clear that while a glider can glide for a short distance, an airplane needs propulsion to travel long distances.

Building on this, we took a closer look at aircraft engines, the exhaust gases they produce, and the very high temperatures inside an engine. To demonstrate how researchers measure such heat, the children were able to try out a piece of research equipment themselves: a thermal imaging camera. Together, they explored what the camera can and cannot detect: Which objects appear clearly in a thermal image? Can you see through materials? And what does a person look like in a thermal image?

Finally, the children conducted their own small experiment. They decorated cups that were then sprayed with a temperature-sensitive coating of thermochromic liquid crystals. Their artwork becomes visible only when a warm drink is poured into the cup.

The visit was great fun for everyone and perhaps it sparked an early interest in science and engineering for some of the young visitors.