Grant: Canada Research Chairs

As the telecommunication field is progressing from fifth generation (5G) to sixth generation (6G) research, Dr. Erol Kantarci aims to spearhead the development of cutting edge AI-enabled networks that will guide research directions in both academia and industry. During her second term as CRC in Artificial Intelligence-Enabled, Next-Generation Wireless Networks, she proposes a research program that will enable breakthrough techniques in 6G and edge computing platforms, delineate the parameters and standards for next-generation merged communication and computing infrastructures and advanced network architectures. Briefly, the objectives of the proposed CRC research program are to optimize the next-generation wireless networks and integrated edge computing platforms, to manage their complexity and make them trustworthy, privacy-preserving, sustainable and AI-enabled using data-driven approaches. As the telecommunication field is progressing from fifth generation (5G) to sixth generation (6G) research, and the cost and the size of computing platforms are shrinking, a merger of communication and computing infrastructure is emerging while bringing in a major need for trustworthiness, sustainability, AI-nativeness. Currently, 6G specifications are being discussed and within the timeframe of the proposed CRC program, we will see majority of 6G research become a part of standardization and technologies will be ready for field deployments in 2030. The goal of the proposed program is to handle the rapidly increasing complexity and increasing energy-consumption of wireless networks and edge computing platforms, by embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) into all the functionality and making 6G and trustworthy, privacy-preserving and sustainable. The renewed CRC program will enable Dr. Erol Kantarci to lead the development of cutting-edge next-generation networks. The HQP trained in this program will gain unique and fundamental skills in the interdisciplinary area of AI and communications, empowering them to adapt quickly to change and to thrive throughout a career in the high-tech industry or academia. This timely CRC program is building on uOttawa’s strength in information and communication technology (ICT) and computer science (CS) research which is reflected in the leading role given in the Strategic Areas of Development in Research plans of the university.