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Author: Serena Fabbrini

Engage 2 Winter School in Belgrade: fostering the next generation of ATM researchers

The Engage 2 Winter School recently brought together a dynamic group of young researchers in Belgrade, Serbia, for an intensive five-day programme dedicated to key topics in Air Traffic Management (ATM). Designed to support the academic growth of PhD students funded by Engage 2, as well as other motivated students who applied to participate, the Winter School offered an opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration.

A total of 49 expressions of interest were received, highlighting the enthusiasm for this initiative. After a careful selection process conducted by the event’s organisers, 29 students (from 13 countries) were chosen to take part in the programme together with the seven Engage 2 funded PhDs students. These participants engaged in a series of lectures and sessions led by experts from the academic world, providing them with cutting-edge insights into the latest developments in ATM research and innovation.

A tailored programme
The structure of the Winter School was carefully designed based on the input of the PhD students’ supervisors and other professors consulted during the planning phase. Their contributions helped shape a curriculum that addressed the most hot topics in the field, ensuring that participants gained relevant and impactful knowledge.In addition to traditional lectures, the Winter School placed a strong emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and academic discussion. Each PhD student had the opportunity to present their research project, receiving feedback from both their fellow participants and the attending faculty members. This interactive approach fostered a stimulating environment where ideas were exchanged, methodologies were refined and new perspectives emerged.

Building lasting academic and professional connections
One of the key objectives of Engage 2 is to encourage collaboration among young professionals in the aviation and ATM sector. The Winter School embodied this mission by creating a space where students and experts could engage in discussions, build connections and explore potential research synergies.

Beyond the academic sessions, the event also featured informal gatherings, reinforcing the sense of community among participants. A highlight of the social programme was an evening event with a stunning view of the iconic Saint Sava Orthodox Church. This gathering provided a relaxed setting for attendees to strengthen the relationships formed during the week, further enhancing the collaborative spirit fostered by Engage 2.

A commitment to supporting young researchers
By organising initiatives such as the Winter School, Engage 2 reaffirms its dedication to supporting young professionals in the ATM field. Through its numerous activities, the project continues to serve as a bridge between academia and industry, equipping the next generation of experts with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary for shaping the future of aviation.
The success of this year’s Winter School sets the stage for future editions, further solidifying Engage 2’s role as a key player in fostering innovation and collaboration in ATM research. The next Engage 2 Summer School is already in the planning stages and will take place in Braunschweig, Germany, during the last week of September 2025.

Engage 2 Hackathon: deadline extended and prizes announced

The registration deadline for the Engage 2 Hackathon has been extended to 26 January 2025, giving more time to secure spots at this two-day event in Madrid on 24-25 March 2025.

Visit the Engage 2 Wiki to register now and be part of shaping the future of aviation!

Participants will also compete for incredible prizes:

The first-place team will receive the exclusive “Airspace World 2025 Pack” which includes an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal (up to €750 per person, with a maximum of €3,000 per team, sponsored by SESAR 3 JU), plus €100 vouchers for each team member and the invitation to a unique breakfast with industry CEOs, with the opportunity to present their solution at the “Future Skies: Tomorrow’s Voices” event, sponsored by CANSO.

The second-place team will be awarded €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources, allowing them to continue developing their skills and expertise in aviation and air traffic management sponsored by SESAR 3 JU.

Co-sponsored by key ATM players

To ensure the success of the competition, the event is supported by two key sponsors in addition to the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking:

CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) as a global advocate for air navigation service providers, ensures that participants gain exposure to leading industry figures. Thanks to its participation, the first awardees will be able to participate, all sponsored, to the upcoming edition of Airspace World, which will be held in Lisbon from the 13 to the 15 of May 2025. 

DataBeacon specializes in advanced data science and artificial intelligence solutions for the aviation industry. It focuses on innovative applications, including air traffic management, airline operations and airport management, all designed to optimize efficiency and enhance decision-making. To support the hackathon, DataBeacon will provide the curated datasets – prepared for competition use – and will set up the platform to ensure seamless data access for participants, as well as mentoring them during the competition.

