NWTF AI-Enabled Wind-Tunnel Experiments Forum

Date:: 14th September 2026
Location:: London
Organisation:: Imperial College London
Host(s):: Dr Georgios Rigas, Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London and Dr Sean Symon, University of Southampton

Aim
This forum brings together researchers working at the interface of Artificial Intelligence (digital twins, control, decision-making) and experimental fluid mechanics (wind-tunnel testing). It aims to identify emerging opportunities in AI-enabled experimental campaigns, autonomous wind-tunnel testing, real-time sensing and actuation, and data-driven approaches to accelerate aerodynamic discovery.

Target Audience
PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, academics, facility managers and industry researchers working in experimental fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, flow control, wind-tunnel testing, machine learning, robotics, digital twins and related fields.

Agenda / Overview
The event will comprise invited talks, contributed presentations and discussion sessions, with opportunities for networking. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

AI and machine learning for experimental fluid mechanics
Autonomous and adaptive wind-tunnel testing
Reinforcement learning and closed-loop flow control
Digital twins for wind-tunnel experiments
Real-time sensing, actuation and control
Data assimilation for super-resolution and denoising
Experimental datasets for AI/ML model development
Opportunities for collaboration through the NWTF network

One-day forum: Presentations, discussions and networking
Engage with the latest advances in AI-enabled experimental fluid mechanics, wind-tunnel testing and flow control, presented by PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and academics. Explore emerging approaches in autonomous experiments, real-time sensing and actuation, reinforcement learning, digital twins and data-driven modelling, with opportunities for discussion and Q&A.

The day will also provide time for networking and collaboration, enabling connections with researchers, facility leads and industry partners across the NWTF network.

Call for Abstracts / Participation
The forum hosts encourage attendees to submit an abstract.
Download the abstract template here: NWTF AI-Enabled Wind-Tunnel Experiments Forum
Please email abstracts to admin@nwtf.ac.uk

Key Dates

31 July (10:00) – Deadline for abstract submissions
11 August – Applicants notified of outcomes
1 September – Registration closes

Registration

Free: Academic researchers employed at a UK university and resident in the UK at the time of registration
£100: Industry and academics not employed by or enrolled at a UK university

Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. Delegates are responsible for all other personal expenses, including travel and accommodation.

How to Attend
To register your interest in attending please complete the event registration form. Registration does not guarantee a place; attendance will be confirmed following review of applications by the hosts.

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