IEEE International Workshop on Computer Aided Modeling and Design of Communication Links and Networks
6–8 November 2023 // Edinburgh, Scotland // Edinburgh Napier University

Keynotes

Keynote 1: Prof. Özgür Barış Akan, University of Cambridge, IEEE Fellow, Turing Fellow

Title: Internet of Everything (IoE) - From Molecules to the Universe

Date: November 6th, 2023
Time: 10.00-11.00
Abstract: Universe is a vast, but nevertheless connected, entity whose evolution is governed by the laws of physics. These rules give rise to recurrent patterns within the universe, e.g., light, electrons, molecules, living creatures, planets, galaxies, that are persistent carriers of information. These laws of physics serve at the same time as protocols of communication between these information carrying entities. Thus, our description of the universe can be regarded as a theory for an INTERconnected NETwork of EVERYTHING we perceive, i.e., Internet of Everything (IoE). In this regard, this vision of IoE, therefore, is that of connecting our already developed infrastructure to all the various entities we observe within this universe, ranging from molecules and cells within human body to the people and planets. The realisation of IoE, however, demands novel engineering solutions to overcome the unique connectivity, spectrum scarcity, miniaturization, interoperability, and energy-efficiency challenges. In this talk, first, the IoE vision will be introduced, and then, an overview of recent studies to address the fundamental challenges of IoE will be presented along with a discussion of future research directions. Emphasis will be given to the recently emerged ICT framework, Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT). State-of-the-art enabling technologies and challenges in implementing IoBNT will be discussed with an overview of ongoing work on nanoscale communication networks, bio-cyber interfaces, and molecular communications. A broader vision towards implementing the Internet of Energy Harvesting Things, Internet of People and Senses, Internet of Organoids, 6G Internet of Things, and Internet of Space will be explored along with potential applications and challenges.

Biography

Prof Akan received his Ph.D. from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, in May 2004. He is the Head of the Internet of Everything Group at the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK, where he conducts highly multidisciplinary theoretical and experimental research on bio/nano/molecular/wireless communications. He is also the AXA Chair Professor in Internet of Everything and Director of Center for neXt-generation Communications (CXC) at Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey. Prof. Akan is an IEEE Fellow, Turing Fellow, recipient of the European Research Council's (ERC) Consolidator Grant, ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant, AXA Chair Professorship, TUBITAK Science Award, IBM Faculty Award, IEEE Communications Society Outstanding Young Researcher Award, and numerous other awards. He is an IEEE Nanotechnology Council (NTC) Distinguished Lecturer and IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) Distinguished Lecturer. Prof Akan serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological and Multi-scale Communications, Scientific Reports (Nature), and Nano Communication Networks Journal (Elsevier). He has served as an editor for IEEE Transactions on Communications, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, IET Communications, IEEE Networking Letters, International Journal of Communication Systems (Wiley), European Transactions on Telecommunications, Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies (Wiley), and the Steering Committee Member for IEEE INFOCOM, General Chair for IEEE INFOCOM 2017, ACM MOBICOM 2012 and IEEE MONACOM 2012, and TPC Chair for various conferences including IEEE CAMAD 2014.

 

 

 

Keynote 2: Prof. Harald Haas, University of Strathclyde, IEEE Fellow

Title: Recent Advances in Light-Based Wireless Networking

Date: November 7th, 2023
Time: 10.00-11.00
Abstract: Security, energy efficiency, data density and aggregate data rates of up to 1 Tbps are some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) of 6G. The optical spectrum can meet these KPIs effectively. We will discuss existing challenges related to optical-to-electrical (OE) conversion efficiencies and explore system trade-offs arising from the inherent properties of light. Building on these insights, we will examine optical wireless systems capable of delivering aggregate data rates of 1 Tbps. Additionally, we will illustrate how photovoltaic cells can serve dual roles: as energy harvesters and as detectors for optical wireless signals at Gbps speeds, laying the groundwork for sustainable wireless networks. Furthermore, we will provide an overview of the newly established IEEE 802.11bb LiFi standard, discussing current challenges and future directions within the 6G landscape.

Biography

Professor Harald Haas received his PhD degree from The University of Edinburgh in 2001. He is a Distinguished Professor of Mobile Communications at the University of Strathclyde/Glasgow and the Director of the LiFi Research and Development Centre (LRDC). Prof Haas initiated and co-founded pureLiFi Ltd. and currently holds the position of Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).  Professor Haas will be the Van Eck Professor of Engineering at the University of Cambridge from 1 April 2024. He leads one of three new Telecoms Hubs on ‘Network of Networks’ in the UK, TITAN, which is a consortium of 16 universities. He has been listed as highly cited researcher by Clarivate/Web of Science since 2017. Prof. Haas has delivered two TED talks and one TEDx talk which have been watched online more than 5.5 million times. In 2016, he was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the International Solid State Lighting Alliance. Prof Haas was awarded a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award in 2017. In 2019 he received the IEEE Vehicular Society James Evans Avant Garde Award and the Enginuity The Connect Places Innovation Award in 2021. He was the recipient of a Humboldt Research Award for his research achievements to date in 2022. Prof Haas was shortlisted for the European Patent Office Inventor Award in 2023.

 

 

 

Keynote 3: Dr. Carol Marsh, OBE, VP of Institution of Engineering and Technology IET

Title: Tracking the Future

Date: November 8th, 2023
Time: 10.00-11.00
Abstract: What is an Electronically Scanned Phased Array Antenna and why is it important to Scotland? In this presentation, Dr Carol Marsh will introduce you to Celestia-UK, and explain the terminology and the plans for Space in Scotland.

Biography

Dr Carol Marsh is Head of Digital Systems at Celestia UK, expanding the digital systems capabilities for Electronically Scanned Gateways and Terminals which augment Celestia UK’s RF and antenna expertise. She has worked in the field of electronics for 40 years, specializing in programmable logic. She is a Trustee and Vice President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a Senior Member of the IEEE. Carol is an alumna of Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), receiving an HND with distinction in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 1985. Carol received the degree of Doctor of Engineering in System Level Integration from the Universities of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Heriot-Watt in 2011. In summer this year, 2023, Carol was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from ENU, where she is a Visiting Professor. A winner of several technology and diversity awards and an inductee in the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame, Carol is passionate about prompting engineering and in 2020 was awarded an OBE for Diversity and Inclusion in Electronic Engineering. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrons