Funded Opportunity for UK Academics: ICED CRM Test Programme

Date:

February 2026

Location:

ETW Cologne

Organisation:

NWTF

Host(s):

Prof Simon Prince, Cranfield University

The National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF) is partnering with Airbus, Boeing, and NASA to conduct cryogenic low-speed wind tunnel testing at the European Transonic Wind Tunnel in Cologne, Germany, as part of a UK project called ICED CRM.

This work will involve testing scaled solid ice shapes on NASA’s High Lift Common Research Model to assess the impact of supercooled large droplet icing on civil aircraft take-off and landing performance.

Background Information: ICED CRM Project (download PDF)

NWTF has secured funding to cover travel and accommodation costs for interested UK academics (early-stage researchers through to established professors) to attend the testing for a 2-3 days. The exact dates are still to be confirmed, but testing will take place in early to mid February 2026.

Application Process and Timings

We invite UK-based academics to register their expression of interest, including details of their background and research interests  by completing the registration form below. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Monday 20th October.

Funding is available for up to 20 attendees. A selection panel, made up of independent NWTF representatives and industry partners, will review applications. The panel will identify those most suited to benefit from this valuable learning and development opportunity. Applicants will be notified of outcomes by mid November,

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is restricted to applicants who are registered with a UK university at the time of application.