The GARS Junior Workshop 2025 (GARS25) brought together early-career researchers from around the world on 20–21 May at the Wissenschaftsforum Berlin. With innovative contributions on sustainability, business models, economics and regulation, as well as future aviation technologies, the event was accompanied by renowned experts from both academia and industry. The workshop was organised by the DLR Institute of Air Transport. With around 25 presentations – covering topics from the electrification of flight operations and infrastructure issues to political frameworks – the programme offered a broad thematic spectrum.
The GARS Junior Workshop 2025 (GARS25) brought together early-career researchers from around the world on 20–21 May at the Wissenschaftsforum Berlin. With innovative contributions on sustainability, business models, economics and regulation, as well as future aviation technologies, the event was accompanied by renowned experts from both academia and industry. The workshop was organised by the DLR Institute of Air Transport. With around 25 presentations – covering topics from the electrification of flight operations and infrastructure issues to political frameworks – the programme offered a broad thematic spectrum.
In the picture, front from left: Dr. Sven Maertens and Wolfgang Grimme, DLR Institute of Air Transport.
The GARS Junior Workshop 2025 (GARS25) brought together early-career researchers from around the world on 20–21 May at the Wissenschaftsforum Berlin. With innovative contributions on sustainability, business models, economics and regulation, as well as future aviation technologies, the event was accompanied by renowned experts from both academia and industry. The workshop was organised by the DLR Institute of Air Transport. With around 25 presentations – covering topics from the electrification of flight operations and infrastructure issues to political frameworks – the programme offered a broad thematic spectrum.
International GARS junior researcher workshop, featuring topics such as aviation economics
Research findings from Bachelor's, Master's and PhD theses
In-depth exchange with academic experts
Fresh Perspectives on the Future of Aviation
Two days, around 25 specialist contributions, and numerous forward-looking discussions: on 20 and 21 May 2025, the Wissenschaftsforum Berlin became a hub for the next generation of aviation researchers. The GARS Junior Workshop 2025 (GARS25), organised by the German Aviation Research Society (GARS) in cooperation with the DLR Institute of Air Transport, provided a platform for students and doctoral candidates from around the world to present their latest research – ranging from economic and operational questions to sustainability and technological development.
A Dialogue-Focused Format with Academic Depth
A key feature of the workshop is its interactive format: presentations are not only delivered but are also followed by in-depth discussions. Participants receive direct, constructive feedback and further input from experienced academic and industry experts. This intellectually stimulating yet supportive environment allows for critical evaluation and advancement of research projects within a realistic and encouraging setting.
Topics covered included strategies for the aviation market, emissions modelling at airports, infrastructure requirements for electric aviation, and financing models for sustainable development. In several presentation and poster sessions, participants shared robust analyses and creative solutions, illustrating the complexity and dynamism of current challenges in aviation research.
Research and Support
The DLR Institute of Air Transport was actively involved in the workshop programme. Maurice Timmer presented a scenario-based financial model for assessing sustainable airport development strategies – contributing to the question of how environmental and economic goals can be aligned.
In addition, Wolfgang Grimme, Dr. Alexander Lau, Dr. Sven Maertens, and Dr. Florian Wozny from the institute participated as discussants and expert reviewers. With methodological expertise and practical experience, they supported participants in refining their research approaches.
International – Networked – Future-Focused
The thematic and regional diversity of the workshop reflected its international scope. The contributions made clear that aviation research is already approached globally and across disciplines. The GARS Junior Workshop 2025 highlighted the importance of networking, knowledge exchange, and creative thinking for the future of air transport. The intensive dialogue not only enabled professional development but also fostered new academic connections across disciplines and borders.
Special thanks go to Ane Elixabete Ripoll-Zarraga (Autonomous University of Barcelona), who skilfully moderated the event and, with her expertise, highlighted key intersections between research and practice. We would also like to thank the GARS Chair, Professor Dr. Achim I. Czerny (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), for his dedicated support and contribution to the workshop's design and delivery.
