Nicole Viola

Nicole Viola is a Full Professor in the Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP) at Politecnico di Torino. She serves as the contact person for coordinating strategies for developing relations with North America in implementation of the University Strategic Plan and is a member of the PhotoNext Interdepartmental Center for Applied Photonics. Additionally, she acts as the University Scientific Advisor for the Partnership Agreement with THALES ALENIA SPACE.

Her research focuses on aerospace systems with emphasis on high-speed civil aviation system integration design, technology roadmap methodologies, and sustainable space transportation. Her work addresses critical challenges in minimizing environmental impact through emissions estimation methodologies for next-generation aerospace systems. She has developed expertise in hypersonic vehicles, reusable access to space systems, and sustainable aviation technologies.

Dr. Viola's recent publications reveal a strong trend toward environmental sustainability in aerospace design, with significant focus on emissions modeling (particularly NOx from SABRE engines), sonic boom analysis, and innovative thermal protection systems. Her research bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications, addressing both technical and environmental challenges of future aerospace systems.

• 2017 Innovation in Technology Development and Demonstration Award (American Astronautical Society)
• Member, Scientific Committee of International Civil Aviation Organization Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (2023-present)
• Member, Board of Italian Aerospace Research Center (2022-present)
• Member, Scientific Committee of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (2021-present)
• Associate Editor, Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology (2022-present)
• Associate Editor, CEAS Space Journal (2017-present)

Dr. Viola actively supervises numerous PhD students working on topics including flexible thermal protection systems, hypersonic vehicles, aerogasdynamics, and AI applications for space exploration. She leads multiple significant research projects including SLICE (Space Launch Impact on Climate and Environment), ICARUS (Inflatable Concept Aeroshell), and eVTOLUTION, with funding from both competitive EU grants and commercial research contracts totaling millions of euros.

Her research group collaborates extensively with international partners including the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, participates in the European Network on the Impact of Climate Change on Aviation, and maintains strong industry connections through projects with THALES ALENIA SPACE and other aerospace organizations.