BRU-Iscte marked its presence at Airspace World 2025, one of the most influential global gatherings for the airspace community, held in Lisbon (FIL) from 13 to 15 May. The event convened stakeholders from over 145 countries.

BRU-Iscte was represented through two EU-funded research projects: ImAFUSA and RefMap.
The ImAFUSA (Impact and Capacity Assessment Framework for U-space Societal Acceptance) project, funded by SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, was spotlighted during one of the “Walking Tours” organised by SESAR JU, titled “Paving the way for integrated drone operations in Europe”. Tour participants heard about the project’s impact and capacity framework and the tools developed by all partners to measure IAM impacts.

Coordinated by Sofia Kalakou, BRU integrated researcher, the project explores how innovative air mobility (IAM) can be responsibly and sustainably integrated into urban mobility matching air and ground transport planning and management.

Helena Almeida, BRU research assistant, presented ImAFUSA insights in a dedicated session, focusing on how immersive virtual reality is being leveraged to measure social acceptability, social acceptance and visual pollution in both urban and rural settings. Interactive VR demonstrations, expert Q&As, and open discussions made the ImAFUSA booth at the SESAR Europe for Aviation stand a dynamic hub of engagement throughout the event, supported by BRU research assistants Francisco Aniceto and Pedro Corte Real.

Soon we will share our new publications on the topic!

In parallel, the RefMap (Reducing Environmental Footprint through transformative Multi-scale Aviation Planning) project took centre stage at its own dedicated booth. BRU-Iscte leads a key task related to new aviation business models´ development reinforcing aviation´s commitment to socially responsible innovation.

The participation of BRU-Iscte in Airspace World highlights its contributions to sustainable aviation research and innovative air mobility integration. From immersive technologies to operations´ efficiency, BRU’s interdisciplinary work aligns with Europe’s ambition to shape a Digital and Green Sky.

“Our projects are not only about technology — they are about people, policy, and planet. Events like Airspace World allow us to elevate that conversation,” said Professor Sofia Kalakou.