As drone usage continues to expand across industries, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has remained focused on safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace. Since 2013, the agency has developed several research programs to address regulatory, safety, and operational challenges posed by emerging drone technologies. Among the most significant is the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, commonly referred to as ASSURE. Established in 2015, ASSURE serves as the FAA’s designated Center of Excellence for UAS research.

The FAA created ASSURE in response to the growing need for reliable data and guidance around drone deployment in shared airspace. “Our mission is to safely integrate drones into the same airspace that already accommodates commercial, military, and general aviation aircraft,” the FAA states on its UAS integration page. “To do that, we need science-based research partnerships that bring together the best minds in academia, government, and industry.”

Led by Mississippi State University, ASSURE includes more than two dozen research institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Core members include prominent universities such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, North Carolina State University, Oregon State University, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of Kansas. The coalition also features international partners from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Israel, all working to address issues ranging from detect-and-avoid systems to air traffic control.

Recently, the University of Oklahoma (OU) announced it had officially joined the ASSURE consortium, becoming the latest institution to contribute to this critical research effort. “We are proud to be part of the ASSURE Center of Excellence,” said Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Partnerships at OU, John Antonio. “Our expertise in weather and radar systems is uniquely positioned to support the FAA’s mission of integrating UAS into the national airspace with safety and reliability.”

OU’s research portfolio aligns well with ASSURE’s current projects, particularly in the study of environmental factors affecting drone operations. Through its Advanced Radar Research Center and the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO), OU has gained international recognition for its expertise in meteorological modeling, radar technology, and severe storm tracking. These capabilities are expected to inform new methods for ensuring drone performance and pilot decision-making during adverse weather conditions.

According to the university, joining ASSURE will also enhance educational opportunities for students in aerospace engineering, meteorology, and data science. OU plans to integrate UAS-focused modules into its curriculum while expanding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in federally sponsored drone research. The partnership is also expected to bring in additional federal funding for infrastructure and equipment.

With more than 300 researchers contributing to over 60 research projects, the ASSURE program has already produced substantial results. These include safety protocols for drone package delivery, recommendations on remote ID systems, and detailed analyses of drone collision risks. OU’s contributions are expected to support emerging research themes such as autonomous flight, communication reliability in severe weather, and drone deployment in emergency response. “ASSURE has been the FAA’s centerpiece for researching the safe integration of UAS for nearly a decade,” said OU Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Tomás Díaz de la Rubia. “Our inclusion in this elite network signals confidence in OU’s research capacity and its relevance to national priorities.”

The FAA’s partnership with universities through ASSURE represents a long-term investment in data-driven decision-making. Rather than relying solely on industry testing, the FAA leverages peer-reviewed research and independent validation to inform its drone policy. As drone use continues to grow, from precision agriculture and infrastructure inspection to public safety and disaster relief, so too does the need for robust safety standards.

OU’s addition to ASSURE not only affirms the university’s national standing in UAS research but also reflects a broader trend of academic institutions playing a central role in shaping the future of unmanned aviation. As part of ASSURE, OU will help answer some of the most pressing questions facing the FAA today. As ASSURE continues to guide the FAA’s research and policy efforts, the addition of institutions like OU strengthens the program’s ability to address the complex challenges of airspace integration. With its proven expertise in radar and weather systems, OU brings unique capabilities at a time when drone innovation is rapidly advancing.

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