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ICCAS 2026, jointly organized by ISAE-SUPAERO, the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation, and Dassault Aviation, will take place on June 11-12, 2026.

Publication Date

15 January 2026

Category

Event

Tag

Aeronautics

Artificial intelligence

Aviation

Conference

DCAS

Human factors

Neuroergonomics

Teacher researcher

Following the success of the 2022 and 2024 editions, we are delighted to announce 𝐈𝐂𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, organized jointly by ISAE-SUPAERO, the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation, and Dassault Aviation!

Événement unique en son genre, ICCAS offre un cadre exceptionnel pour le partage de connaissances sur la conception des avions civils et militaires de nouvelle génération.

La Conférence internationale sur les systèmes cognitifs aéronautiques (ICCAS), sous la présidence de Caroline Chanel, Dehais Frederic et Patrick Fabiani, est dédiée à la discussion scientifique et à la collaboration sur les futurs systèmes cognitifs des avions.

Un large éventail de sujets théoriques et pratiques liés à la neuroergonomie et aux facteurs humains, à l’intelligence artificielle, à l’interaction homme-machine et à l’ingénierie des systèmes autonomes seront présentés, parmi lesquels :

la surveillance en ligne des opérateurs sur la base de mesures comportementales, physiologiques et neurologique,
la conception d’interfaces homme-machine plus écologiques fournissant des informations intuitives sur le statut du vol ou de la mission afin de faciliter le processus décisionnel,
les règles d’architecture garantissant un niveau élevé de sécurité opérationnelle.

À cette occasion, 𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞́𝐬 𝐚̀ 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐮𝐱 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞́𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Les soumissions peuvent inclure des résumés étendus (1000 mots), ou des résumés de démonstration (300 mots). Les contributions acceptées seront présentées lors de sessions orales ou de posters.

Envoyez votre résumé jusqu'au 15 février

Computer Vision and Sequential Decision Making for Plant Cultivation in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems

Publication Date

12 January 2026

Category

Tag

DCAS

Internship

Bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) are being considered for future long-duration manned space travel, as supplies from Earth are too expensive, if not impossible. Moreover, environments suitable for agriculture will also be difficult to access on Earth, mainly due to climate change and resource depletion. Both on Earth and in space, it is therefore necessary to find solutions for growing plants, which can benefit from robotics, advanced automation and machine learning, according to the scientific literature.

This internship project in artificial intelligence applied to precision agriculture aims to contribute to the development of methods for maximising long-term production and minimising resource consumption.

It focuses on optimising:

1. the estimation of the state of plants and their environment using machine learning and computer vision algorithms to monitor their growth,

2. sequential decisions using reinforcement learning algorithms to calculate autonomous cultivation strategies that are efficient and economical in the long term.

Direct Numerical Simulation of Hydrogen Bubbles Cavitation (6 months)

Publication Date

14 November 2025

Category

Tag

DCAS

Internship

The objective of the present internship will be to use the DIVA code to carry out a parametric analysis on the influence of the distance between different bubbles over the wall heat transfer.

📌 Requirements: Master 2 student or equivalent interested in pursuing with a PhD thesis. Basics in computational fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, programming.

Towards mixed-initiative planning systems: building upon automated planning and plan recognition systems to construct solutions collaboratively

Publication Date

12 November 2025

Category

Tag

DCAS

Internship

PhD

Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) for Human–AI Collaboration

Publication Date

12 November 2025

Category

Tag

DCAS

Internship

The goal of this internship is to explore Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) in a cooperative setting. Instead of learning only from environment rewards, the agent’s policy will be shaped by a human partner’s feedback during collaboration. Specifically, the human teammate will be able to assign positive or negative rewards based on how helpful, efficient, or intuitive the agent’s actions feel during the joint task. The intern will investigate how such feedback influences learning stability, team performance, and perceived fluency.

The 2025 Edmond Brun Prize from the French Academy of Sciences awarded to Annafederica Urbano, professor at ISAE-SUPAERO

Publication Date

29 October 2025

Category

Research

Tag

DCAS

News

Prize

Science

Space

Recognition of scientific expertise

Annafederica Urbano carries out her research activities in the Advanced Space Concepts team (SaCLaB) of the Aerospace and Space Vehicle Design and Control Department (DCAS). An expert in space propulsion, she has developed a research area at ISAE-SUPAERO dedicated to access to space and propulsion.

Her work focuses in particular on the management of cryogenic propellants in weightlessness and their combustion in rocket engines.

She is developing advanced numerical methods for modelling new-generation rocket engines using methane as a fuel, and is interested in the use of artificial intelligence algorithms and data from numerical simulations for rocket engine injector and combustion chamber design models. It is also studying the behaviour of fluids stored at very low temperatures in launcher tanks.

