An information day took place in Brussels on 22 March to present the recently-launched  third Call for Proposals for SESAR 2020 Exploratory Research and the first for Very Large Scale Demonstration projects, under the umbrella of the EU’s Horizon 2020 Research Framework Programme. The event brought together representatives from research Centres, SMEs, universities, industry and/or organisations meeting Horizon 2020 eligibility criteria that have the capability to carry out ATM-related research activities.

Launched by the SESAR Joint Undertaking, the call covers a wide range of topics aimed at boosting the performance of aviation in Europe. A total of EUR 28 million is earmarked for the research from the EU’s Horizon 2020 budget.

The information day provided an overview of the SESAR 2020 Programme, focusing on the Exploratory Research and Very Large Scale Demonstration strands and the areas covered by the call. The information day was also an opportunity for would-be applicants to find out more about the Horizon 2020 eligibility and evaluation criteria and programme management.