Agency Research Team (ART) number 1

The first EUROCONTROL Agency Research Team meeting took place on 23rd January 2012 at EUROCONTROL Headquarters, drawing some 70 experts from across Europe and from within the industry to take stock of relevant developments in European ATM research. The purpose of the Agency Research Team (ART) is to advise the Agency on the strategic orientations, subject matter and co-operation with third countries for related research.

The ART will help the Agency to maintain a strategic overview of research within the context of its responsibilities, and in particular its contribution(s) to the SESAR programme and ACARE initiatives to address the Flightpath 2050 challenges, ensuring convergence of initiatives, delivery of results and non-duplication of resources.

The ART is also a forum for exchange to support awareness between the different interested parties, including the identification of complementarities, duplication of work and gaps requiring further coordination and actions when appropriate.

The Agency extended invitations to the European Commission, the SESAR Joint Undertaking, International Associations, Academia, Airlines, Civil Aviation Authorities, Air Navigation Service Providers, Research Institutes and Industry as well as other Organisations with a strong interest in ATM related research.

Following a presentation of the ACARE preparations for the future Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), the European Commission provided its own perspective for research before the EUROCONTROL contribution to the SESAR JU was presented.

The ART meeting can be seen as an excellent omen for 2012 and a confirmation that the Air Transport community is clearly focused on research.