Systems and methods are disclosed that disinfect a populated venue/space in real-time by autonomously employing directed disinfecting light/radiation. One embodiment comprises an ultraviolet (UV) light source which may comprise coherent and incoherent light sources that disinfect surfaces of pathogens; a set of sensors collecting data correlating to characteristics of a plurality of objects and events in the space; a controller that receives data from the set of sensors; identifies areas to be disinfected; identifies whether the UV light source has a clear line-of-sight path to irradiate the area; and sends control signals to the light source to control the application of disinfecting light to areas in the space.