UCF Researcher Awarded NATO Grant to Lead AI-Powered Disaster Management Program 

ORLANDO, April 30, 2025—Bulent Soykan, Ph.D., an associate research scientist at the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training (IST), has received a grant from NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Program (SPS) to lead an eight-day high-level tutorial as part of NATO’s Advanced Study Institute in June 2025. The event will bring leading scientists, experts, and officials from NATO member states and partner countries to the Institute. 

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters present significant challenges to the safety and security of NATO member states and their partners. This event will focus on the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to enhance disaster management capabilities. Timely disaster detection is crucial for effective response and resilience. 

Attendees will gain hands-on experience building and deploying AI models through a curriculum covering theoretical foundations and practical applications. “By the end of the program, Dr. Soykan hopes participants will ‘Understand the fundamentals of AI and deep learning for disaster management.”  

NATO recognizes AI and deep learning as transformative tools for disaster management. AI can rapidly assess building damage and detect floods using satellite imagery. The program will combine case studies with hands-on training to ensure participants can apply the concepts learned. The event will also foster international collaboration and the exchange of best practices among NATO and partner nations. 

IST is a community of researchers and scholars dedicated to advancing innovative, human-centered interdisciplinary research in emerging technologies. Our students, faculty, staff, and partners’ research impact nearly every industry, creating vast growth opportunities. Our team is committed to uniting the strengths of the sector, defense, government, and academia to take on complex challenges and develop bold, impactful solutions. 

For more information, contact Jordan Marion at Jordan.marion@ucf.edu.

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