Best Oral Presentation Award
Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for PhD students participating in the DRAF Conference 2026, to be held in Ischia (Italy) from June 15 to June 19, 2026. During the conference, a special award will be assigned to the PhD student delivering the best oral presentation. This prize aims to recognize outstanding research quality, clarity of presentation, and scientific impact. The winner will be officially awarded on the final day of the conference by the journal Journal of Composite Science (MDPI). We warmly encourage all PhD participants to take advantage of...
Read MoreESA Academy Student Sponsorship
ESA Academy is pleased to sponsor up to 3 tertiary education students to attend the 6th International Symposium on Dynamic Response and Failure of Composite Materials (DRaF2026) and contribute to the International Workshop AI-driven Approaches for Space Applications (AI4SPACE) under the ESA Academy Conference Student Sponsorship programme. The sponsorship covers: • the early‑bird student registration fee (not required of ESA by the organizers); • up to EUR 350 for travel; • up to EUR 500 for accommodation (up to 5 nights at the Hermitage Hotel & Park Terme). Reimbursements will be made...
Read MoreCrashworthiness and Impact Damage of Additively Manufacture Hybrid Structures
This session of DRAF2026 explores the latest advancements in the crashworthiness and impact behavior of additively manufactured hybrid (Metal-composites) structures. By combining innovative materials and design strategies, researchers are pushing the boundaries of lightweight and resilient engineered structures. Presentations will highlight experimental studies, modeling approaches, and performance optimization techniques. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of hybrid additive manufacturing in safety-critical applications. If you are interested you can write to...
Read MoreCollaboration Pitch Session: Bridge the gap between Research and Go-to-Market
This session serves a synergistic event where new collaborations and new partnerships can be formed promoting mutual benefit among different stakeholders. We offer a space for brainsorming that serves as a bridge between academia and industry for real-world challenges accelerating innovation in a market driven environment. If you are interested write to Evanthia Pappa: evanthia.pappa@leonardo.com
Read MoreInternational Workshop: AI-driven Approaches for Space Applications: Challenges, Opportunities, and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the space sector, enabling advanced design, monitoring, control, and decision-making in extreme and complex environments. From autonomous systems to human-centered applications, AI is becoming a fly-wheel in cutting-edge space technologies. This workshop aims to bring together researchers, engineers, and practitioners to discuss recent advances, emerging challenges and groundbreaking approaches in the application of AI to space systems. A particular emphasis will be put on multidisciplinary interactions between computer...
Read MoreThematic Session: Sustainable and Computational Approaches for Advanced Materials in the Automotive Sector
The transport sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, prompting the automotive industry to adopt lightweight, high-performance materials to meet sustainability goals and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. The session aims to explore recent advancements in both sustainable materials and digital engineering approaches, which are independently or jointly contributing to the transformation of the materials sector toward a low-carbon, high-efficiency future. Efforts to lower the carbon footprint of composites include the use of bio-based and recyclable polymers,...
Read MoreSession: Structural Integrity and Performance of Composite and Hybrid Aerospace Structures
This session focuses on advanced technological and numerical methods for the structural diagnostics and prognostics of aerospace composite structures, including hybrid configurations, as well as on the development of advanced material systems, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and circularity. The scope includes innovative design approaches, advanced inspection techniques, structural health monitoring (SHM) systems, experimental testing, numerical simulations, development of novel materials and manufacturing processes. The overall objective is to overcome the limitations of...
Read MoreSPECIAL SESSION: Naval & Offshore Composites: Design, Manufacturing and Structural Performance
This Special Session gathers contributions on the design, fabrication, characterization, and modeling of composite structures for naval and offshore applications, with emphasis on dynamic response and damage mechanisms. Topics of interest include sandwich and hybrid (FRP/metal) structures, impact and slamming phenomena, vibration and fatigue under operational loads, marine ageing (saltwater, UV, hygrothermal), fire performance and protection (IMO requirements), structural health monitoring (SHM), advanced NDT/DT techniques, and test–simulation correlation (FE, mesh-free, or peridynamic...
Read MoreSPECIAL PROJEC POSTER-PITCH SESSION: Blue Innovation Stories: A Poster-Pitch Session on European and National Projects for the Future of Shipbuilding and Naval Transports
This Special Project Poster-Pitch Session offers a dynamic format to present and discuss complex research and innovation projects developed within the naval and offshore domain. Each contribution begins with a short storytelling-based pitch, highlighting the project’s goals, challenges, and outcomes, followed by an interactive poster session where participants can exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities. The initiative welcomes both ongoing and completed projects funded through European, national, or regional programs, aiming to showcase successful examples of innovation,...
Read More“Carbon Fiber Design Contest Sailing”
DRaF together with a group of companies including OLYMPUS, specializing in innovative composite materials and new technologies for engineering, and trade associations including AMME Asmeccanica, are organizing the international ideas competition “Carbon Fiber Design Contest Sailing.” This is an opportunity to propose innovative applications of composite materials in sailing, including modern 3D printing. The competition, first held in 2012, is now in its 6th edition, attracting hundreds of projects from designers around the world. The 2013 edition of the contest, also dedicated...
