Important Dates
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30 April 2026: Abstract Submission Deadline (Oral or Poster Presentation)
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15 May 2026: Notification of Acceptance (Oral or Poster)
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31 May 2026: Early Bird Registration Fee Deadline
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28 June–04 July 2026: Workshop Dates
Welcome to the 16th International Workshop on Combustion and Propulsion (16-IWCP)
We are pleased to welcome you to the 16th International Workshop on Combustion and Propulsion (16-IWCP), to be held in Pescara and Naples, Italy, from 28 June to 04 July 2026.
Continuing the long-standing IWCP tradition, this workshop provides a focused and interactive forum for researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss recent advances in energetic materials, combustion, and propulsion. Through plenary lectures, round-table discussions, and contributed presentations, 16-IWCP encourages open technical dialogue and meaningful collaboration.
We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world and to fostering productive discussions in a collegial and professional environment.
28 June - 04 July 2026
Aurum, 65126 Pescara PE, Italy and University Federico II di Napoli, 80126 Naples NA, Italy
Previous IWCP Workshops
About 16-IWCP
16th International Workshop on Combustion and Propulsion (16-IWCP)
The International Workshop on Combustion and Propulsion (IWCP) was established in 1990 by the Space Propulsion Laboratory (SPLab) of Politecnico di Milano, Italy, with the goal of promoting international collaboration in combustion, propulsion, and energetic materials research. Since its inception, IWCP has served as a focused forum for open scientific exchange among researchers from academia, research laboratories, and industry worldwide.
The IWCP series is characterized by its interactive workshop format, emphasizing technical discussion, critical analysis, and direct engagement rather than formal conference-style presentations.
The 16th International Workshop on Combustion and Propulsion (16-IWCP), themed “Energetic Materials: Research Laboratory, Modeling, Applications,” will be held in Pescara and Naples, Italy, from 28 June to 04 July 2026. Continuing the IWCP tradition, the workshop aims to bring together leading scientists and engineers to share recent advances such as Polynitrogen Energetic Materials, Thermochemical Analysis of High-Energy Powders, Aluminum in Energetic Materials, Physics-Aware Deep Learning for Extreme Physics Simulation, Multiscale Simulation Studies of Energetic Materials, along with engaging round-table discussions.
OBJECTIVES OF 16-IWCP
The 16th International Workshop on Combustion and Propulsion (16-IWCP) focuses on recent advancements and emerging trends in combustion, propulsion, and energetic materials, addressing key scientific and technological challenges in these evolving fields. The workshop provides a focused forum for researchers, scientists, engineers, and industry professionals to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage in in-depth technical discussions within an interactive and collaborative environment.
Share Recent Research:
Present and discuss recent advances, experimental results, and analytical studies in combustion, propulsion, and energetic materials.
Address Current Challenges:
Examine key technical challenges, including performance, safety, environmental considerations, and sustainability aspects of energetic systems.
Engage in Planned Sessions:
Participate in plenary lectures, round-table sessions, oral presentations, and poster discussions designed to encourage focused technical exchange.
Network and Collaborate:
Strengthen professional connections among researchers, laboratories, and industry, supporting future collaborative research and joint initiatives.
Sun - 28 June
Arrival, Registration & Welcome Dinner Party
29 June - 04 July Technical Program
The technical program of 16-IWCP will feature plenary lectures, invited talks, and selected oral presentations delivered by leading international experts over the course of the workshop. In addition, a dedicated poster session will provide further opportunities for detailed technical exchange.
Each workshop day will conclude with a round-table discussion, chaired by recognized specialists, to encourage focused dialogue on selected topics and to promote active participation from all attendees.
