Research

We have a long standing track record as a major academic research group in the field of wireless communications within Europe, and historically we have a unique research approach on both satellite as well as terrestrial mobile communication systems.

Our mission is to pursue relevant research with impacts whilst pushing the limits. Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli FREng, Head of the Institute for Communication Systems

Areas of research

Our research addresses all levels of communication systems as well as the key challenges in the development of a 5G, 5G+ and 6G infrastructure capable of providing connectivity for future technologies.

A fundamental aim is to use context – about users, services, networks and devices – to enable advanced communications capabilities that will provide an unparalleled user experience.

Artificial intelligence radio access networks (AI-RANs)

The aim of AI-RAN is to enable self-organising and intelligent management of radio access networks, optimising network performance while efficiently utilising limited resources. It orchestrates resources across diverse network nodes and technologies to meet the quality of service and experience requirements of all users. By leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data analytics, AI-RAN addresses the growing complexity of next-generation networks, enabling autonomous optimisation, predictive maintenance, and adaptive resource allocation.

Network intelligence and security

Our research focuses on two critical areas: Intelligent Network Control and Management and Security and Privacy in Future Communication Networks. In Intelligent Network Control and Management, we develop high-performance, flexible, and adaptive networking mechanisms that integrate AI-driven automation, multi-domain optimisation, and context-aware intelligence. In Security & Privacy, we address three key pillars: Fundamental Security Limits, Network and Communication Security, and Post-Quantum/Quantum-Safe Security.

New physical layer

We focus on air interface design for future wireless networks, targeting 5G+ and 6G systems with emphasis on ubiquitous coverage, massive connectivity, ultra-low latency, and green sustainability. We develop innovative solutions across non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA/SCMA), cell-free massive MIMO, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), mmWave and THz communications, and integrated communication, sensing and computing (ISAC). Our holistic approach prioritises overall system performance over isolated link-level gains, addressing the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, and capacity-approaching modulation and coding techniques. By combining advanced signal processing with RF co-design, we enable diverse next-generation services, from immersive XR and intelligent transport systems to holographic telepresence, evaluated through our 3GPP-compliant simulators for both terrestrial and satellite environments.

Quantum electromagnetics theory and practice

Our research pioneers next-generation electromagnetic and quantum technologies that will shape 6G and the future of global connectivity. We develop new ways for waves to interact with engineered materials and devices - from intelligent surfaces to quantum-enabled sensing and communication - while advancing antenna theory and channel modelling. Bringing together classical and quantum approaches, we create innovative solutions for industry and inspiring opportunities for students to achieve joint communication, computation, and sensing solutions. Our solutions grow from theoretical foundations into engineering practice, giving rise to radically new information technologies for terrestrial communication and non-terrestrial networks that are poised to flourish commercially.

Semantic and intelligent physical layer

The vision of this research is to deliver a transformative artificial intelligence and signal processing technology that can make a paradigm shift of wireless communication systems design from the conventionally hand-engineered approaches to AI-engineered (or AI-inspired) approaches. The aim is to develop novel AI technologies for TN and NTN system identification and adaptation, new modulation and coding, semantic token communications, new MIMO, new RF technology, cell-free massive MIMO, integrated sensing and communications, and quantum-grade wireless.

Wireless signal processing and computing architectures

This research pushes the boundaries of next-generation wireless systems by delivering practical, energy-efficient, and ultra-low-latency solutions that perform not only in theory but in demanding real-world environments. Sitting at the nexus of advanced signal processing, revolutionary computing architectures, and cutting-edge system-level design, our work bridges elegant mathematical principles with deployable, high-impact technologies. We develop aggressively non-orthogonal transmission strategies, including advanced MIMO and aggressive non-orthogonal multiple access schemes, and lead with a powerful non-linear processing framework that delivers transformative gains for both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. From traffic-aware energy-efficient RANs and neuromorphic-inspired architectures to breaking the device-to-satellite communication barrier, our research enables scalable, intelligent, and resilient 6G-and-beyond networks capable of supporting massive machine-type, AI-driven, and extreme-throughput communication demands.

Outputs

Explore our publications

Improving our impact

In order to improve the relevance and impact of our research work, we are members of key Standards Developing Organisations, and work with our industrial partners to contribute to and follow their activities:

Some of our staff are also members of: