2027 Academic Award for Drone Studies

In times of major geopolitical challenges, the issues of European security and sovereignty are of strategic relevance in both national and international considerations and decision-making. In this context, the further development of technological capabilities – drones and drone safety in particular – is of special significance.

Drone technologies are rapidly transforming a wide range of sectors, from mobility, logistics and infrastructure to agriculture, environmental monitoring and emergency response. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, sensor technologies and data analytics are opening up entirely new possibilities for the development and application of unmanned aerial systems.

Against this background, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, the Franco-German University (FGU) and the research group COMTESSA from the University of the Bundeswehr Munich are launching the 2027 Academic Award for Drone Studies to recognize outstanding academic work contributing to the future development and application of drone technologies.

The award aims to encourage graduates and young researchers to explore the potential of drones from different scientific and disciplinary perspectives. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative, interdisciplinary and application-oriented approaches that contribute to technological progress as well as to the responsible and beneficial use of drone technologies.

The prize is worth €1,500 and will be awarded for an outstanding Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD thesis completed at a higher education institution in Europe.

Fields: Engineering and technology; computer science and artificial intelligence; natural sciences; environmental sciences; economics and social sciences; and related disciplines.

Topics: Drone technologies; unmanned aerial systems; autonomous flight; artificial intelligence and robotics; drone applications; sensing and data analysis; safety and regulation; sustainability; and other innovative interdisciplinary applications involving drones.

Further Information: Drone_Prize_2027_CallForApplications.pdf