Mon - 29 June
Plenary Lectures:
Polynitrogen Energetic Materials
By
Thomas M. Klapötke, Ludwig-Maximilian Univ., Munich, Germany
Roundtable:
Novel High-Energy Formulations
Chaired By
Sadhana S. Rayalu, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, India
Panel of Experts:
Jasmin Lechner,
ICT, Germany
Dmitri Tkachev,
Tomsk State University, Russia
Ruth M. Doherty,
Energetics Technology Center (ETC), USA
Dr. Guy Jacob, (Consultant), France
Tue - 30 June
Plenary Lecture:
Aluminum in Energetic Materials: From Single Particles to Reactive Architectures
By
Carole Rossi, LAAS, Toulouse, France
Roundtable:
Combustion of Aluminum for Propulsion, Pyrotechnics, and Clean Energy
Chaired By
Evgeny Shafirovich, UTEP, El Paso, TX, USA
Panel of Experts:
Alain Estève,
LAAS-CNRS, France
Volker Weiser,
ICT, Germany
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Stefano Dossi,
ReActive - Powder Technology, Italy
Jeff Bergthorson,
McGill Univ., Canada
Wed - 01 July
Plenary Lectures:
Physics-Aware Deep Learning for Extreme Physics Simulation
By
Stephen S. Baek, University of Virginia, VA, USA
Multiscale Simulation Studies of Energetic Materials – From Molecular Design to Macroscopic Response
By
Lei Zhang, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), China
Roundtable:
Artificial Intelligence in Energetic Materials Research – Challenges and Opportunities
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Chaired By
Sebastian Wurster, ICT, Germany
Panel of Experts:
Raphaël Terreux,
Université Claude Bernard Lyon,
France
Zois Boukouvalas,
American University,
USA
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H.S. Udaykumar,
The University of Iowa,
USA
Peter W. Chung,
University of Maryland,
USA
Fri- 03 July
Visit of CNR–STEMS (Institute of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Energy and Mobility) of the National Council of Research, Naples
Institutional Greetings and Welcome
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By
Biancamaria Vaglieco-Director, STEMS, National Council of Research, Naples, Italy
Guided Tour of CNR STEMS
By
Felice Nunziata, STEMS, National Council of Research, Naples, Italy
Thu - 02 July
Plenary Lecture:
High-Energy Pyroclastic Flows in Vulcanic Eruptions
By
Valeria Di Renzo, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
By
Daniele Morgavi, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Guided Visit of Vesuvian Sites
Sat- 04 July
Roundtable:
Future Perspectives in High Energy Materials, Combustion, and Propulsion
Chaired By
Luigi. T. DeLuca (Ret.), Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), Italy
Panel of Experts:
Ruth M. Doherty,
Energetics Technology Center (ETC), USA
Rongjie Yang,
Beijing Institute of Technology, China
Svatopluk Zeman,
Pardubice University,
Czech Rep.
To be confirmed.
Discover Pescara and Naples, Italy,with US!
Pescara, a vibrant coastal city on Italy’s Adriatic coast, offers an inspiring setting for international conferences. Located in the Abruzzo region, it is surrounded by golden beaches, historic towns, and scenic national parks. Participants can explore the birthplace of Gabriele d’Annunzio, the Aurum cultural complex, and the picturesque Trabocchi Coast. Nearby attractions include medieval villages, the Gran Sasso mountains, and UNESCO-recognized natural landscapes. With excellent connectivity, rich culture, and renowned Italian hospitality, Pescara offers a perfect balance of academic engagement and cultural exploration.
Naples, one of Italy’s most historic and vibrant cities, is a global center of science, culture, and innovation. Set against the iconic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, it offers an extraordinary setting for international conferences. The city is home to renowned universities, research institutions, and a long-standing intellectual tradition. Participants can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the historic city center, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, along with centuries-old architecture, world-class museums, and archaeological treasures. Nearby attractions include the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Ischia, offering breathtaking landscapes and cultural charm.
Technical & Scientific Visits
As part of the conference program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in exclusive technical visits to leading Italian research institutions.
The program includes a visit to CNR–STEMS (Institute of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Energy and Mobility) of the National Council of Research, Naples, hosted by Dr. Biancamaria Vaglieco (Director) and Dr. Felice Nunziata. These visits will offer insights into advanced research in combustion, propulsion, and engine technologies.
Additionally, a guided visit to the Vesuvian Observatory is scheduled, led by Prof. Valeria Di Renzo and Prof. Daniele Morgavi (University of Naples Federico II). This visit will provide a unique perspective on volcanic monitoring, geophysical research, and hazard assessment.
Travel Visa Application:
https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
How to reach Pescara Center (Centrale)
By Bus
Non-stop directly from Fiumicino Airport; look for DiCarloBus at Terminal 3 - Arrivals. Final stop is close to Hotel Plaza in Pescara. Very convenient for all participants flying from abroad.
By Train
The train from Rome takes about four hours but it is a spectacular route through the mountains, through towns such as Avezzano and Sulmona. Get off at Pescara Centrale (Pescara Central Railway Station).
By Plane
Abruzzo Airport (PSR IATA) (less than 10 minutes from the city stop near Hotel Plaza).
By Car
You can drive to Pescara from Rome Ciampino Airport (only low-cost flights) in about 2 hours and Rome Fiumicino Airport (most international flights) in about 2½ hours. The drive is relatively free of traffic through the mountains, the view is excellent and there are lots of tunnels and bridges to cross.
How to Reach Naples
By Chartered Bus
Non-stop from Pescara Centrale to Napoli Centrale takes 3½ hours.