Call for Proposals: IEEE AESS Challenge Problem II - Advancing Cybersecurity from Physical to Software Layers
The IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) is proud to announce an exciting opportunity for researchers and innovators: a call for proposals to develop the second AESS Challenge Problem, focused on the critical and timely topic of cybersecurity. This initiative is designed to spark innovation and collaboration across the AESS community by funding the development of a technically rigorous and practically relevant challenge problem.
Why Participate?
Cybersecurity threats span every layer of modern aerospace systems — from physical hardware vulnerabilities to complex software exploits. As these systems grow in complexity, so does the need for forward-looking research that bridges the gap between emerging technologies and robust security. This challenge problem will serve as a cornerstone for future solution development and will be featured in a special session at the 2026 International Carnahan Conference on Security Technology (ICCST). This is your chance to shape a problem that will define the next phase of cybersecurity innovation within AESS.
What We're Looking For
IEEE AESS invites proposals for the design and development of a cybersecurity challenge problem that:
- Addresses a narrowly defined, high-impact area within the field of cybersecurity
- Involves clearly measurable outcomes and performance metrics
- Encourages integration of AI/ML technologies or highlights cybersecurity risks in avionic systems
- Connects with the broader AESS themes of Glue Technologies and Avionic Systems
The selected proposal will receive up to $25,000 in funding for development, including support for hardware, software, and labor. The final deliverables will include:
- A problem description suitable for public release
- A working prototype or simulation software
- Evaluation metrics and test scenarios
- A technical report and a conference paper for ICCST 2026
Following the development of the challenge problem, four additional grants of up to $25,000 each will be awarded to investigators to develop and present solutions. These solutions will be showcased at a future IEEE AESS event.
Proposal Format
Proposals should be no longer than 10 pages (excluding biographical appendices) and must include:
- Abstract (250 words)
- Introduction & Motivation
- Technical Description
- Performance Metrics & Evaluation Plan
- Implementation Plan
- Milestone Schedule & Deliverables
- Anticipated Participants
- Key Investigator Biographies
- Budget Estimate
- References
Submission Instructions
Deadline to submit your proposal has been extended to September 10, 2025.
Submit your complete proposal by September 10, 2025, via email to:
Dale Blair – (Click to show email)
Victor Murray – (Click to show email)
Jeffrey Chavis – (Click to show email)
Candace Jay – (Click to show email)