Read MoreScientific Session. Innovations in Additive Manufacturing: Shaping the Future of Industrial and Functional Design
At DRaF2026 conference the transformative impact of Additive Manufacturing (AM) on modern design, material science, and sustainable production will be highlight. The session will focus on the latest AM innovations that redefine the limits of design flexibility, material efficiency, and functional optimization as we navigate the evolution from traditional to digital manufacturing. The session will explore advanced 3D printing processes and the development of new materials with customized properties. Key discussions will centre on the application of AM in creating sustainable solutions,...
Read MoreORAL PRESENTATIONS
Time at each speakers’ disposal for oral presentation is 15 minutes. The questions at the end of the session during the Open Discussion. All speakers can upload their presentation at least 15 minutes before their session begins inside the room where the presentation is scheduled. All rooms are equipped with PC and projector. However, the use of personal Laptop is suggested
Read MoreSpecial Issue on Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance (JMEP)
Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance (JMEP) looks forward to working on Draf in 2024 with a Special Issue dedicated to the conference. The Special Issue containing “selected” and “invited” papers originating from Draf2024, is planned. Authors are encouraged to expand upon their presentation when preparing the submission to JMEP. Papers will pass through the journal’s normal peer review process and must be accepted by the reviewers and editors in order to be included in this special issue. In the meantime, if there are any authors who would currently be...
Read MoreBook of the conference edited by Springer
After the first two editions of the book, Springer agrees to publish the Book of the proceedings of the conference also for the sixth edition in 2026. Scopus indexed. The book will include all the papers presented at the conference. The deadline for the full papers will be mandatory on 7th of October 2026. The minimum number of pages is 6. The template is on the page “Submit your abstract”. After the publication, a link will be available on the website to freely download the eBook of the whole project on Springer platform for 4 weeks. The review process will follow the standard...
Read MoreRegistration Form
At the aim to organize all at the best, we kindly invite you to fill in the Registration Form you can download on this website in the Conference Schedule page.
Read MoreAmerica’s Cup Session
America’s Cup is coming to us in Naples and we can’t miss this crucial opportunity. Racing boats are completely in composites and we’re organizing a session at Draf2026 dedicated to the Event to be held in 2027. We’ll gather all the contributions from the nautical field and not that might be of interest. We are also open to any interesting proposal you may have. Of course, the America’s Cup will be invited to join us. If you are interested, send an e-mail to ilaria.papa@unina.it and/or info@drafconference.com.
Read MoreNew Project: Publication on Springer Aerospace Technology (SAT)
Springer agrees to publish at least 10 selected contributions presented at Draf2026 on Springer Aerospace Technology (SAT). This project is new and it will collect original papers on the same topic, Scopus indexed, like journal publications and not in the form of proceedings. The submission of the contributions on the Springer Book of the proceedings in the form of extended abstract does not affect the publication of long full papers on Springer Aerospace Technology (SAT). The review process will follow the standard parameters with two reviewers each paper and the anti-plagiarism check....
Read MoreRobot Dog at Draf2026
At Draf2026 you can meet the Robot Dog by Martec and you can see a demonstration. The robot dogs proposed by Martec are “intelligent” bionic quadrupeds, easy to use in several application areas. Very helpful in many different tasks like scientific research, educational, environmental monitoring activities and rescue operations.
Read MoreSIMPCo Session
SIMPCo (Sustainable and Innovative Manufacturing Processes for Composites) is a section of AITeM (Italian Association of Manufacturing Technologies) that, within the context of the ongoing green revolution, aims to explore and disseminate developments focused on new manufacturing processes and recycling technologies for innovative composite materials. SIMPCo promotes a more eco-sustainable approach, addressing both product and process aspects in line with the current demands of the international manufacturing sector. In this scenario, SIMPCo will organize a session at the DRaF conference...
Read MoreSpecial Issue on Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology looks forward to working on Draf2026 with a Special Issue dedicated to the conference. The Special Issue containing “selected” and “invited” papers originating from Draf2026 and directly related to manufacturing, is planned. Papers will pass through the journal’s normal peer review process and must be accepted by the reviewers and editors in order to be included in this special issue. If you are interested and know that the topic of your paper suites well with the one of the Journal, contact Ilaria Papa: ilaria.papa@unina.it...
Read MoreSI on Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science (JMES)
Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science (JMES) accepted to dedicate a Special Issue to Draf2026. The Special Issue “Structural Integrity of Advanced Materials ” based on “selected” and “invited” papers presented at Draf2026, is planned. Authors are encouraged to expand upon their presentation when preparing the submission to JMES. Papers will pass through the journal’s normal peer review process and must be accepted by the reviewers and editors in order to be included in this special issue. Please, visit the page at the link:...
Read MoreSpecial Issue on The International Journal of Metallic Materials
The International Journal of Metallic Materials will be a new broad scope, hybrid journal (subscription based with the option to publish Open Access) that aspires to be the foremost journal in disseminating the latest in scientific and technological aspects related to metallic materials. In view of the tremendous importance and potential of metal-based materials, this journal attempts to bring forth the recent developments and innovations to all materials where pure metals, alloys or their composites play the key role in defining the properties of interest or as required by end...
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