A remarkable career

She obtained her PhD in 2012 from La Sapienza University in Rome on the cooling system of rocket engines and moved to France in 2013 to specialise in numerical combustion and two-phase flows. Her research at ISAE-SUPAERO is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the French National Research Agency (ANR).

Its activities are also supported by Ariane Group and Airbus Defense and Space through the SaCLaB sponsorship chair on advanced space concepts, for which it is responsible. Since 2022, Annafederica has been a member of the Space Propulsion Committee of the International Astronautical Federation. She also leads the ESA topical team on propellant management physics.

"From a personal point of view, this recognition is an immense source of satisfaction and fully rewards my commitment to research. On a professional level, this prize is a fantastic opportunity to highlight my work in the field of space propulsion, a strategic sector for the future of space exploration.

Annafederica Urbano Professor of space launchers

The Edmond Brun Prize

Created in 1984 by the Suzanne Brun Foundation of the Académie des Sciences, this prize is awarded alternately for work in the field of astronautics (2025) and fluid mechanics and thermics (2027).

The Académie des Sciences, founded in 1666, is responsible for scientific expertise, the transmission and dissemination of knowledge, and the international promotion of French science. It encourages, supports and protects the spirit of scientific research, thereby contributing to the progress of science and its applications.

This award is further proof of the excellence of the research carried out at ISAE-SUPAERO and its major contribution to the scientific and technological challenges of access to space.

DCAS

Lasbordes Air Operations Center (COAL)

Publication Date

06 May 2025

Category

Tag

DCAS

Doctoral student

PhD

Post-doctorate

Researcher

Science

Scientific publication

Space

Teacher researcher

Thesis

The ISAE-SUPAERO flight operations center at Lasbordes airfield has a fleet of 8 light aircraft for teaching and research in the fields of flight mechanics and neuroergonomics.

The fleet is comprised of:

4 Aquila two-seater single-engine aircraft dedicated to initial flight instruction
3 single-engine, four-seater DR400s dedicated to initial flight instruction, training ISAE-SUPAERO students, and research activities
1 twin-engine Vulcanair P68 Observer 2, currently being instrumented for student training and research activities

This aircraft is equipped with a telemetry system, enabling a flight to be followed in real time from the institute’s classrooms. It also features sensors capable of recording the pilot’s eye activity (eye trackers), brain activity, and more. Versatile, with a large payload capacity, it can also be fitted with optical sensors via a hatch under the fuselage.

The COAL maintenance unit is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the aircraft, fleet maintenance, and regulatory monitoring of airworthiness.

It also prepares and examines aircraft modification files required for research and training flights.

COAL's Activities

Pilot training on light aircraft, open to engineering cycle and master’s students.
Practical work in flight mechanics and initiation to flight test techniques for students and continuing education.
Research flights in the field of human factors and any other area requiring in-flight sensors.

Vélis électro

Robin DR 400

Neuroergonomics activity

Stéphane Juaneda, pilot & instructor

Neuroergonomics activity

Cockpit

Stéphane Juaneda & Etienne Perrin

Job Offers

Check out the vacancies for scientific staff in the research department

Thesis Offers

Check out the research department's thesis and post-doctorate vacancies

Internship Opportunities

Check out the Research Department's internship opportunities!

DCAS

Design and Operation of Aerospace Vehicles Department (DCAS)

Publication Date

06 May 2025

Category

Tag

DCAS

PhD

Researcher

Science

Scientific publication

Teacher researcher

At ISAE-SUPAERO, the Design and Operation of Aerospace Vehicles Department (DCAS) develops methods, simulation tools and experimental platforms for the design and operation of aerospace vehicles.

Our Research Department

The Department of Aerospace Vehicle Design and Control (DCAS) develops training and research activities to meet the scientific challenges of tomorrow’s air transportation and future space systems. It conducts cutting-edge research and develops advanced technologies, ranging from human-machine interactions to the integrated multidisciplinary design of aircraft or advanced space concepts, via system control and control laws.

Our research incorporates environmental and socio-economic aspects, such as reducing environmental impacts (fuel consumption, noise, emissions), optimising design cycle times and operational costs, increasing the safety of aerospace systems, and improving the efficiency of man-machine systems.

Permanent staff

Doctoral students, post-doctoral students and engineers

Aircraft

Sponsorship chairs

At DCAS, we design the aerospace systems of the future, integrating performance, sustainability and safety. Our research combines advanced technologies, systems intelligence and environmental responsibility to reinvent air and space transport.

