ImAFUSA in Engage 2 Winter School

Even in this age of remote learning and seemingly infinite information available at the swipe of a screen, there is still no substitute for researchers and experts coming together, sharing knowledge and forging connections in person.

That is one key takeaway from the Engage 2 Winter School held in January in Belgrade, in which researchers from the ImAFUSA project participated. Aside from learning directly from experts on a range of topics related to the future of European aviation and air traffic management, the ImAFUSA researchers were also able to share the project’s aims and findings with their peers.

The formal sessions were complemented by more relaxed networking opportunities fostering connections and a collegial and productive atmosphere.

Engage 2 Winter School: A Hub for Aviation Innovation

A SESAR JU initiative, the Engage 2 Winter School was a five-day intensive training program aiming to support the academic growth of PhD students funded through the Engage 2 program, as well as other students and researchers in fields such as Air Traffic Management (ATM), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Innovative Air Mobility (IAM).

Hosted at Belgrade’s Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, the event expanded on the legacy of its predecessor, Engage KTN.

The dynamic program offered participants the opportunity to:

• Explore critical challenges in ATM and IAM, addressing key issues shaping the future of aviation.

• Master advanced research methodologies through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions.

• Gain insights into open-source tools and open-science methodologies, promoting transparency and collaboration in research.

• Develop skills in data analytics, machine learning, and performance modeling, leveraging advanced tools for aviation research.

• Understand the complexities of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) infrastructure, including vertiport design and operational challenges.

• Examine future concepts and the role of data in aviation and ATM, identifying essential sources for informed decision-making.

Network effects and ImAFUSA

Among those selected for participation in the Engage 2 Winter School were researcher and project manager Thanos Arvanitidis from Future Needs and fellow ImAFUSA researcher and PhD student Helena Almeida of Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon.

Thanos Arvanitidis (left) and Helena Almeida of ImAFUSA at the Engage 2 Winter School

Peer-to-peer learning formed a key part of the Winter School with participating postgraduates invited to present their research to their fellow students. Almeida was able to present her PhD research on the social acceptance of UAM which forms part of the ImAFUSA project.

“This allowed attendees to learn about our work in the ImAFUSA project, and engage in a more general discussion of the importance of analysing social acceptance of innovative mobility systems alongside other forms of research,” Almeida said.

For his part, Arvanitidis highlighted how the intensive training programme was made particularly impactful by the high calibre of lecturers and experts, and the ability to openly engage with them in both formal and more relaxed settings such as an evening networking event under the iconic Saint Sava Orthodox Church.

“The experience extended far beyond the lectures and presentations, creating an engaging and collaborative environment that truly defined the Winter School. The friendly and open atmosphere encouraged participants to not only exchange ideas but also build genuine connections with fellow researchers, industry experts, and presenters,” Arvanitidis said.

Building on the success of the Winter School, Engage 2 is already planning the next iteration: a Summer School that will take place in Braunschweig, Germany, during the last week of September 2025.

Authored by: Pavlos Zafiropoulos, Dissemination and Communication Leader, Future Needs in collaboration with Thanos Arvanitidis (Future Needs) and Helena Almeida (ISCTE).