Future Communications at the Edge

As communications ecosystems evolve, they must operate seamlessly from ultra‑small edge devices to large‑scale cloud infrastructures. With international 6G standards emerging, the focus is shifting from simply connecting people and devices to enabling pervasive, interconnected intelligence. Achieving this vision requires communications infrastructures that are secure, trustworthy, and sustainable.

This event will share the latest research from our UK Universities to explore how we shape and deliver secure connectivity, advanced network systems, and cloud integration.

This event is kindly hosted by University of Leeds. As part of this event, we have a limited capacity guided tour of their research labs, so early registration is advised.

Academic & Industry SIG events bring together universities and industry to share knowledge, strengthen research, support technological innovation, and develop future talent. They give academics and research students a platform to showcase current work and help companies understand the breadth of activity taking place across UK universities, fostering long‑term collaboration.

This event is free and open to all.

Agenda:

11.45am – 12.15pm
Optional Lab Tour

12pm – 1pm
Networking lunch with University Research Poster Boards

1pm – 1.15pm
Welcome from Host and Chair
Kevin Morris, University of Leeds

1.15pm – 1.45pm
Prof Julie McCann
Department of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London
Title to be confirmed

1.45pm – 2.15pm
Dr Syed Ali Raza Zaidi
Associate Professor of Communication and Sensing, School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds
Title to be confirmed

2.15pm – 2.45pm
Networking break with Research Poster Boards

2.50pm – 3.20pm
Nick Hunn
CTO, WiFore Consulting
Title to be confirmed

3.20pm – 3.50pm
Professor Tim O’Farrell
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield
Title to be confirmed

3.50pm – 4.25pm
Panel Session: Lab of the North
Speakers to be announced

4.25pm – 4.30pm
Closing remarks