Valérie Budinger Head of Department

Our Research Activities

DCAS is structured into 4 scientific groups:

Decision and Control (DC): Dynamic and operational behaviour models, synthesis of control laws and sequential decision algorithms.
Aeronautical Vehicle Design and Flight Dynamics (CADV ): Aircraft design, flight dynamics, aircraft operation and certification, sustainable air transportation
Space Systems Design (CSS): Orbital systems, mission analysis, space systems design and optimisation, space exploration and access to space
Humans, Systems and Interactions (HSI ): Monitoring and optimisation of human performance in contexts of interaction with natural or technological environments

They work collaboratively on the following 3 interdisciplinary themes:

The aims of this theme are to carry out research into the identification and control of degraded flight situations:

Aircraft/drone: Critical flight situations (e.g. departure from flight envelope, inconsistency of complex parameters/pannes, sub-system failures)
Crew/operator: Borderline cognitive states (e.g. attentional tunnelling, perseveration, fatigue)
Guaranteeing control performance that is independent of uncertainties and parametric variations
Defining 'intelligent' control and supervision processes to optimise flight safety
Developing an adaptive control and driving system that is robust to failures

With the help of the many resources made available by the department - DCAS simulators, flying platforms (TB20, etc.), Neuroergo-lab, indoor aviary - this theme enables DCAS to innovate in the field of human factors (with the development of adaptive cockpits) and automation/decision: Fail-safe laws, self-reconfigurable control system for sub-system failures.

Through various fields such as flight mechanics, aircraft design (multiphysics and multi-domain modelling), and automatic control, this theme aims to define methods and algorithms for optimal integrated design, aerodynamic models, structure, propulsion, and environmental models; and study the strong and weak couplings between models.

The resources that are being developed, such as the Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimisation (MDAO) design workshop and the flight demonstrator, are enabling innovation, with applications for the design of the BWB flying wing, distributed propulsion, the design of long-length aircraft, the design of sub-systems (electric de-icing systems, demonstrators), and implementation of a complete Multi-domain Modelling, Simulation, and Analysis workshop under the OpenMDAO framework.

The management of space debris and autonomous missions to asteroids are all issues targeted by this theme, which aims to study future concepts that are typically possible within a timeframe of 15 years or more, such as in-orbit servicing for telecommunications satellites, space traffic management, the architecture of manned bases on the surface of the Moon or Mars, etc.

Through systems engineering and automation, with the help of space systems design software suites integrating the tools already available at DCAS, this theme addresses the following points: Adaptation and/or development of design methods, with particular emphasis on the concept of interface, architecture of large structures for manned exploration missions, formalization of trajectories and attitude control from the launch phases to the rendezvous phases in LEO, GEO and LP orbits.

DCAS is involved in national and European research projects and works with a large number of industrial partners (major groups, SMEs, startups).

Decision and Control Scientific Group - DC

Research Themes

Theme 1: Methods and tools for modelling and controlling aeronautical and space systems and vehicles
- Synthesis of robust control laws for driving vehicles in severe conditions
- Control of aeronautical systems and vehicles meeting flight quality, certification, and energy consumption criteria
- Estimation and control of the flexible modes of high elongation structures
Theme 2: Decision-making under uncertainty, mission planning
- Secure and robust on-line planning for the autonomy of aerospace systems
- Improving the adaptability and safety of multi-agent systems
- Human-centred design of heterogeneous collaborative aerospace systems

Aeronautical Vehicle Design and Flight Dynamics Scientific Group - CADV

Research Themes

Theme 1: Preliminary aircraft design
- Exploration of innovative aerostructure architectures
- Exploring new propulsion architectures
- Operability and maintainability of new architectures
- Safety and certifiability of new architectures
- Design of electromechanical de-icing systems
Theme 2: Modelling and assessment of technologies and scenarios for air transport in the context of decarbonisation and transition
- Modelling the air transport system (fleet renewal, use of alternative fuels, economic models)
- Development of climate models
- Assessment of the environmental impact of decarbonisation solutions for air transport over their entire life cycle

Space Systems Design Scientific Group - CSS

Access to space: physical modelling and design of new-generation liquid rocket engines
Astrodynamics and mission analysis: modelling and optimisation of trajectories in non-Keplerian environments
Robotic and manned space exploration combining systems engineering, space system design, on-board autonomy and human factors
Sustainability of space activities

Human, Systems and Interactions Scientific Group - HSI

Understanding brain function and human performance
Cognitive performance in stressful situations or during ageing
Massive data analysis applied to brain function
Development of brain-machine interfaces
Design of innovative integrated sensors for monitoring the state of the operator in extreme environments

Sustainable Aviation

DCAS has developed AeroMAPS, an open source tool for modelling transition trajectories for the aviation sector, the result of three years of research within the department. Initially designed under the name CAST, this reference tool can be used to assess the climate impact of aviation, by integrating variables such as traffic volume, energy consumption and the type of fuel used.