Mentored by experienced professionals

In addition to the expertise offered to the participants by CANSO and DataBeacon, the hackathon will also count with the support of two additional entities:

Airport Regions Council (ARC), is a European network of regional and local authorities dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving innovation in airport-related development. With a focus on sustainable growth, regional integration, and community engagement, ARC representatives will mentor participants by sharing their knowledge and practical experience of the airport environment and operations.

ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) is a globally recognized leader in aviation education and research, renowned for its expertise in air traffic management, airport operations, and aviation technologies. With a mission to advance innovation and excellence in the aviation industry, ENAC brings knowledge and insight to our hackathon, guiding participants, offering them valuable advice, and ensuring teams develop meaningful solutions to the challenge proposed.

Registration now open for the Engage 2 Hackathon #1

We are pleased to announce that registrations for our first hackathon – which will take place on the 24-25 March 2025 in Madrid – are now open, with submissions being accepted until January 15, 2025. Submit your application via the Engage 2 Wiki. The organization will cover the costs for accomodation and meals.

This event will bring together new talents to the aviation industry for two days of intense collaboration and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to tackle the industry’s digitalization challenge, featuring a 24-hour coding session to tackle proposed ATM-related challenges.

Prizes on offer
Among all the prizes, the first-place winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, with travel reimbursement for a maximum of €3,000 per team, and more. The second-place team will receive €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources, allowing them to choose their preferred development tools.

SESAR AI Flagship workshop. Advancing AI in aviation

On 11 November 2024, the SESAR AI Flagship workshop brought together researchers, industry stakeholders and regulatory representatives at Spazio Europa in Rome. This second session of the flagship series followed the inaugural online workshop held on 20 September and coincided with the SESAR Innovation Days, which kicked off the next day. With 56 participants from 23 SESAR projects, the workshop served as a strong continuation of discussions on aligning AI innovation with aviation certification requirements.A key highlight of the event was the active participation of representatives from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Their involvement deepened the connection between SESAR projects and the institution driving the AI Roadmap 2.0, fostering a shared understanding of the roadmap’s goals and bridging the gap between research outputs and regulatory needs.

Bridging research and regulation: insights from EASA

Central to the workshop was EASA’s detailed presentation on the AI Roadmap 2.0, a strategic framework guiding the development and deployment of AI systems in aviation. Launched in 2019, the roadmap has evolved into its second phase, focusing on Level 3 AI capabilities and the consolidation of an AI/ML framework. EASA’s direct engagement with the workshop bridged the divide between research and regulation, enabling SESAR projects to align their innovations with the priorities and expectations of Europe’s leading aviation safety authority.

Guillaume Soudain, joined by colleagues François Triboulet and Andrew Kliner, elaborated on how the roadmap integrates existing safety and certification standards with the unique demands of AI systems. The session highlighted the importance of defining a robust safety assurance process that accommodates the non-deterministic nature of AI. Unlike traditional deterministic automation, AI systems require novel approaches to data management, security threat modeling, and system monitoring.

The discussion on EASA’s “W-model” for learning assurance exemplified these challenges. Designed to address issues such as bias-variance trade-offs and model generalization, the W-model introduces iterative steps for identifying edge cases and ensuring operational robustness. EASA emphasized the criticality of understanding and managing the influence of AI components within hybrid systems, where deterministic and non-deterministic elements coexist.

The roadmap also underscored the significance of operational explainability, tailored to the specific needs of stakeholders such as air traffic controllers and system operators. This focus on user-centric design resonated with participants, especially as the SESAR projects continue to explore how AI can be effectively integrated into real-world ATM operations.

SESAR projects showcase collaborative innovation

The workshop spotlighted five SESAR projects, each tackling unique challenges in applying AI to air traffic management.

JARVIS – The JARVIS project introduced its human-centric design approach for digital assistants, emphasizing the critical role of trust, workload-adaptive interfaces, and robust interaction mechanisms. The project highlighted the risks of over-reliance on AI and the potential for de-skilling, offering a thought-provoking perspective on human-AI teaming.

