Center for Air and Space Law brings industry, policy and emergency leaders together to advance UAS usage
by Marisa C. Atkinson
Drones are being used for more than package delivery and simple fun. In fact, they are making a big impact as a helpful tool in disaster recovery and saving lives.
First responders, policymakers, industry professionals and the public from across the country will gather at the University of Mississippi to discuss how drones can help save lives and provide critical information during disasters and emergencies.
The university’s Center for Air and Space Law will host its second Unmanned Aircraft System Symposium on March 2 in the Paul B. Johnson Commons Ballroom. The event will focus on “Unleashing UAS for Crisis Response and Disaster Relief.”
“Mississippians know the difference preparedness makes when natural disasters strike,” Senator Roger Wicker said. “As technology evolves, we should use the improvements to protect our citizens. Drone technology provides essential assistance during emergencies.
“I applaud the University of Mississippi for hosting this disaster preparedness conference, showcasing the innovators at work in the state.”
The symposium is organized in partnership with the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence and partially funded by the Federal Aviation Administration. It will involve panels, presentations and facilitated discussions, allowing participants to learn from industry experts.
“The symposium is designed to move beyond abstract discussions and focus on how drones are actually deployed in complex, high-pressure emergency environments,” said Michelle Hanlon, executive director of the Center for Air and Space Law. “We want participants to leave with a clearer understanding of what is possible today as well as what needs to change to make UAS an even more effective tool for crisis response.”
The event also highlights Mississippi’s growing role in data-driven emergency management and decision support.
“Mississippi has become a proving ground for how advanced analytics and autonomous systems can support public safety,” Hanlon said. “From research and testing to applied analytics, the work happening across the state at our universities and at companies like Camgian reflects how drones and related technologies are increasingly integrated into real-world emergency response.”
Recent events have underscored the urgency of these conversations.
“When Oxford experienced an ice storm earlier this year, we saw firsthand how quickly conditions can deteriorate and how difficult it can be to get timely, reliable information on what’s happening across a community,” said Allison Lewis, program director.
Attendees will learn about the legal and regulatory frameworks governing UAS integration into disaster response operations, how drone-collected data can be used to support emergency decision-making and how to balance innovation with safety, privacy and public trust. The program will also address emerging counter-UAS considerations, including how responders can identify, manage and mitigate unauthorized or unsafe drone activity in already complex and congested emergency airspace.
“Drones have the potential to give emergency managers immediate situational awareness, whether that’s identifying downed power lines, impassable roads or neighborhoods that need help first,” Lewis said. “This symposium is about learning how to use those tools responsibly, legally and effectively when every minute counts.”
To register or for sponsorship information, visit the symposium website.
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