Innovative and multidisciplinary, AeroMAPS takes into account all the climatic effects of aviation, beyond CO₂ alone, including contrails and nitrogen oxide emissions. Aimed at research, training and experts and decision-makers in the sector, it helps to inform strategic choices in connection with international commitments to combat climate change. With this work, ISAE-SUPAERO is asserting its active role in the public debate on the future of aviation.

Our Research Projects

STOL and VTOL control
Guidance and navigation strategy planning for UAVs in urban environments
Hybrid hydrogen-powered regional aircraft
Aviation carbon trajectories
Design and optimisation of high aspect ratio wings
Low-consumption electromechanical de-icing systems
Mitigation of space debris
Reusable launchers
Real-time monitoring of human performance

DCAS Scientific Publications

Digital Thread-Based Optimisation Framework for Aeronautical Structures: A Vertical Tail Plane Use Case

de Longueville Sébastien, Bouvet Christophe, Bénard Emmanuel, Jézégou Joël, Gourinat Yves, Digital Thread-Based Optimisation Framework for Aeronautical Structures: A Vertical...

10 Jan 2025 Dynamic UAV trajectory optimisation for parcel delivery with integrated third-party risk mitigation

Aldao, Enrique, Veiga-López, Fernando, Ponzoni Carvalho Chanel Caroline, Watanabe Yoko, González-Jorge, Higinio, Dynamic UAV trajectory optimisation for parcel delivery with...

05 May 2025 FIT-SLAM 2: Efficient 3D exploration with Fisher information and traversability-based adaptive roadmap

Saravanan Suchetan, Bains Anaïs, Ponzoni Carvalho Chanel Caroline, Vivet Damien, FIT-SLAM 2: Efficient 3D exploration with Fisher information and traversability-based...

09 Sep 2025 Data-driven multifidelity surrogate models for rocket engines injector design

Zapata Usandivaras Jose Felix, Bauerheim Michaël, Cuenot Bénédicte, Urbano Annafederica, Data-driven multifidelity surrogate models for rocket engines injector design. 2025,...

17 Nov 2025 Modeling and Optimization of the Design of a Robotic Hydroponic System : Selected Proceedings of the 7th Space Resources Conference (SRC 2024)

Marina Mileni Munari, Drougard Nicolas, Gateau Thibault, Modeling and Optimization of the Design of a Robotic Hydroponic System : Selected...

03 Dec 2025

Access OPEN SCIENCE and find all our publications, theses, scientific instruments and technology platforms

Our Resources

The vast majority of these resources are managed by the technical group, which develops and implements a range of hardware platforms and software tools:

Flight simulators (human factors research, flight mechanics training, piloting)
An aeronautical software suite (flight mechanics, aircraft design, flight tests)
A space software suite (orbitography, satellite energy subsystem, launchers, ground stations)
UAVs and UAV systems
Satellite ground segments (rooms and ground stations for satellite projects)

Certain platforms are used/developed in conjunction with other technical teams:

The flight test software platform and the flight management software are developed with the Lasbordes flight operations centre
The autonomous systems room is used and developed with the technical group of the Complex Systems Engineering Department (DISC) at ISAE-SUPAERO

Aeronautical Sector

The DCAS technical group is developing a software suite for teaching and research in the field of aeronautics.

These include tools for simulating aircraft movement (Longisim and Transsim), calculating performance or aiding design (Alcazar), and in-flight training with the TB20 instrumented aircraft (TB20 system). A final piece of software (Activol) provides flight management for the aircraft at the Lasbordes Air Operations Centre.

Flight mechanics: LONGISIM/TRANSIM software

These two software packages are dedicated to the study of the longitudinal and lateral movements of the aircraft. They allow simulations to be carried out according to the type of aircraft and flight characteristics (responses to steps, curves, 3D, etc.).

Aircraft design: “ALCAZAR” software

Alcazar is a software package for the complete study and design of an airliner. Weight estimates, fuselage sizing (number of seats per class, etc.), wing geometry, empennage, thrust settings, etc.

Numerous visualisations allow you to see the results of the design throughout the process.

Flight tests / Flight dynamics: The TB20 System

The “TB20 System” is a software package which, from an instrumented TB20 aircraft (25 parameters in telemetry), enables flight parameters to be displayed in real time or off-line: Flight dynamics teaching (in flight or on the ground), flight tests.

Flight management: ACTIVOL software

ACTIVOL is the software used for the day-to-day management of flights at Lasbordes. Statistics are extracted for the annual activity reports.

In the field of aeronautics, a wide range of equipment is available at the DCAS: Flight simulators (PEGASE, 6MOUV), a drone design workshop, and drone flying platforms.