CODA and TRUSTY -The CODA and TRUSTY projects shared their advances in digital systems for air traffic controllers, exploring adaptive task distribution and the psychological nuances of trust in AI-powered digital towers. These presentations illuminated the transformative potential of AI in redefining ATM roles, while also addressing the philosophical and practical challenges of integrating AI into high-stakes environments.

AI4HyDrop project – AI4HyDrop project explored how AI can optimize airspace management, particularly with the growing presence of drones. By leveraging computer vision and other robust technologies, the project demonstrated its commitment to achieving technical resilience and operational efficiency.

    HUCAN – The HUCAN project showcased its work on a certification roadmap for advanced ATM systems. With EASA now leading this regulatory effort, HUCAN has shifted focus to clarifying critical definitions and approaches to AI, as evidenced by its paper presented at the SESAR Innovation Days.

      The in-person gathering in Rome provided a dynamic forum for meaningful dialogue, building on the foundational discussions of the September online session. Roundtable discussions fostered rich exchanges on topics ranging from technical robustness and AI explainability to human-AI teaming and certification challenges. Participants collaborated on identifying shared terminology, exploring visualization tools, and addressing liability concerns.

      As the day concluded, Alessandro Prister from SESAR thanked the participants for their active engagement and underscored the importance of such collaborative efforts. The SESAR AI Flagship Workshop exemplified the critical role of community and shared expertise in advancing AI for aviation, setting the stage for future innovations and robust frameworks that will shape the industry’s evolution.

      Showcasing innovation and bridging academia and industry in ATM at SESAR Innovation Days 2024

      Engage 2 participated in the SESAR Innovation Days 2024, where the consortium presented several important developments that reflect the project’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between academia and industry in the ATM domain.

      One of the key highlights was the official launch of the redesigned Engage 2 Wiki. The new version features an updated visual design along with improved user experience and navigation, providing a more efficient tool for those working in the sector.

      During the event, the consortium also opened registrations for its first hackathon, scheduled to take place in Madrid on 24-25 March 2025. This event aims to bring together experts and students to explore innovative solutions for ATM challenges. Thanks to the sponsorships of CANSO, Data Beacon and Airport Regions Council, the Engage 2 hackathon is able to announce several attractive prizes available for the winners. The first-place winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, with travel reimbursement for a maximum of €3,000 per team, and more. The second-place team will receive €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources, allowing them to choose their preferred development tools. More information about the event can be found here.

      Another significant development presented at SIDs 2024 was the prototype of the Engage 2 matchmaking app. Still in its early stages, the app aims to connect students and professionals in the ATM field, supporting greater engagement and opportunities for the next generation.

      The entire Engage 2 consortium attended the event, where the project’s initiatives were introduced to the SESAR community. The project coordinator also had the opportunity to present Engage 2’s role as a bridge between academia and industry, highlighting the project’s efforts to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange to help shape the future of ATM.

      The SESAR Innovation Days provide an important platform for networking, allowing Engage 2 and other stakeholders to strengthen connections and share insights. These interactions are essential in fostering collaboration across the SESAR community, ensuring that future advancements in ATM are driven by a diverse network of professionals, researchers and innovators working together towards common goals.

      Engage 2 to showcase innovations at SESAR Innovation Days 2024

      The SESAR Innovation Days 2024 have finally arrived and Engage 2 will have a special place to showcase the latest developments that the SESAR community can benefit from. With our very own stand, our team will be present throughout the entire conference, from 12 to 15 November 2024, to showcase two major innovations: launch our reimagined Wiki and debut the brand-new Matchmaking app.

      The Engage 2 Wiki is a comprehensive knowledge platform designed to support the Air Traffic Management (ATM) community. Recently transformed with a bold new look and an enhanced user experience, the Wiki now offers an even smoother and more intuitive journey for users. From detailed project documentation to insights on the latest research, the Wiki continues to be the go-to resource for ATM professionals, students, and stakeholders.

