The final exam is optional if requested by the Doctoral Schools for credit recognition.
Students are requested to notify the need to have it.

George C. Alexandropoulos Department of Informatics and Telecommunications
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (GR)

Title: XL MIMO for integrated sensing, communications, and over-the-air computing

Abstract. The seminar will cover the latest advances in the physical-layer technology of the eXtremely Large (XL) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, giving emphasis on the emerging generic tri-hybrid transceiver architecture offering signal processing capabilities both in the digital and analog domains, as well as over-the-air via direct manipulation of the electromagnetic waves. Information processing schemes and system models and architectures enabling energy- and cost-efficient multi-user wireless communications and monostatic and bistatic sensing, as well as their simultaneous realization will be discussed. In addition, example optimizations of point-to-point and distributed XL MIMO systems for over-the-air learning tasks will be detailed. The talk will be concluded with a list of novel perspectives and future directions for XL-MIMO-based integrated sensing, communications, and computing in 6G, and beyond, wireless networks.

Emilio Calvanese Strinati Director International Research Programs
CEA Leti (FR)

Title: Secrets of Semantic Communications in the Era of 6G Networked Intelligence

Abstract. 6G is expected to revolutionize AI, making it less artificial by seamlessly connecting the biological world and AI, thereby bridging the gaps between physical, cyber (digital) and sapience spaces. Simultaneously, AI will advance semantic cognition, understanding, and reasoning, driving the evolution of self-synthesizing networks and fully autonomous network management.

This talk explores latest breakthroughs and emerging trends in AI-enabled Semantic Communications within 6G and beyond, a paradigm shift that will define the next generation of intelligent, adaptive, and autonomous systems.

In sharp contrast with 5G, in which signal transmission for raw data is optimized to transport data without considering its relevance or informativeness for the recipient, semantic-native communications are designed to connect intelligence, infer, reason, actuate and control. The goal is to share less while understanding more, unlocking greater efficiency while enabling AI agents to make informed decisions, reason about causality, and distinguish correlation from causation.

The talk will conclude by discussing recent research advancements and identified challenges, drawing insights from ongoing academic and industry initiatives, including 6G-GOALS, 6G-DISAC, and 6G-ARROW projects.

Paolo Di Lorenzo Dept. of Information Engineering, Electronics, and Telecommunications
Sapienza University of Rome (IT)

Title: From Data to Understanding: Semantic Communication for AI-Native 6G

Abstract: In the race toward 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are poised to revolutionize wireless communication, transforming it into an intelligent system that senses, stores, exchanges, and processes data with unparalleled efficiency. However, the sheer scale of data generated by these networks presents significant challenges for traditional communication paradigms, which are increasingly constrained by energy consumption, wireless capacity, and hardware limitations nearing their thresholds. This talk presents a vision to overcome these challenges through the adoption of semantic and goal-oriented communication. It begins with an exploration of connect-compute AI-driven services, emphasizing the trade-offs between communication, computation, and learning. Building on this foundation, the discussion will focus on advanced approaches for task-oriented semantic extraction from data, highlighting: (i) goal-oriented information bottleneck techniques, (ii) topological signal processing methodologies, (iii) token communication strategies tailored for AI-native systems, (iv) generative AI-based semantic communication, (v) over-the-air semantic extraction via stacked intelligent metasurfaces, and (vi) AI-driven network resource management. Additionally, we will address the critical challenge of semantic mismatch—how AI agents with different internal representations can effectively communicate, achieve mutual understanding, and collaborate on complex tasks. We will demonstrate that semantic alignment is essential in the context of structural causal models (SCMs), which facilitate multi-resolution analysis of complex systems. Specifically, we will introduce a causal abstraction method based on the semantic embedding principle, enabling seamless mapping of causal knowledge between SCMs while preserving essential information. By aligning goals, semantics, and causality, we chart a path toward more efficient, intelligent, and collaborative communication in next-generation networks.

Marco Di Renzo CNRS & AMP
CentraleSupélec (France) and King’s College London (UK)

Title: Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces Communication, Computing and Sensing in the Wave Domain

Abstract. Next-generation wireless networks are expected to utilize the limited radio frequency resources more efficiently with the aid of intelligent transceivers. In this talk, we propose a recent transceiver architecture that relies on stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIM). An SIM is constructed by stacking an array of programmable metasurface layers, where each layer consists of a massive number of simple meta-atoms that individually manipulate the  electromagnetic waves. We provide an overview of SIM-aided MIMO transceivers, including their novelty, hardware architecture, and potential benefits over state-of-the-art solutions for communication, sensing and computing applications.