PEGASE flight simulator

PEGASE: Platform for Experiments on Generic Aircraft Simulation Environment

This simulation platform, halfway between high-end simulation (6-axis training simulators) and individual computer simulation, is ideal for teaching flight mechanics and research into human factors.

This generic simulator can simulate any type of aircraft. The basic model for the activities is the Airbus A300.

Developments are fully managed by the DCAS technical group, which means that the platform can be adapted to any need arising from the scientific teams (research, experimentation, demonstrations, teaching, etc.).

Features

- Controls: Top-of-the-range equipment with pilot/copilot mini-sticks, rudder pedals, A320 throttles + trim wheels, FCU, MCDU.
- EFIS/ECAM A320 cockpit displays: Primary Flight Display, Navigation Display, Engine Warning Display, Flight Control. They are multiplatform and reusable for other projects.
- 3D visualisation: A panoramic 3D visualisation provides a view of the outside world. It comes from the FlightGear open-source simulator, but has been adapted to meet requirements (particularly for the HUD: Head Up Display).
- Movement: A 3-axis hydraulic system reproduces movement (pitch, roll, height).
- Audio server: Alarms, engines, animations (slats and flaps up/down, landing gear, rain, etc.).

6MOUV flight simulator

6MOUV is a single-seat, 3-axis platform, light aircraft (DR400) simulator based on Flight Simulator software.

Drones

Workshop

A workshop dedicated to the final phase of drone design is run at the DCAS.

UAVs

A number of stationary UAVs developed at DCAS have been produced in the workshop (VisionAir, ScolAir, ScanAir). A fixed-wing flying platform is currently being developed (ExpAir, for the ExpeDrone project).

Space Sector

The DCAS technical group is developing a software suite for teaching and research in the space sector.

These include tools for the simulation and design of space systems: SatOrb, SimuSat and SimuLaunch.

SATORB software

SatOrb is a complex multi-satellite, multi-station orbitography and mission analysis software package. It allows 2D and 3D display of satellites and constellations, as well as multiple analyses of access, visibility, coverage, and radio link assessments.

SIMUSAT software

SimuSAT is a software package for simulating a satellite's energy sub-system. The available modules also enable attitude control and simplified simulation of thermal behaviour. This constantly evolving software, combined with Satorb, is a powerful tool for simulating a complete space system.

SIMULAUNCH

Simulaunch is a simulator dedicated to the design of launchers and the study of their trajectory during launch.

DCAS also has space hardware resources: A ground station in Toulouse (UHF/VHF), a ground station in Cayenne (S-band), and a control centre for its nanosatellite projects, which is designed to be simple and generic.

UHF/VHF -T ground station

The ISAE-SUPAERO teams have a ground station for exchanging digital data with the satellite they want, in UHF/VHF, whether in uplink (remote controls) or downlink (telemetry). The station can operate autonomously and collect data from the satellite automatically. A room is dedicated to this ground station in Toulouse.

Ground station (S-band)

ISAE-SUPAERO has had an S-band station since 2000. For technical reasons, it was installed in Cayenne. In cooperation with MIT and RIKEN, it provided a network of ground stations located on the equator to respond to on-board-ground link problems, due in particular to the platform's equatorial orbit.

SCC: Simple Control Center

The control centre manages all the data exchanged between the satellite and the ground segment using lightweight, high-performance software tailored to the university context and state-of-the-art in terms of both data processing and man-machine interface. It is a robust, stable, reusable tool that complies as far as possible with existing European (ECSS) and international (CCSDS) standards.

Job offers

Check out the vacancies for scientific staff in the DCAS research department!

Thesis offers

Check out the DCAS research department's thesis and post-doctorate vacancies!

Internship opportunities

Check out the DCAS research department's internship opportunities!

Scientific and research integrity

Publication Date

10 April 2025

Category

Tag

DAEP

DCAS

DEOS

DISC

DMSM

Researcher

Science

Teacher researcher

What is scientific integrity?

Scientific integrity refers to the set of rules and values that must govern research activities to ensure that they are honest and rigorous. Mentioned in the Research Code (article L. 211-2 of the Research Code), it “helps to guarantee the impartiality of research and the objectivity of its results”.

Scientific integrity is essential to the smooth running of research communities, and also forms the basis of a relationship of trust between the research community and other parts of society.

Beyond the specificities of each discipline, good practice in research is based on common principles, which are set out in the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity:

Reliability in the design, methodology, analysis and use of resources;
Respect for colleagues, research participants, society, ecosystems, cultural heritage and the environment;
Honesty in designing, carrying out, evaluating and disseminating research in a transparent, fair, complete and objective manner;
Responsibility in carrying out research activities, from idea to publication, in their management and organisation, in training, in coaching and mentoring, and in the wider implications of research.

