"Shaping the future workforce of the Aviation Sector"

Event Description: 

In the frame of the 16th EASN International Conference, which will be held in Toulouse, France, on October 27-30, 2026, a networking event will take place for students and young researchers who are interested in Aviation research & innovation. This event aims to connect the participants with experienced mentors from reputed universities, research institutions, and leading industries in the aviation field. 

During the event, students will have the opportunity to:

• Engage in discussions with experts about aerospace research, innovation, and new technologies.
• Ask for guidance on academic and career perspectives.
• Share their thoughts, inquiries, and concerns with professionals in the field.
• Build relationships that may result in future collaborations, internships, or research opportunities.
• Make new friends within the community while pursuing all of the above at the student party.

Event Structure: 

The event will have a duration of approximately 2 hours, will be scheduled in the afternoon on Tuesday, 27th of October, and will be in two parts. 

Part A: Fireside Chat 

Navigating a Sky of Opportunities: The Career Journey in Aerospace 
Fireside Chat on Real experiences. Real challenges. Real inspiration.

Guest speaker: Joachim Szodruch
Moderator: Prajwal Shiva Prakasha 

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Szodruch

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Szodruch graduated from the Technical University of Berlin in 1971, followed by a postgraduate study at Cambridge University, England. He obtained his doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) at the TU Berlin, and in 1978 he worked for two years at NASA Ames Research Centre. In 1981, he joined MBB Civil Transport Division, working initially on Airbus A310, A320 and was later appointed Assistant Chief Aerodynamicist. After positions in Toulouse and Hamburg, he later became Vice President Future Projects and Technology based in Toulouse. Between 2002 and 2010, he was a Member of the Executive Board of DLR specifically responsible for Aeronautics and Energy. He served over the years in many national, European and international functions like Co-Chairman of ACARE and founder of IFAR. He received an Honorary Professorship for Aeronautics at the Technical University of Berlin in 2003. Prof. Szodruch served in the past as President of the DGLR and President of CEAS as well as a Scientific President for AIREG. He received from ICAS the von Karman Award, the Maurice Roy Award, as well as from CEAS the Gold Medal. In 2020, he was granted the AIAA International Cooperation Award, and he became an ICAS Honorary Fellow. Until the end of 2025, he was the Chairman of the Board of Hamburg Aviation. 

Part B: Networking Event 

Interactive discussions will take place in a round table format, either in small groups with one mentor or through individual discussions, depending on the mentors’ availability and participants’ interest. Throughout the event, participants will have the chance to network, have interactive conversations, and exchange ideas. 

After the networking session, all participants will have the chance to discuss in a friendly atmosphere with light drinks, finger food, and music. This social gathering will offer a great opportunity to continue conversations, make new connections, and relax after a productive day.