Deadline Extended for Advancing the Future of Flight: A Call for Cybersecure and Resilient Avionics Solutions
As aviation systems become more autonomous, connected, and data-driven, they also become more vulnerable. From unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to next-generation avionics platforms, the need for robust cybersecurity and operational resilience has never been more urgent.
That’s why the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) has launched an exciting new initiative: a call for innovative solutions to one of the field’s most pressing challenges—Cybersecure and Resilient Avionics Operations.
Why This Matters
Modern aviation systems rely on tightly integrated digital networks—GPS for navigation, communication links for command and control, and AI-driven models for decision-making. While these advancements enable incredible capabilities, they also expand the attack surface for cyber threats.
Real-world incidents like GPS spoofing, signal jamming, and communication interference are no longer theoretical—they are active risks. In high-stakes environments, even a small vulnerability can cascade into system-wide failures.
The AESS initiative is designed to confront these challenges head-on by encouraging the development of practical, scalable, and real-world-ready solutions.
A Unique Opportunity for Innovators
Participants are not starting from scratch. AESS provides access to an open-source federated learning framework, complete with datasets, tools, and evaluation infrastructure. This shared foundation allows innovators to focus on what matters most: building impactful solutions.
Selected teams will receive funding (up to $25,000 per project) and the opportunity to present their work at leading IEEE conferences—bridging the gap between research and real-world application.
From Research to Real-World Impact
What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on practical implementation. Proposals are expected to go beyond theory and demonstrate measurable outcomes, scalability, and integration with real avionics or UAV systems.
The ultimate goal is clear:
To accelerate the development of technologies that make aviation systems safer, smarter, and more resilient in the face of evolving threats.
Key Dates to Know
Proposal Deadline: 15 May 2026 22 May 2026 (extended)
Selection Announcement: 1 June 2026 8 June 2026 (extended)
Funding Begins: 15 July 2026 22 July 2026 (extended)
Solution Delivery: 15 October 2026 22 October 2026 (extended)
Core Submission Requirements
Review Call for Proposals for Official Submission Requirements
1. Length & Format
- Maximum 5 pages (main proposal)
- 12-point font
- You can include bios in an appendix (not counted in page limit)
2. Required Sections
Your proposal must include:
Cover Letter - Title, selected challenge area, and authors
Abstract - Max 250 words
Introduction - Background + summary of your approach and why it’s innovative
Motivation - Why AESS should invest in your solution
Technical Description - Detailed explanation of your solution (with references)
Performance Metrics - How success will be measured (accuracy, cost, efficiency, etc.)
Implementation Plan - How you will build and test the solution
Milestones & Deliverables - Timeline + what you will deliver (e.g., software, report, presentation)
Anticipated Participants - Team members or contributors
Key Investigators - Brief bios of main contributors
Cost Estimate - Must be under $25,000
References - Supporting research
3. Technical Requirements
You must use the provided federated learning framework
Your solution should be:
- Proof-of-concept (working prototype)
- Measurable and testable
- Relevant to real-world avionics or UAV systems
4. Evaluation Criteria
Your proposal will be judged on:
- Alignment with AESS focus areas
- Fit with one of the challenge problems
- Likelihood of success
- Team expertise
- Real-world impact
- Clarity of solution and outcomes
5. Submission Details
Submit via email to Victor Murray at (Click to show email), Jeffery Chavis (Click to show email), and Candace Jay (Click to show email).
Include all required sections in one document