Scientific Integrity Officer at ISAE-SUPAERO

By signing this charter, the Institute undertakes to put in place an institutional policy on scientific integrity and to appoint a “scientific integrity referent”.

As such, Pierre Magnan, Professor Emeritus at the Institute, has been appointed Scientific Integrity Coordinator at ISAE-SUPAERO.

The role of the Scientific Integrity Officer (RIS) is to ensure that the Institute’s researchers comply with the main principles of scientific integrity as defined by OFIS, a department of Hceres, and set out in the European code of conduct and in the “French Charter of Ethics for Research Professions”: To aim for reliable, honest, respectful and responsible research and to combat breaches.

In particular, the referee must:

To provide information on the implementation of the programme, and on a regular basis, for new arrivals;
Participate in a training programme for doctoral students in conjunction with the École des Docteurs;
Ensure that the laboratory notebooks are regularly kept, via the departments;

Run a web page on the Institute’s website (raising awareness, examples of breaches);
Participate in the network of scientific integrity officers at the various institutions;
Keeping an up-to-date list of breaches, with regular reports to the Director General.

Scientific Integrity Coordinator (RIS) at ISAE-SUPAERO

For any request for advice or to report a possible breach of scientific integrity (SI):

Pierre Magnan

pierre.magnan@isae-supaero.fr
Professor Emeritus
Electronics, Optronics and Signal Department

What is a breach of scientific integrity?

Any practice that undermines the reliability of results and the proper functioning of research communities is likely to constitute a breach of scientific integrity. A breach may concern all aspects of research activities in all disciplines, whether public or private.

Instruction procedure

Any person acting in good faith who is aware of a possible breach of scientific integrity may send a report to the Scientific Integrity Officer.

Receipt

The allegation of misconduct is sent by email or post, signed and dated. This statement describes the situation and the people involved. The whistleblower’s anonymity is guaranteed by the Scientific Integrity Officer.

Admissibility of the report

During the preliminary investigation phase, the officer in charge verifies that the report is sufficiently detailed to allow action to be taken. If an investigation is launched, he or she quickly informs the persons implicated.

Investigation

In all cases, absolute priority is given to the facts and to the presumption of good faith on the part of the persons concerned. It is understood that, at any stage of the procedure and whenever possible, the Reporting Officer may propose mediation to the persons concerned, in order to resolve the situation through a series of appropriate measures accepted by all parties.

The investigation is carried out in an adversarial manner, with uniform treatment, and if necessary involving independent experts. An inventory of the facts reported, the facts established and the arguments put forward by the various parties leads to the drafting of a report by the Scientific Integrity Officer, which may include recommendations. The report is submitted to the President of the University.

Follow-up

The Director General of ISAE-SUPAERO is responsible for deciding what action to take on the investigation report.

Scientific integrity, research ethics and professional conduct are three essential components of responsible research conduct.

Scientific integrity refers to good practice in the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge. It guarantees the honest and rigorous nature of research activities.

Ethics refer to a set of obligations specific to the practice of a profession. In France, when a researcher is a civil servant, his or her obligations are set out in the General Civil Service Code.

Research ethics concerns, on the one hand, the major issues raised by certain scientific developments and, on the other hand, the more operational issues of compliance of research protocols with the legal rules and ethical recommendations in force.

Ethics refer to a set of obligations specific to the practice of a profession. In France, when a researcher is a civil servant, for example, his or her obligations are set out in the General Civil Service Code.

The planning and implementation of the research project: Failure to obtain the necessary authorisations (ethical approval, consent of participants); non-compliance with authorised protocols; misuse of research funds.

Management and practices relating to data of any kind (including bodies of text, archives, images, etc.): Falsification or fabrication; deliberately deficient management or archiving; retention without legal justification, omission or selection without scientific justification; problematic statistical processing; unmentioned embellishment.

Publication, communication and authoring practices: Plagiarism; improper signature or failure to acknowledge a contribution; self-plagiarism; non-compliance with AI usage requirements; improper or biased citations; lack of impartiality or transparency when speaking publicly.

Interactions between peers: Biased peer-reviewing, appropriation of research projects or ideas, lack of supervision, undue hindrance of the progress of a peer's work, unfounded accusations of misconduct.

Failure to declare links or conflicts of interest, or their poor management at all or part of the stages of a research activity (e.g. application for funding, evaluation, expert appraisal and dissemination of results).

The most serious forms of misconduct - such as fabrication, falsification of data and plagiarism (FFP) - are liable to disciplinary action.

