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Author: Serena Fabbrini

Engage 2 shines at the European Researchers’ Night 2024 in Trieste

Engage 2 recently took part in the European Researchers’ Night 2024, held in Trieste, representing an important step in science communication and public engagement. The event, hosted in the heart of the city, in Piazza Unità, allowed participants to immerse themselves in the world of air traffic management (ATM) through an interactive game developed by the University of Trieste. This game enabled attendees to explore data from a typical day at one of several European airports, dynamically selected by an algorithm.

The aim of the game was to showcase, through data, the immense volume of work, air traffic, and energy consumption that revolve around air travel. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the extensive efforts required by professionals in the ATM sector to ensure smooth and efficient operations. By putting themselves in the shoes of these professionals, the public left with a renewed appreciation for the role of ATM in keeping global travel safe and sustainable.

This success story from Engage 2 unfolded within the larger context of the European Researchers’ Night, an annual celebration of science that spans over 300 cities across Europe. The initiative, funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, seeks to bridge the gap between researchers and the public, creating opportunities for people of all ages to engage with cutting-edge science. Through hands-on activities, talks and exhibitions, it serves as an important platform for bringing research out of the lab and into everyday life.

Engage 2’s involvement in the event also coincided with Trieste Next, the renowned festival of scientific research. In its thirteenth year, the festival brought together scientists, humanists and esteemed figures from both Italy and abroad, underscoring Trieste’s role as a hub for science and innovation. This year’s edition focused on the future of technology and research, fostering discussions and collaborations across disciplines.

With its interactive and educational approach, Engage 2’s presence at these high-profile events further strengthened its mission to connect science with society, sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Engage 2 at the European Researchers’ Night 2024

We are happy to announce that the Engage 2 project will participate in the upcoming edition of the European Researchers’ Night, taking place in the beautiful setting of Piazza Unità, Trieste. This event, a major celebration of science and research, will be held on the 27th of September 2024.

Organised by our partner, the University of Trieste with the contribution of the Coordinator Deep Blue, this engaging activity, titled “Uno sguardo al cielo: ma quanto è complesso il trasporto aereo europeo?” (A look at the sky: How complex is European air transport?), will bring the world of air traffic management closer to the public.

Through a fun and interactive map-based game, participants will understand the immense scale and complexity of European air transport, as well as the numerous challenges it faces, from environmental impact to connectivity, especially given the daily surge of aircraft across European skies.

This activity will demonstrate how research is essential in designing a more sustainable air traffic system, both environmentally and economically. The activity will be conducted in Italian, making it accessible to the local community and ensuring a broader engagement.

Join us in Trieste to explore the future of air transport and discover how research can pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient aviation system!

Fore more info (in italian): https://www.sharper-night.it/sharper-trieste/

Engage 2 Summer School rescheduled to January 2025

We regret to inform you that the first edition of the Engage 2 Summer School, initially scheduled for September 9th-13th, 2024, has been postponed. The Summer School will now be a Winter School, held from January 27th to 31st, 2025, at the University of Belgrade.

The reasons for this change are primarily organisational, related to the project-funded PhDs that will commence in the autumn of 2024.

Registrations for the event remain open; further details will be provided in the future.

This event is an excellent opportunity for students and professionals in the Air Traffic Management sector to deepen their knowledge and engage with industry experts.

We look forward to welcoming you in January!

Save the date | AI Flagship Workshop in Rome

Engage 2 announces the AI Flagship Workshop, set to take place in Rome on Monday, 11 November 2024. This event will be held just hours before the commencement of SIDs 2024, making it an important gathering for all SESAR-funded projects under the flagship initiative.

Before this event, a coordination online workshop will be held on the 20th September 2024.

The AI Flagship Workshop aims to foster enhanced collaboration among SESAR projects, bringing together key stakeholders, researchers, and industry experts to discuss advancements, share insights, and strategise on future initiatives. This workshop is an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions, explore innovative solutions and strengthen the network within the SESAR community.

The event will feature a series of presentations and networking sessions designed to maximise interaction and knowledge exchange. Participants will have the chance to showcase their work, learn from each other’s experiences and identify potential areas for cooperation.

We look forward to welcoming all SESAR projects and stakeholders to this event in Rome, where we will collectively drive forward the goals of the AI Flagship and continue to advance the future of air traffic management.

Stay tuned for further updates and detailed agendas as we approach the event date!

Join Engage 2 at SESAR Innovation Days 2024!

We are excited to announce our participation in the SESAR Innovation Days 2024!

Come to visit at our stand, where you will have the opportunity to meet all our project partners and, most importantly, test the first prototype of our innovative matchmaking app. This app is designed to allow students, universities and companies to create profiles and search for joint opportunities, fostering new collaborations and accelerating innovation.

Don’t miss this chance to explore and connect with leading minds in the industry!

