# REU Site: Trustworthy AI and Security for Intelligent Vehicles and Transportation Systems

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Alabama Tuscaloosa (AL) · $415,000

## Abstract

This project offers a renewed Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site at The University of Alabama (UA) focused on trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity for intelligent vehicles and transportation systems. Intelligent transportation technologies are rapidly transforming mobility by improving safety, efficiency, and accessibility; however, they also introduce new vulnerabilities related to adversarial AI, insecure communication, and human interaction with automation. The project's novelties are the integration of AI, cybersecurity, and human factors research within a unified undergraduate research environment centered on real world transportation systems. The project's broader significance and importance are in advancing secure and trustworthy mobility systems while preparing a skilled workforce capable of addressing emerging challenges posed by automation and connectivity in intelligent vehicles and transportation systems.

The project engages undergraduate students from multiple disciplines, such as computer science, transportation systems engineering, and psychology in multidisciplinary research on trustworthy AI and cybersecurity for intelligent vehicles and transportation systems. Students participate in hands-on research using advanced experimental platforms, including driving simulators, sensing systems, and AI tools, while receiving structured mentoring and professional development. All recruitment, outreach, and participation activities are open to all eligible U.S. students. The project introduces practical innovations and mechanisms to address security, resilience, and trust challenges in intelligent transportation systems, including secure and resilient navigation, robust AI-driven decision-making under adversarial conditions, and enhanced human-AI interaction for safer mobility. Expected outcomes include new algorithms, datasets, and prototype systems that enhance the resilience and safety of intelligent transportation s

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2548476
- **Awardee organization:** University of Alabama Tuscaloosa (AL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RCNJEHZ83EV6
- **PI:** Ahmad Alsharif
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, REU SITE-Res Exp for Ugrd Site
- **Estimated total:** $415,000
- **Funds obligated:** $415,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 05/15/2026 → 04/30/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2548476

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2548476, REU Site: Trustworthy AI and Security for Intelligent Vehicles and Transportation Systems. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-30 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2548476. Licensed CC0.

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