Reference texts on scientific integrity

ANR Charter of ethics and scientific integrity
European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity
Singapore Declaration on Scientific Integrity
The Corvol report
French Office of Scientific Integrity
Report by the CNRS Ethics Committee (COMETS) – “Ethical reflection on plagiarism in scientific research”.
Guide “Practising research with integrity and responsibility” published by the CNRS

As developments in this area, both nationally and internationally, are fairly frequent, it is advisable to refer to the Ofis website, which is regularly updated.

Research

Publication Date

05 September 2024

Category

Tag

DAEP

DCAS

DEOS

DISC

DMSM

Doctoral program

Doctoral student

LACS

PhD

Post-doctorate

Researcher

Science

Scientific publication

Teacher researcher

Thesis

Our scientific activities cover a broad spectrum of strategic themes, closely linked to the major challenges facing the aerospace sector. Supported by our research departments, our activities combine academic excellence, technological innovation, and responses to industrial and societal challenges. Thanks to our complementary approach and our openness to interdisciplinarity, the Institute is positioned as a major player in French and international research.

Our research policy is resolutely focused on the technological challenges of tomorrow, in response to the emerging needs of the aerospace and high technology industries. This dynamic approach is underpinned by close collaboration with industry, through sponsorship agreements in strategic areas, and the active participation of a large number of professionals in teaching, who pass on the latest innovations and best practices in the sector.

Research at ISAE-SUPAERO

International

ISAE-SUPAERO's research contributes to its position as an international leader for its general engineering curriculum, its post-graduate courses, in particular Master's degree in aerospace engineering (MAE), Advanced Master® and doctorate (PhD) programmes.

Interdiscplinary

We combine an interdisciplinary approach with advanced research into scientific knowledge, models, methodological approaches, and tools for the design of aeronautical, space and embedded systems, from the expression of requirements and specifications through to verification and validation (V&V) or qualification with planned future certification.

Innovative

ISAE-SUPAERO's scientific strategy addresses the societal and industrial challenges of sustainable development and the performance of aerospace systems, including issues of safety, security, resilience, competitiveness, (digital) virtualisation, new technologies, processes, services or innovative concepts.

ISAE-SUPERO's research activity has developed considerably in recent years.

The Institute's laboratories employ around 400 people.
The campus is also home to ONERA's Toulouse research centre, which also has 400 employees.

The ISAE-SUPAERO and ONERA laboratories cover a wide range of activities and disciplines related to aeronautics and space - from aerodynamics to neuroergonomics to the development of new technologies in
electronics, signal processing, and structural mechanics. Nearly 300 doctoral students are enrolled at ISAE-SUPAERO.

The ISAE-SUPAERO laboratories are open to all our students. The campus has been designed to combine research and teaching areas, and to ensure that students have easy and permanent access to researchers.

Our campus is also adjacent to that of Paul Sabatier University and major CNRS laboratories such as LAAS and the Midi-Pyrénées Observatory - partners that offer many opportunities for discovery or work placements for our students who are interested in research.

Of the 130 permanent teaching staff at ISAE-SUPAERO, 120 are also researchers.

The general engineering curriculum includes extensive exposure to research. In the second year, our faculty offer students research placements in the school's laboratories or those of our partners in Toulouse.

Some teaching activities, such as Experimental Practice' in the first year or practical work as part of elective or third-year courses, also take place in research laboratories. Our doctoral students are also on hand to give lectures and tutorials.

For students who are interested in doing a thesis, a 'research pathway' has been set up, which allows them to adjust their schooling and spread their third year over two years, so that they can do work placements in several laboratories, particularly abroad, before starting their thesis.

Our engineering students can also take a research-oriented Master's degree during their third year, with courses that allow them to combine a general engineering degree with a Master's degree in fields such as the sciences of the universe or operational research. As a result, around 15% of our students go on to do a PhD, either with us or in other laboratories in France or abroad.

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY AND RESEARCH: ISAE-SUPAERO is a signatory to the National Charter of Ethics for Research Professionals, which governs research activities to ensure that they are honest and rigorous

5 Strategic Priorities

ISAE-SUPAERO’s scientific policy for aeronautical and space systems is organised into 5 strategic areas:

Integrated design for aerospace system performance, operational safety, and the environment
Models and optimisation for energy efficiency, the environment, and competitiveness
Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and space exploration
Resilient telecommunications, networks, and connected cyber-physical systems
Data analysis, decision sciences, and mastering complexity

6 Research Departments

As part of its missions and under the aegis of its Research Council, ISAE-SUPAERO and its 6 departments, carries out its scientific strategy in two research units (laboratories evaluated by the HCERES):

ISAE-SUPAERO Research, a multidisciplinary laboratory and the Institute’s own unit
Institut Clément Ader (ICA) UMR n°5312 of the CNRS, a solid mechanics laboratory in the Midi-Pyrénées region under the supervision of the CNRS, UT3, INSA, MINES-ALBI, and ISAE-SUPAERO

and with the support of 6 doctoral schools in the Toulouse area, in particular the Aeronautics and Astronautics Doctoral School (EDAA), of which ISAE-SUPAERO is the supporting institution.

