Prof. Maziar Nekovee, University of Sussex - Communication systems
Date: - Location: Eurecom
Abstract: In an era of digital transformation and energy transition, innovative solutions linking telecommunications and power systems are critical. This talk will explore how AI controlled Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) can enhance telecom resilience while helping national grids manage increasing wind and solar generation. By dynamically aggregating distributed energy resources and using AI driven, intent based control strategies, VPPs provide greater stability and flexibility for both networks and grids. This approach builds on the BEACON project, a UK DSIT-funded collaboration led by the University of Sussex 6G Lab with Honda R&D Europe and SUTD’s Future Communications Connectivity Lab, which is creating an AI-enabled, intent-driven connectivity framework that exposes advanced RAN and core capabilities via programmable APIs, enabling real-time, energy-adaptive services over beyond-5G/6G networks. Short bio: Maziar Nekovee is Professor of Future Network and AI and Head of the Centre for Advanced Communications, Mobile Technology, and IoT at the University of Sussex, UK. His research focuses on beyond-5G/6G mobile networks and AI applications in telecommunications. He chairs working groups in European and UK forums, including NetWorldEurope and the UK Telecoms Innovation Network, helping shape industry-academia consensus on future network technologies. Before academia, he led Samsung’s European 5G Research and Collaborations (2013–2017) and was a senior scientist at BT Research and Innovation. Maziar holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Nijmegen and an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree from Delft University of Technology. He has authored 200+ highly cited publications, one book, and holds 23 patents. His work has been recognized with the Royal Society (UK Academy of Science) Industry Fellowship, BT Innovation Award, and Samsung Electronics Best Practice of Research Award.