First plenary meeting of Engage 2 in Vienna

The Engage 2 project successfully held its first plenary meeting in Vienna on 4-5 June. Hosted by Frequentis, the meeting was fully attended by all consortium partners. This event provided an important opportunity to review the achievements of the first year of the project.

The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the project’s first year, highlighting the numerous initiatives that have been successfully completed. These include the launch of the first Call for Catalyst project funding and the PhD funding call. The partners also reviewed the results of various surveys conducted in recent months among industry stakeholders and academic representatives, expecially the insights gathered thanks to the open science survey in the ATM sector.

A key focus of the meeting was laying the groundwork for upcoming activities. The most imminent of these is the first Summer School, which will be held in Belgrade from September 9-13. Additionally, Engage 2’s involvement in the upcoming SESAR Innovation Days, which will take place in Rome from November 12-15, was discussed.

These discussions and planning sessions are crucial for ensuring the continued success and impact of the Engage 2 project as it moves into its next phases.

Engage 2 supports SESAR Young Scientist Award 2024

The ATM industry is facing a number of challenges, such as increasing traffic demand, environmental concerns, and the need for more efficient and safe operations. Young scientists are playing a key role in developing innovative solutions to these challenges and the SESAR Young Scientist Award is a great opportunity for them to showcase their work and receive recognition for their achievements. We encourage all eligible young scientists to apply.

The 2024 edition of the award has widened its scope from previous years and is now open to two categories: 

  • PhD scientists with the chance to receive a prize of EUR 10 000 
  • Undergraduate or Master students with the chance to win a prize of EUR 5 000 

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 21 August 2024. Visit the SESAR website to learn more and apply online.

About the SESAR Young Scientist Award

The SESAR Young Scientist Award is an annual award that is open to PhD students and Master’s students from around the world. The award recognizes outstanding research in the field of ATM. Winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to present their work at a major ATM conference.

Engage 2 announces closure of PhD call, we have nine winners!

Rome, 4 April 2024 – Engage 2 has officially closed its call for PhD proposals aimed at advancing Air Traffic Management ATM across Europe. Launched in December last year, the initiative attracted significant interest from researchers keen to shape the future of ATM systems.

The nine winners have been notified, following the evaluation by the Awards Board. As well as financial support, the PhDs will also benefit from continuous learning opportunities through summer schools and thematic workshops.

The deadline for applications saw a huge number of submissions from individuals and consortia alike. The selection process is now in the hands of the Engage 2 Awards Board, composed of Consortium members, SESAR representatives and industry partners. The Board will carefully evaluate each proposal, taking into account factors such as the impact on ATM, scientific relevance and the quality of the research plan.

Engage announces successful closing of first call for Catalyst Funds, we have the seven winners!

Engage 2 is happy to announce the successful conclusion of its inaugural Catalyst Funds call. The quality and diversity of the applications reflect the dynamic innovation landscape and the willingness of both researchers and industry partners to work closely together.

The seven winners have been notified. Selected projects will benefit from financial backing and will have the opportunity to work in industry environments. This support is expected to accelerate the development of concepts, bringing them closer to market readiness.

The Catalyst Funds aim to bridge the gap between industry and research, fostering closer links in the early stages of concept development. By supporting promising ideas in their early stages, the programme helps them reach a higher level of maturity and readiness for further development and commercialisation.

Engage 2 extends its gratitude to all participants and looks forward to the continued success of the Catalyst Funds programme in nurturing innovation and industry-research collaboration. Stay tuned for updates on the next Catalyst Funds call!

Save the date for the first Engage 2 Summer School in Belgrade, 9-13 September 2024

Rome, April 15th 2024 –  Engage 2 is thrilled to announce the dates for its first Summer School. Hosted at the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering in Belgrade, the event is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 13, 2024. Building upon the success of Engage KTN’s previous edition, this inaugural Summer School promises an enriching experience featuring presentations and tutorials that explore various facets of the ATM industry.

Registrations for the Summer School will open in June 2024. Participants can expect to receive notifications of acceptance in July 2024, alongside the release of the finalised program and logistical information necessary for participation.

The Engage 2 Summer School provides a chance for PhD students and other interested individuals to explore fundamental topics in ATM. A core function of Engage 2 is to deliver high-quality education and training in ATM. To this end, we will bring together postgraduate students, experienced researchers, and industry representatives. This five-day Summer School will reflect this focus, with tutorials covering key ATM concepts and challenges alongside research methodologies. Case studies and presentations of prominent SESAR exploratory research projects will also be included.

The program is open to all who wish to expand their knowledge in this dynamic field. The curriculum combines comprehensive teaching sessions with hands-on exercises. It is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of attendees, as determined through surveys conducted among PhD students and their academic supervisors.

Stay tuned for more information and updates on Engage 2’s Summer School!