Keynote Lectures
Keynote — AI-driven Networks, Architectures and Platforms for Advanced Energy Services
Alessandro Vizzarri, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
Abstract:
The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by decentralization, electrification, and sustainability goals. In this context, AI-driven networks, architectures, and digital platforms are emerging as key enablers for a new generation of advanced energy services, capable of operating at scale, in real time, and across highly heterogeneous infrastructures.
This talk explores how artificial intelligence can be deeply embedded into communication networks, edge–cloud architectures, and service platforms to support intelligent energy systems, from smart grids and distributed energy resources to prosumers, electric mobility, and energy communities.
Biography
Dr. Alessandro Vizzarri received a degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Bologna, a PhD in Telecommunication Engineering and Microelectronics from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, and a post-lauream diploma from the Superior Institute of Communication (Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Rome). He is a Professor in Telecommunications at the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy).
He is/was a Manager Consultant for vendor, manufacturing, and consultancy companies operating in the ICT market, in particular wireless networks (UMTS/HSPA, LTE, WiFi,..), Broadcast Networks (DVB-S/T/H), Digital Transmissions, Project Management, Business Management. He is/was a Senior Project Manager in several research projects on ICT technologies at European and international levels.
His research interests include Wireless (5G/BY5G/6G), Non-Terrestrial (LEO/HAPS/UAV) and Broadcast Networks, Radio Network Planning, O-RAN, QoS/QoE, interoperability, Goal-oriented Semantic Networks, Blockchain and Web3 Security, Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship, Regulation and Standardization.
He is President of the Italian Association of Telecommunication Engineers (AICT) and a member of the Order of Engineers in Rome (Italy). He was the Professional & Career Activities Coordinator at the IEEE Italy Section.
Keynote — Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): A Massive Infrastructure in Space and Near-Space for Connectivity and Beyond
Halim Yanikomeroglu, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Abstract:
NTN (non-terrestrial networks) refers to a 3D network with terrestrial, aerial, near-space (stratosphere), and space segments. NTN will facilitate ultra-connectivity for a broad range of use cases including sensing, imaging, edge intelligence, navigation, positioning, localization, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and more, in addition to very-high-speed communications. The overarching goal is to have a sustainable, reliable, resilient, intelligent, green/clean/eco-friendly, secure, ubiquitous & affordable, and ultra high-speed “network of networks”. This discussion will continue throughout the 2030s – exciting times indeed.
Biography
Dr. Halim Yanikomeroglu is a Chancellor’s Professor at Carleton University, Canada, and the Founding Director of Carleton-NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) Lab. He is among the handful of academics recognized for substantial and impactful contributions in all four layers of NTN: terrestrial, aerial (UAVs), near-space (HAPS), and space (satellites) networks. Dr. Yanikomeroglu has led several large-scale and high-profile collaborative research projects which have resulted in 43 granted patents (most of his IP have been successfully transferred to industry). He has coauthored a high number of papers in 33 different IEEE journals. He gives around 25 invited seminars, keynotes, panel talks, and tutorials every year. He supervised or hosted in his lab 185 postgraduate researchers. Dr. Yanikomeroglu is a Fellow of several scholarly societies, including IEEE, the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF), and the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA); he served as a Distinguished Speaker for the IEEE Communications Society and the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society. He served as the General Chair, Technical Program Chair, and Steering Committee Chair/Member of several major international IEEE conferences as well as in the editorial boards of several IEEE periodicals. He is currently serving in various governance and leadership roles in the IEEE. Dr. Yanikomeroglu received several awards for his research, teaching, and service. He holds a BSc degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the Middle East Technical University (Türkiye), and MASc and PhD degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Toronto (Canada).
Keynote — Enabling Digital Twins in Power Electronics: Trends and Hardware Considerations
Tiago Davi Curi Busarello , Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Abstract:
This speech introduces the concept of Digital Twins in Power Electronics, focusing on the technological trends and the hardware requirements that enable their practical implementation. Participants will explore modeling approaches, real-time simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) platforms, and data integration techniques used to create accurate and reliable digital representations of power electronic systems. The course emphasizes hardware constraints, computational performance, and real-time considerations essential for deploying Digital Twins in research and industrial applications.
Biography
Dr. Tiago Davi Curi Busarello has been a professor since 2016 at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. He holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the State University of Campinas Brazil, obtaining the degrees in 2015 and 2013, respectively. He worked as postdoctoral researcher in 2022-2023 at the University of Vaasa, Finland. He was a visiting researcher during 2014 at the Colorado School of Mines, United States. He is a member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and a member of the IEEE Power Electronics Society. He is the editor of the book “Power Electronic Converters And Systems Volume 1 – Converters and machine drives and Volume 2 – Applications (IET, 2024). He is Associate Editor of the Brazilian Open Journal of Power Electronics and he serves as a reviewer for IEEE journal articles.
