BRINGING SCIENCE TO LIFE IN BRUSSELS: THE NABUCCO RESEARCH GROUP AT SCIENCE IS WONDERFUL!

Since 2015, the event has played a key role in promoting science, research, and innovation to the general public through cutting-edge projects, interactive experiments, engaging science shows, and educational activities.

Each year, the event attracts more than 4,000 pupils from across Belgium, establishing itself as a major science outreach initiative that is free and open to all.

Its mission is to celebrate EU-funded research while inspiring the next generation of scientists by connecting them with leading researchers from around the world.

NABUCCO at the 2026 Edition

From March 17th to 20th, the NABUCCO research group, led by Prof. Chiara Bisagni, took part in this year’s edition in Brussels.

Researchers Xi Li, Anatoli Mitrou, and Vittoria Mancinelli brought aerospace engineering concepts to life for young audiences and curious visitors alike, turning complex ideas into engaging and accessible experiences.

During the event, the team showcased the science behind the materials used in modern aviation, demonstrating how lightweight composite and metallic panels can “buckle” under compression. Through interactive demonstrations, visitors explored innovative research techniques and gained insight into the scientific principles shaping the next generation of aircraft—designed to be lighter, stronger, and more flexible.

The DEFORM Project: Towards Greener Aviation

At the core of this outreach activity was the MSCA-funded DEFORM project, awarded to Xi Li: “Design against Fatigue of Multi-Stable and More Efficient Aerospace Composite Structures Driven by Sequential Buckling for Greener Aviation.”

The project focuses on developing more efficient and sustainable aerospace structures, contributing to a greener future for aviation.

The participation of the NABUCCO group in Science is Wonderful!highlights the importance of science communication as a bridge between research and society—sparking curiosity and inspiring future generations.

SPEAKERS BIO:

Dr. Xi Li is a RTDa researcher within the NABUCCO research group at the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Politecnico di Milano, focusing on fracture and damage characterization in advanced materials, especially fiber reinforced polymer composites in aerospace structures and wind turbines. She was awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2025, and her current research is about advanced anti-fatigue design strategies for aerospace composite structures.

Dr. Anatoli Mitrou is a Post-doctoral researcher within the NABUCCO research group at the department of aerospace science of Politecnico di Milano working on the design and optimization of buckling driven adaptive composite structures. Her background includes a PhD within the NewFrac Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN, as well as earlier internships at NASA Langley that provided her with a strong understanding of most things pertaining to composites and their mechanical behavior.

Vittoria Mancinelli is an aerospace engineer and currently a PhD candidate within the NABUCCO research group at the department of aerospace science of Politecnico di Milano. Her research focuses on the development of adaptive structures, with the aim of exploiting elastic instabilities as a design mechanism to achieve wing shape morphing, reducing or eliminating the need for active systems.