This document provides a synthesis of recent research studies that have been conducted in the last decade within several European projects from the 5th and 6th Framework Programmes. All these studies aimed at a better characterization of aircraft wake vortices and then at their subsequent control. In the latter case, the goal is to minimize the strength of such vortices in the far-field. At first, characterisation of wake vortex using complementary tools (testing facilities, flight tests, simulations and theory) will be briefly evoked. Secondly, information will be provided on the main principles for wake vortex alleviation. At last, results and then recommendations will be detailed from the considered practical approaches.