Prof. Qammer H. Abbasi

Integrated Sensing, Communication and Computing for Cognitive Cities

Future cities will require communication networks that go far beyond data connectivity, evolving into intelligent platforms capable of sensing, understanding, and interacting with the physical world in real time. This talk will explore the emerging convergence of integrated sensing, communication and computing as a foundational paradigm for enabling cognitive cities, where wireless infrastructure acts not only as a communication medium but also as a distributed perceptive and decision-making system.

A central focus of the talk will be on Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), an emerging technology that enables programmable control of electromagnetic wave propagation through software-defined metasurfaces. RIS offers a transformative approach for next-generation 6G systems by dynamically manipulating the amplitude, phase, and polarization of radio waves to improve communication, sensing, and localisation performance.

In communication networks, RIS enhances spectral and energy efficiency, extends coverage in Non-Line-of-Sight environments, and enables intelligent beamforming with very low hardware complexity and power consumption. Beyond communications, the talk will highlight how RIS-enabled integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems can support high-accuracy environmental perception and human-centric sensing, including real-time monitoring of heartbeat and respiration in challenging indoor and obstructed environments.

The integration of sensing and edge computing capabilities further enables context-aware and adaptive services for healthcare, mobility, smart homes, and urban infrastructure. Collectively, these technologies are paving the way toward sustainable, resilient, and intelligent wireless ecosystems capable of supporting the vision of cognitive cities.

• 6G
• Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
• Integrated Sensing and Communication
• Cognitive Cities

Biography

Prof. Qammer H. Abbasi is Professor of Applied Electromagnetics & Sensing at the James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. He is Theme Lead for the school's Connecting People priority, Founding Director of the Centre for Integrated Sensing, Communication and Computing for Cognitive Cities, a government advisor, and a member of the Scottish Science Advisory Council.

His grant portfolio exceeds £15 million. He has contributed to more than 500 international journal and peer-reviewed conference publications, including work in the Nature portfolio, and authored or contributed to 11 books. His recognitions include a UK Exceptional Talent endorsement by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Sensors 2021 Young Scientist Award, a university teaching excellence award, and the Scottish Muslim Innovator Award. His research has been featured by BBC News, Scotland TV, Fierce Wireless, The Engineer, and other media outlets.

Prof. Abbasi is an IEEE Senior Member and Chair of the IEEE APS/MTT UK, Ireland and Scotland Joint Chapter. He is an IEEE APS Distinguished Lecturer and Chair of the IEEE APS Young Professionals Committee.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and the European Alliance for Innovation. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts from 2022 to 2024 and an Industrial Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering from 2022 to 2023.