Muri foundations of dynamic certification for autonomy (24-000007413)

The Office of Naval Research awarded the University of Texas at Austin $1.28 million on October 1, 2025, under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.300) to fund foundational research on dynamic certification for autonomous systems through the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative. Work is performed in Texas and runs through September 30, 2028.

The MURI funds investigation into certification methodologies that enable real-time validation and adaptive assurance of autonomous system performance, supporting naval operations and decision-making in dynamic environments. UT Austin leads the research effort with five sub-recipients contributing specialized expertise: Stanford University (awarded January 23, 2026), Columbia University (January 7, 2026), the University of Virginia (January 6, 2026), Tufts University School of Medicine (December 17, 2025), and Iowa State University of Science and Technology (February 20, 2026). Each sub-recipient performs research in their respective domains aligned with the project's technical objectives, with coordination and oversight through the prime recipient at UT Austin.

This is a competitive research award resulting from peer scientific review. The Basic and Applied Scientific Research program supports research at educational institutions and non-profit organizations with potential to improve naval capabilities and operations.