Harald Haas Van Eck Professor of Engineering
University of Cambridge (UK)

Title: Optical Wireless Technologies, Systems and Applications

Abstract. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to optical wireless communications. The curriculum presents a taxonomy for optical wireless systems and elaborates on the key distinctions between Free-Space Optical (FSO) outdoor point-to-point data links and the emerging field of optical wireless mobile multiuser communications. It explores essential technologies and inherent limitations, such as the conservation of étendue and optical passband shift.Participants will gain insights into key system components, including optical sources, detectors (such as photovoltaic cells), and both imaging and non-imaging optics. The course also covers physical layer technologies, including angular diversity receivers, multicarrier and spatial modulation, and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Further topics include multiuser access, multi-beam transmission systems, and co-channel interference management, with an emphasis on their foundational role in various optical wireless systems. The course also demonstrates the capability of optical wireless networks to function as indoor location and position sensors. Additionally, it introduces Optical Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) as an innovative approach to enhance indoor coverage and improve link resilience against random obstructions. The programme concludes with an overview of the recently released IEEE 802.11bb LiFi standard and its key applications, offering a glimpse into the future of optical wireless communications within the context of the emerging 6G standard.

Jakob Hoydis Distinguished Research Scientist
NVIDIA

Title: Digital Twins for Communications: The Road Ahead

Abstract. A possible vision for 6G networks is that they are able to autonomously specialize to the radio environment in which they are deployed. Three key technologies are needed to make this happen, namely software-defined RAN, machine learning, and digital twins (DTs). I will provide an overview of these topics and discuss several related problems, such as planar mesh reconstruction, ray tracer calibration, as well as the development of neural networks operating at physical layer inference speeds. 

Tommaso Melodia Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things
Northeastern University (USA)

Title: Open 6G: Orchestration, Automation, Conflict Management, and Explainability in nextG Wireless Systems

Abstract: This talk will present an overview of recent work in the Open6G center laying the basic architectural and algorithmic principles for new approaches to designing open, programmable, AI-powered, and virtualized next-generation cellular networks. We will discuss a forward-looking agenda aimed at developing programmable testbeds enabling 6G research in networked intelligence. We will then cover research challenges and recent progress in architectural design, intelligence orchestration, conflict avoidance, and explainability.

Luca Sanguinetti Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione
University of Pisa (IT)

Title: TOWARDS 6G: FROM LARGE-SCALE TO CELL-FREE MIMO

Abstract: Massive MIMO has become a key technology in 5G, with fully digital 64-antenna base stations now widely deployed. Rather than relying on more spectrum or power, it leverages spatial resources to improve efficiency. As we move toward 6G, MIMO systems are expected to scale further—either by dramatically increasingthe number of antennas (such as in the Gigantic / Holographic / XL MIMO paradigms) or through joint coordinated processing of geographically distributed antenna systems (such as in the User-Centric Cell-free Massive MIMO paradigm). Achieving this vision demands scalable, low-complexity solutions that address computational and fronthaul constraints. This tutorial explores the fundamentals and future of extremely large-scale MIMO, beginning with a review of 5G Massive MIMO and its limitations. We then focus on Cell-Free Massive MIMO as a framework for studying scalability, introducing key architectures, signal processing techniques, and decentralized algorithms that enable efficient, large-scale deployments. The session highlights how these methods can pave the way for next-generation MIMO systems in 6G.

Lorenzo Vangelista Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione
University of Padova (IT)

Title: The European regulation of Artificial Intelligence and the related standards

Abstract. The aim of the talk is to present the latest developments in EU Regulations (namely, the AI Act) and related standards produced or under development by CEN and CENELEC. The talk begins with a short overview of the basics of the EU legislative process and framework for technical standards. The role of the so-called Harmonized Standards is highlighted in view of the presumption of conformity to EU legislation and the introduction of products and services in the EU market. Special focus is given to the recently approved EU AI Act, which lays the foundations for the regulation of AI in the EU. The interplay between the EU AI Act and the telecommunications industry and research are discussed, considering that 6G networks are going to be “AI native.” A few open questions regarding the challenges faced by network operators in the application of AI in telecommunications networks are discussed.

Michele Zorzi Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione
University of Padova (IT)

Title: Non-Terrestrial Networks in the 6G Era: Challenges, Opportunities, Technologies, and Trends

Abstract. Many organizations recognize non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) as a key component to provide cost-effective and high-capacity connectivity in future 6th generation (6G) wireless networks. Despite this premise, there are still many questions to be answered for proper network design, including those associated with latency and coverage constraints. In this talk, after reviewing research activities on NTNs, we present the characteristics and enabling technologies of NTNs in the 6G landscape (with a focus on architecture, spectrum, and antenna advancements in the air/space design), and shed light on the challenges in the field that are still open for future research. As a case study, we evaluate the potential of multi-layered hierarchical networks, i.e., the orchestration among different aerial/space platforms, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), and satellites co-operating at different altitudes, and provide guidelines on the optimal working point(s) for which it is possible to achieve a good compromise between improved system flexibility and network performance, with respect to a baseline standalone deployment. We also discuss the feasibility of configuring UAVs and satellites to operate in the millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, and the research challenges associated with this design.

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