DAER AT THE INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING SUMMER SCHOOL @OFF CAMPUS

From 22 to 26 June 2026, the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DAER) at Politecnico di Milano took part in the first edition of the Industrial Engineering Summer School @OFF CAMPUS, an outreach initiative designed for upper secondary school students to introduce them to STEM disciplines and industrial engineering.

Organised in collaboration with the Off Campus programme and the departments of Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Energy and Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta”, the Summer School offered a multidisciplinary programme combining lectures, hands-on laboratory activities and visits to Politecnico di Milano's research facilities.

DAER's contribution provided participants with an overview of key areas of aerospace engineering, highlighting how research, innovation and experimentation drive the development of technologies for aviation and space.

From Aircraft Structures to Engineering Design Challenges

In the lecture "Introduction to Aircraft Structures", Marco Morandini and Bianca Omedè introduced students to the principles behind the design of aircraft structures. By exploring semi-monocoque structural concepts, participants discovered how aircraft structural design requires a careful balance between lightweight construction, strength and safety, gaining insight into how engineering transforms complex design requirements into reliable and efficient solutions.

From Flight Aerodynamics to Wind Energy

In "Wings to Fly, Wings to Generate Energy", Stefano Cacciola, Lucrezia Calzoni e Giorgio Filippoli illustrated how the same aerodynamic principles underpin both aviation and wind energy generation. By comparing aircraft wings with wind turbine blades, the lecture demonstrated how aerospace engineering contributes to the development of innovative technologies that improve transport efficiency while supporting the energy transition.

Space Missions and the Sustainability of the Space Environment

The lecture "Space Missions, Sustainability and Space Debris", delivered by Professor Camilla Colombo together with COMPASS Lab PhD researchers Achraf Mizmizi, Antonio Rossi and Paolo Cirrincione Pazè, introduced students to the challenges of space engineering. Starting from the essential role of satellites in navigation, telecommunications and Earth observation, the session explored the growing issue of space debris and the research efforts aimed at ensuring the safety, sustainability and long-term use of the space environment for future missions.

Research, Laboratories and Student Outreach

The Summer School concluded with a visit to the Leonardo and Bovisa campuses, where students explored some of Politecnico di Milano's leading experimental facilities, including the wind tunnel, gaining first-hand experience of the environments where cutting-edge research and university education take place.

Through the active involvement of faculty members, researchers and PhD students, the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology offered participants a unique opportunity to experience aerospace engineering firsthand, demonstrating how research translates into applications in strategic fields such as aviation, sustainable energy and space exploration. The initiative reflects DAER's ongoing commitment to promoting scientific culture and inspiring the next generation of engineers and researchers in the aerospace sector.