HFES TTG Student Competition: Human-Centered AI in Training

Each year, this competition highlights an emerging topic influencing the future of training, learning, and human performance. This year’s competition focuses on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in training systems and the importance of designing AI technologies that support effective, ethical, and human-centered learning experiences.

We invite undergraduate and graduate students to critically examine how AI may shape the future of training across domains such as aviation, healthcare, education, military operations, transportation, industry, and beyond.

Competition Overview:
Participants will submit a written analysis exploring an AI-related topic connected to training. Submissions should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI-supported training systems, with particular emphasis on human factors principles.
Example topics may include, but are not limited to:

• AI-driven adaptive learning systems

• AI-assisted simulation training

• Trust and reliance in AI-supported learning

• AI applications in aviation, healthcare, military, or industrial training

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Submission Requirements:

• 750–1000-word analysis that addresses your chosen topic.

• Description of the selected AI application or concept

• Discuss potential benefits and limitations

• Examine relevant human factors considerations

• Incorporate at least one human factors theory, principle, or research finding

• Include recommendations for effective human-centered design

• Reference at least three scholarly sources

• Submissions due August 31, 2026.

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AI Disclaimer:
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI tool in your research or writing, you must include a disclaimer at the end of your submission specifying how the tool was used (e.g., for idea generation, editing, or drafting). The statement should be placed in a section entitled “Declaration of Large Language Models, Generative AI, and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Writing Process.”
Example AI Disclaimer: During the writing of this work, the author(s) utilized [NAME TOOL / SERVICE] to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the paper.
This declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, and references. If there is nothing to disclose, no statement is necessary.

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Eligibility:
The competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

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The Winner will receive:

• $100 Monetary Award

• Free 2026 HFES Student Affiliate Membership + TTG Membership ($40 value)

• Certificate of Excellence

• Feature in TTG newsletter and media channels

For questions or further details contact John Kleber- kleberj@erau.edu

 

 

Best Student Research Proposal

The HFES Training Technical Group (TTG) is calling for entries to its annual Best Student Research Proposal. The winning proposal will receive $599 to defray the costs of conducting the research (e.g., materials or equipment, research participant payments) and attending this or next year's (i.e., the 2026 or 2027 meeting) HFES Annual Meeting. The winner will be asked to give a brief presentation at this year's (2026) TTG business meeting to introduce their project to the TG. They will be asked to submit a final report on the progress and outcome of the research project at next year's (2027) TTG business meeting.

Requirements

To compete for the award, students should submit a proposal that includes the following:

• Cover letter (Include name, current mailing and email addresses, names of others involved in the project, and university affiliation).

• A proposal narrative that explains the basis of the research, the questions that the research will explore, and the methods that will be employed to gather and analyze the data. The narrative should clarify the knowledge gap that the research will fill and how it will do so. (No longer than three pages).

• References may be included and will not count against the three-page limit.

• A budget (No longer than 1 page) that illustrates how the student will use the award to support the research. Students can use award funds for two purposes. First, students can use the funds to defray the cost of the research (e.g., material or recruitment costs). Second, students can use the funds to defray the costs of attending the 2026 or 2027 HFES annual meeting. At that meeting, the winner will be asked to provide the TTG with an update on the supported research.

• A signed and scanned letter of support from the individual who will supervise the research. The letter should indicate the supervisor's confidence that the research plan is sound and that the student can execute it.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for the Best Student Research Proposal award, please send your complete application package (cover letter, narrative, references, budget, and letter of support compiled into a single PDF) to the TTG Awards Chair, Md Shafiqul Islam (shafiqul@illinois.edu), no later than Monday, June 15, 2026. The winner will be notified in August and announced during the HFES annual meeting or TTG business meeting.

 

The winner will be notified in August and announced during the HFES annual meeting or TTG business meeting.