Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computing (ISCC) in 6G Networks

The main goal of this project is to create a novel real time ISCC optimised framework and integrating it into distributed MEC nodes empowered by lightweight AI models that learn local patterns from collected communication and sensory data, and central cloud computing node implementing large multi-modal data fusion models to reach global perception. A combination of mathematical optimisation, simulation and practical tools will be explored to achieve the main goals of the project.

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px">6G networks are envisioned to significantly advance beyond the capabilities of 5G, offering several key improvements that enable data rates beyond 100 Gbps, ultra-low microsecond latency, massive connectivity per square kilometre, enhanced reliability and advanced applications such as holographic communications, immersive virtual experiences, industry 5.0, and autonomous vehicles.</p> <p>To reach these goals by 2030 as planned by ITU, a fundamental shift in the paradigm of designing future mobile communications system has to be undertaken, from the core theoretical modelling of waveforms and up to the overlay networking architecture. One recent proposal to achieve this goal is Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computing (ISCC). ISCC is a comprehensive approach that combines the capabilities of sensing, communication, and computing into a unified framework.</p> <p>For example, in a bustling urban environment, traffic cameras, radar and environmental sensors installed at various positions will continuously monitor traffic flow, vehicle speeds, pedestrian movements, air quality, weather conditions, and noise levels. On top of that, vehicles communicate with each other (V2V), as well as with traffic lights and radar sensors (V2I) to share their speed, location, and destination. Then Infrastructure traffic management systems communicate with each other (I2I) to coordinate traffic signals and manage congestion. In addition, Mobile Edge Computing nodes (MEC) located at intersections process data from traffic cameras and sensors in real-time to detect traffic patterns, accidents, etc. To perform deeper analysis, centralized cloud computing aggregates data from multiple MEC nodes to predict traffic trends and optimizing traffic light timings across the city.</p> <p>In the above scenario, the software and hardware resources are both highly distributed and tightly coupled at the same time, leading to inherit conflicts among communication, sensing and computing objectives, which would degrade the end-to-end performance of the 6G network. Therefore, partial optimisation approaches which only consider part of the problem, e.g. Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), is not sufficient. To achieve the end-to-end rate, latency and reliability KPIs of 6G, an integrated ISCC framework that jointly optimises the shared sensing and communication spectrum of radio resources and computing nodes within this complex network is needed.</p> <p>Therefore, the main goal of this project is to create a novel real time ISCC optimised framework and integrating it into distributed MEC nodes empowered by lightweight AI models that learn local patterns from collected communication and sensory data, and central cloud computing node implementing large multi-modal data fusion models to reach global perception. </p> <p>A combination of mathematical optimisation, simulation and practical tools will be explored to achieve the main goals of the project.</p> <ul> <li>Phase 1: Literature review and initial research (Months 1-6)</li> <li>Phase 2: Optimisation framework for ISCC in 6G networks (Months 7-12)</li> <li>Phase 3: Real time AI based heuristic for ISCC in 6G networks (Months 13-24)</li> <li>Phase 4: Proof of concept demo for ISCC in 6G networks (Months 25-30)</li> <li>Phase 5: Writing the thesis (Months 31-36)</li> </ul> <p>For the first three phases, the only necessary equipment will be computers (local and University’s HPC) to run the required software tools which are available for free under academic licensing. For phase 4 demo, the student will transition to working in our communication laboratory. This facility is equipped with the necessary hardware to support the research, including open-source base stations for communication, modern mmWave links for sensing, MEC devices, as well as robots and drones. To have a feasible plan, the candidate will investigate one application scenario, e.g., an intelligent traffic management system or human-machine interaction for smart manufacturing.</p> <p>Expected Publications: At least three journals, around the following areas:</p> <ul> <li>First Author, Ahmed Lawey, Ali Zaidi, "A Survey on Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computation for 6G networks: Recent advanced and open challenges," To be submitted to IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials.</li> <li>First Author, Ahmed Lawey, Ali Zaidi, "Optimisation framework for Integrated sensing, Communication, and Computing (ISCC) in 6G networks," To be submitted to IEEE Transactions on Communications</li> <li>First Author, Ahmed Lawey, Ali Zaidi, "Real Time Multi-Modal AI agent for Integrated sensing, Communication, and Computing (ISCC) in 6G networks," To be submitted to IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence.</li> </ul>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study Section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Electronic & Electrical Engineering FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computing (ISCC) in 6G Networks</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/620/ahmed-lawey">Dr Ahmed Lawey</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Studentship 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 31 January 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Studentship providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p> </p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Ahmed Lawey by email to <a href="mailto:A.Q.Lawey@leeds.ac.uk">A.Q.Lawey@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>