      Our Matchmaking app, developed by Deep Blue, takes networking to a whole new level. Attendees at SESAR Innovation Days will have the exclusive opportunity to test this pioneering tool, which is set to revolutionize professional connections within the ATM sector. The app enables users to discover potential collaborators and like-minded peers, fostering impactful relationships through shared goals and expertise.

      Join us at our stand to experience these exciting new tools, see you in Rome!

      SESAR AI Flasghip workshop in Rome to advace ATM collaboration

      The SESAR Joint Undertaking, supported by Engage 2, announces the upcoming AI Flagship workshop, set for 11 November 2024 at Spazio Europa in Rome, Italy. This workshop aims to bring together key stakeholders, researchers, and industry experts to collaborate on advancing Artificial Intelligence in Air Traffic Management.

      Building on the discussions from the AI Initial Coordination Workshop held in September, this session will focus on deepening our collective understanding of AI and advancing the regulatory debate in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

      Key objectives of the workshop include:

      • Promoting interaction among SESAR projects working in AI
      • Encouraging dialogue with EASA on AI implementation and regulation
      • Shaping the future of AI in ATM through collective contributions

      This event presents a valuable opportunity for participants to engage with fellow experts and stakeholders, sharing insights and contributing to the future of AI in the aviation sector.

      Engage 2 presents the matchmaking app concept at EASN 2024

      At the 14th EASN International Conference held in Thessaloniki, Greece, Engage 2 showcased the early stages of its innovative matchmaking app designed to bridge the gap between students, academia and the ATM industry. Tommaso Vendruscolo, Senior UX/UI Designer & Human Factors Consultant at Deep Blue, presented the concept, methodology and development steps of the tool, which is set to become a student-centric application for navigating the aviation industry.

      The app, developed by Engage 2, aims to foster connections between students, universities, and companies, enabling users to create profiles, discover mutual opportunities, and participate in events such as hackathons and open days. It also offers a variety of job cards and videos to help students explore career paths in the ATM sector, supporting them in making informed decisions about their futures.

      This matchmaking app represents Engage 2’s commitment to empowering the next generation of aviation professionals by creating a digital platform that responds to the evolving needs of the aviation industry.

      Registration is open for the Winter School in Belgrade

      Registration for the Engage 2 Winter School in Belgrade is now open! Attendance at this intensive four-day program, scheduled from January 27 to 31 2025, is free of charge. However, due to limited space, applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is November 20th, 2024. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance/rejection by the end of November.

      Hosted by the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering in Belgrade, the program will be led by a renowned faculty of experts, including industry leaders from EUROCONTROL and prominent academics from the University of Westminster and, of course, the University of Belgrade.

      This intensive four-day program is designed for postgraduate students, experienced researchers and industry professionals in the ATM sector. The Engage 2 WinterSchool offers a unique opportunity to:

      1. Gain in-depth knowledge of key ATM concepts and challenges
      2. Explore advanced research methodologies through interactive tutorials
      3. Learn from prominent industry leaders and researchers
      4. Network with peers and build valuable connections within the ATM community

      Engage KTN past editions
      Do you want to know what it means to attend an Engage 2 Winter and Summer School? Let’s take a look at the past editions of the Engage KTN Summer School: you can find all the information about the three past editions of the Summer School, including topics, speakers, and much more to pique your interest.

      Save the date for the first Hackathon in Madrid, 24-25 March 2025

      Mark your calendars for an event you won’t want to miss! Engage 2 announces its inaugural hackathon, set to take place on the 24th and 25th of March 2025 in Madrid.

      This event will bring together new talents to the aviation industry for two days of intense collaboration and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to tackle the industry’s digitalization challenge, featuring a 24-hour coding session to tackle proposed ATM-related challenges.

      Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a budding entrepreneur, or simply passionate about technology, the Engage 2 Hackathon promises to be an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for more details and registration information coming soon.

      We look forward to seeing you in Madrid!