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The von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI), based near Brussels, is a leading non-profit organization specializing in education and research in fluid dynamics for aeronautics, aerospace, turbomachinery, and environmental processes.

Founded in 1956 by Professor Théodore von Kármán, VKI trains around 200 students and researchers annually and employs 140 staff. With 50+ unique wind tunnels and test facilities, VKI offers high-quality continuing education for professionals and academics. It serves as the Belgian PilotCenter for OpenFOAM and provides practical courses on fluid dynamics, as well as seminars on machine learning, aeroacoustics, hypersonics, and more.

The University of Bologna, one of the oldest in the Western world, has been active since the late 11th century. The IPROP team comes from the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” (DEI). DEI contributes expertise in plasma modeling and experiments (Plasma Technology Lab – PTL), power electronics, energy storage, and photovoltaics (SOLARTRONIC-Lab), and dielectric/electrical insulation systems (LIMES Lab). Equipment includes a vacuum chamber, spectroscope with CCD camera, high voltage systems, digital oscilloscopes, power electronics boards, HIL tools, and a PV array. The team includes Giorgio Mongaretto (PhD), Giacomo Pierotti (Post Doc), Sara Baldisserri (PhD), Davide Fabiani (Associate Prof.), Riccardo Mandrioli (Assist. Prof.), Gabriele Neretti (Assoc. Prof.), Mattia Ricco (Assoc. Prof.), Andrea Cristofolini (Full Prof., local coordinator), Fabio Ragazzi (PhD), Simone Vincenzo Suraci (Assist. Prof.), and Arturo Popoli (Assist. Prof.).

The Politecnico di Milano team consists of skilled researchers conducting theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies in plasma physics applied to aerospace engineering. Specialists from various PoliMi departments bring expertise in both fundamental and applied plasma physics, as well as aerospace science and technology. The Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DAER) has extensive experience in non-thermal plasma, space propulsion, and innovative aeronautic design. DAER’s interdisciplinary team covers fluid mechanics, ionized gases, flow control, vacuum systems, wind engineering, and wind tunnel design. The SP Lab focuses on propulsion technologies for space and atmosphere, while the FMS Lab contributes expertise in airship flight dynamics, simulation, and High-Altitude Airships (HAA) for Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) missions. The Mathematics Department (DMAT) offers expertise in modeling fluid dynamics and plasma physics, including ionization, chemical reactions, and electric thrust. PoliMi’s research aims at reducing environmental impact, improving fuel efficiency, and developing ionic propulsion. Facilities include a fluid dynamics lab, plasma research lab, vacuum vessel, and DAER’s four wind tunnels. DMAT also provides advanced computational resources.