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A week of learning and collaboration in Braunschweig

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The second edition of the Engage 2 Summer School took place from 22 to 26 September 2025 in Braunschweig, Germany, hosted by Technische Universität Braunschweig. The event gathered 20 participants from across Europe, selected from 41 expressions of interest, to explore key research themes in ATM and foster collaboration among early-career researchers and professionals.

According to Thomas Feuerle, responsible for the organisation of the event: The Engage 2 Summer School 2025 in Braunschweig went very well from my perspective. We had more than 20 participants from all over Europe. The spirit was very open and we had many good discussions, not only after the presentations, but also within the different breaks or at the social event. The broad bandwidth of presentations clearly showed the complexity of the ATM system. I am very happy with the five intensive days, with the quality of the presentations, the engagement of the participants and the feedback I received so far.

The programme combined lectures from leading institutions – including TU Delft, the University of Trieste, the University of Westminster, TU Braunschweig, and EUROCONTROL – with presentations from PhD candidates, six of whom are directly involved in Engage 2. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, from modelling and simulation techniques to system-level challenges in ATM research.

Feedback collected from participants confirmed the high quality of the event’s content and organisation. The majority rated the overall experience, communication, and logistics between 4 and 5 out of 5, describing the Summer School as a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and build networks across the ATM research community. Participants particularly appreciated the diversity of topics and the openness of discussions, noting that the format encouraged active interaction and peer learning. Many expressed interest in attending future editions, highlighting the Summer School as a key event for knowledge sharing and professional growth in the field of ATM research.

Suggestions for future improvement included dedicating more time to hands-on sessions and practical case studies, alongside the existing mix of lectures and PhD presentations. The Summer School once again demonstrated Engage 2’s commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers and strengthening the links between academia, industry, and institutional stakeholders in the SESAR research framework.

Girls in Aviation Day 2025 will inspire the next generation

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

The 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day, an event hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI), is set to take place on September 20, 2025. This annual initiative is designed to introduce girls to the many career opportunities available in the aviation and aerospace industries.

Since its inception in 2015, Girls in Aviation Day has grown significantly, fostering a global community of young women and their mentors. The event is a key part of WAI’s mission to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and pilots.

In line with its commitment to fostering a more diverse and equitable industry, Engage 2 will be sharing news of this inspiring event. The project continues to place a strong emphasis on promoting equal opportunities and inclusiveness within the ATM and aviation research ecosystem. By highlighting events like Girls in Aviation Day, Engage 2 aims to support initiatives that encourage underrepresented groups to explore and pursue careers in aviation.

Some takeaways from the 2024 edition

The 10th annual Girls in Aviation Day, held on September 21, 2024, was a resounding success, setting new records for participation and global reach. Over 33,000 attendees participated in 194 events across 33 countries. The day’s events provided a wide range of engaging activities, from hands-on projects to career panels with female role models. This continued growth underscores the event’s crucial role in igniting excitement and curiosity in young participants as they explore the world of aviation and aerospace.

Engage 2 Summer School 2025 – Registration now open

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

Registrations are now open for the second edition of the Engage 2 Summer School, taking place from 22 to 26 September 2025 in Braunschweig, Germany. This training opportunity is designed for PhD students, early-career researchers and young professionals working in or studying ATM.

After a successful first edition in Belgrade, the 2025 Summer School will focus on key topics in ATM modelling and simulation, with expert-led sessions and hands-on activities.

For more information, visit the Wiki.

How to register

Link to registration form: https://forms.gle/8wxSydq6HhvYiV4z5

Deadline: 31 July 2025, 11:59 PM (CEST)

Participation is free of charge, but places are limited.

Please note: submitting the registration form is not a final confirmation of participation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Engage 2 PhD students are guaranteed admission.

What you will learn

Participants will explore a range of cutting-edge tools, methods, and applications, including

  • Agent-based fast time simulation in ATM
  • Mathematical programming techniques for modelling air traffic
  • Mercury simulation tool
  • BlueSky simulation tool
  • How synthetic data can support airline disruption management
  • Event-driven airport simulation

This Summer School provides a unique platform to enhance your technical skills, expand your professional network and engage with the European ATM research community.

Engage 2 Hackathon crowns its first champions in a thrilling tech sprint

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

On 24 and 25 March 2025, Madrid became the stage for a high-intensity coding marathon as Engage 2 brought together some of the brightest young minds in European aviation and data science for its first-ever hackathon. Hosted and organized by Innaxis, partner of Engage 2, the event challenged participants to develop innovative solutions to a complex problem in ATM. Watch the video below to see what happened, and keep reading to find out who the winners are!

In 24 hours the teams were capable of developing reliable models to solve a traditional problem for air traffic controllers at airports: predicting time to threshold of arriving aircraft. For the challenge, DataBeacon provided over 30GB of highly curated runway operations data collected near Madrid airport. Participants recognized the importance and relevance of data preparation and highlighted the motivation of working with real data in a real-world problem.

36 participants, divided into 11 teams, worked tirelessly in a two-day sprint of coding, strategy, and problem-solving. Each team tackled the challenge with their own innovative approach, pushing boundaries in technology and collaboration. The atmosphere was intense, fueled by creativity, teamwork, and a shared passion for innovation. Mentors and evaluators from DataBeacon, Frequentis and ARC were there to solve participants’ questions and guide them to reach the prizes, co-sponsored by SESAR and CANSO.

Paula López-Catalá, programme Director at Innaxis, shares her perspective. We are proud to have successfully organized this data hackathon, surpassing even our own expectations. Innaxis put a great effort into every detail, working proactively to ensure an outstanding result. We extend our gratitude to the sponsors, mentors, and evaluators who made this event possible, helping bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry professionals. For over 15 years, Innaxis has been at the forefront of promoting data-driven techniques in aviation, and this event represents yet another milestone in our journey. Attracting new talent is essential if we truly want the future of aviation to be digital, and this hackathon has been an excellent opportunity to foster that connection.

And the winners are…

After two days of intense competition, Los Modelos, a team of four students from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, emerged victorious. Their innovative solution secured them the first prize, which included an all-expenses-paid trip to Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, along with exclusive opportunities, such as a breakfast with industry CEOs and the chance to take the stage at Tomorrow’s Voices.

In a tight race for second place, the jury awarded a tie between FourOFour from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Runway Prophets from Delft University of Technology. Both runner-up teams received €500 in vouchers for online training platforms or other educational resources of their choice.

With fresh perspectives and bold ideas, the Engage 2 Hackathon proved that young talent is key to shaping the future of aviation. As the industry moves forward, initiatives like this ensure that the next generation is equipped to lead innovation in ATM.

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

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

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

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

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

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

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 Flasghip workshop in Rome to advace ATM collaboration

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

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

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

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.

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

Written by Serena Fabbrini on .

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.