Congratulations on being chosen as a member of the Global Young Academy, could you tell us more about this selection?
Each year, around 45 individuals worldwide, across various sectors, are picked for their prowess to join the Global Young Academy, and I will begin in May. The academy is a cross-disciplinary community where we all learn about assorted sectors from each other. This is crucial for forming partnerships and consortiums for future research projects that tackle issues and provide solutions.
Could you share more about your research focus?
My research is also about connections but in the context of technology. I am examining wireless technologies like 5G and 6G as well as AI to understand how they can be used in different sectors and applications.
Could you perhaps offer some instances of applications?
We are increasingly requiring speedy wireless connections for uses such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries. In these scenarios, it’s essential to decrease the time delay or latency between the infrastructure and connected devices so that the technology reacts promptly, whether it’s for sensing road conditions or operating surgical equipment remotely. This calls for precise synchronisation and ultra-low latency. There are countless applications that will require these synchronised ultra-fast connections.
How did you develop a fascination for communication networks and wireless technologies?
I was raised in a village in southern Pakistan where I decided to pursue Electronics. We had a semester focused on wireless electronics and I was captivated by its potential, as a result, I completed my Masters in Electronics in Pakistan. I then received funding from the EU to earn my PhD in Milan, Italy. My research on 5G communication networks at one of the world’s leading engineering institutes represented a significant milestone in my life.
When did you decide to move to Ireland?
In 2019, I started working at Connect, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications based at Trinity College Dublin. I spent about a year there focusing on the application of blockchain-enabled network slicing for 5G networks. I then moved to MTU in Cork as a senior researcher where I examined the use of smart contracts to automate industrial supply chains.
You’re a member of several journal editorial boards, can you tell us why you’ve decided to take on this role?
Contributing voluntarily involves investing a considerable amount of time, yet it offers opportunities to establish relationships and extend your global network and knowledge base. As a researcher, I believe it’s essential to reciprocate to society and play a role in sharing the results of various studies.
What kind of support do you seek for budding researchers?
I advocate for increased backing for upcoming researchers. The European funding holds paramount significance for both researchers and faculty staff, though it is considerably competitive, making it challenging for researchers at the nascent stages to secure funds.
I would appreciate if funding applications included policies that require at least one early-stage researcher in every successful cohort. This would enable researchers to accrue relevant experience, create valuable contacts and understand how the funding mechanism operates. It would also potentially encourage researchers to apply for significant funding proposals.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of research?
Outside my research domain, my family, particularly my children, keep me engaged and inspired. I also enjoy indulging in stand-up comedy whenever I find the time. It serves as a means to unwind.