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The research group WaveCoRE in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) is dedicated to advancing the fields of electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, microwave and millimeter-wave circuits, and wireless systems. Within WaveCoRE, the Networked Systems team covers research on several fields of wireless communications, including non-terrestrial UAV and satellite networks, next-generation radio access networks, sustainable Internet of things, joint communication and sensing, as well as machine learning-based signal processing.
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Low Earth orbit (LEO) mega constellations are gaining significant momentum, positioning themselves as a unique and timely enabler for global next-generation communication networks. Such mega constellations are expected to play a vital role in future 6G networks, offering cost-effective, high-capacity connectivity with seamless zero-gap global coverage, complementing terrestrial 6G infrastructure. This dynamic and mobile non-terrestrial infrastructure promises enhanced reliability, availability, and responsiveness. However, it poses several open fundamental challenges, such as designing low-latency inter-satellite links (ISLs) for network coordination and synchronisation and optimising the network resources to ensure reliable communication and localisation services. Addressing these two challenges will be the main focus of this PhD project.
In the first phase, the PhD student will focus on the physical and MAC layers of LEO mega-constellations, aiming for a low-latency network coordination approach. AI-driven solutions, such as graph-neural networks, will be explored and benchmarked against state-of-the-art network coordination and synchronisation solutions for LEO mega-constellations. In the second phase, resource allocation in a coordinated and synchronised cluster of LEO satellites will be optimised, aiming for reliable broadband connectivity and accurate user localisation. This project consists of both analytical and experimental work, where the proposed designs and algorithms will be carefully modelled, characterised and implemented in our state-of-the-art lab.
We are looking for highly motivated PhD researchers with an interest in communication systems design. The applicant should
A PhD title from a highly ranked university (#1 in Europe in terms of scientific innovation) after approximately 4 years of successful research.
You will be working on a state-of-the-art topic with state-of-the-art laboratories.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Hazem Sallouha, tel.: +32 16 37 62 43, mail: hazem.sallouha@kuleuven.be or of Prof. dr. ir. Sofie Pollin, tel.: +32 16 32 10 51, mail: sofie.pollin@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.
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