ISAE-SUPAERO leads scientific, disciplinary, or cross-disciplinary themes, as well as cross-disciplinary research and innovation actions (ATRI), which are extended into national scientific interest groups: the 'Microdrones' and 'Centre Spatial Universitaire Toulousain' GISs.

LACS research is housed in the LISST and LAIRDIL laboratories at UT2 Jean Jaurès, which are evaluated separately.

ISAE-SUPAERO's partnership with ONERA and ENAC is a key element of the higher education and research cluster dedicated to the 'aeronautics and space' sector on the Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées Federal University site.

OPEN SCIENCE: ISAE-SUPAERO'S SCIENCE AVAILABLE TO ALL

Discover OPEN SCIENCE: Our new open archive platform.

Anyone can access our theses, publications, scientific instruments, and technological platforms.

Discover ISAE-SUPAERO's 4 commitments to Open Science!

Further Information

Find out more about our six research departments: DEOS, DCAS, DISC, DAEP, DMSM, and LACS.

DEOS

The Electronics, Optronics, and Signal Processing Department (DEOS) develops and produces payloads for tomorrow's advanced aeronautical and space applications. The skills of its teams cover a wide range of technologies, from the design of silicon sensors to interplanetary scientific payloads, and from signal theory studies to advanced communication and navigation systems.

Further Information

DCAS

The Aerospace Vehicle Design and Operation Department (DCAS) develops methods, simulation tools, and experimental platforms for the design and operation of aerospace vehicles.

Further Information

DISC

The Department of Complex Systems Engineering (DISC) develops skills in mathematics and computer science for aeronautical and space engineering. In both teaching and research, it focuses on the models, methods, and tools needed to control the behaviour and performance of complex systems. This complexity may be induced by the multi-physics or multiscale nature of the systems studied, their dynamic behaviour, or their distributed and communicating structure.

Further Information

DAEP

The Aerodynamics and Propulsion Department: 62 people, 30 research projects, including 5 on a European scale, an exceptional fleet of test facilities for teaching and research purposes, 3 research groups contributing to a growth strategy focused on 4 themes with topical scientific and social-economic challenges, supported by 2 structuring projects: the SAA wind tunnel and the IC3 large-scale simulation code.

Further Information

DMSM

The role of the Structures and Materials Mechanics Department is to organise and supervise all teaching activities in the mechanics of deformable solids for ISAE-SUPAERO courses, in synergy with upstream and applied research activities on aeronautical materials and structures. This strong interaction between teaching and research is the basis of our department's organisation.

Further information

LACS

In the Languages, Arts, Cultures, and Societies Department, we teach languages, interculturality, geopolitics, general culture, economics, sport... Multi-dimensional skills that bring out knowledge, interpersonal skills, know-how and interpersonal skills.

Further Information

ICCAS 2026, jointly organized by ISAE-SUPAERO, the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation, and Dassault Aviation, will take place on June 11-12, 2026.

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DCAS

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DCAS

Design and Operation of Aerospace Vehicles Department (DCAS)

Our Research Department

Our Research Activities

Humans, Systems, and Interactions

Integrated Multidisciplinary Aircraft Design

Advanced Space Concepts

Decision and Control Scientific Group - DC

Aeronautical Vehicle Design and Flight Dynamics Scientific Group - CADV

Space Systems Design Scientific Group - CSS

Human, Systems and Interactions Scientific Group - HSI

Sustainable Aviation

Our Research Projects

Our Resources

Aeronautical Sector

Software

Flight mechanics: LONGISIM/TRANSIM software

Aircraft design: “ALCAZAR” software

Flight tests / Flight dynamics: The TB20 System

Flight management: ACTIVOL software

Hardware Platforms

PEGASE flight simulator

6MOUV flight simulator

Drones

Space Sector

Software

SATORB software

SIMUSAT software

SIMULAUNCH

Hardware Platforms

UHF/VHF -T ground station

Ground station (S-band)

SCC: Simple Control Center

Directory

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Thesis offers

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Scientific and research integrity

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Scientific Integrity Officer at ISAE-SUPAERO

Scientific Integrity Coordinator (RIS) at ISAE-SUPAERO

What is a breach of scientific integrity?

Instruction procedure

Receipt

Admissibility of the report

Investigation

Follow-up

Distinctions between scientific integrity / deontology / research ethics

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Research

Research at ISAE-SUPAERO

International

Interdiscplinary

Innovative