Friends of CHEDDAR 2026 brings the research community together to shape the future of connectivity

Researchers, industry representatives, policymakers and international guests gathered at Central Hall Westminster on 9 July for Friends of CHEDDAR 2026, a day dedicated to research exchange, collaboration and discussion around the future of advanced connectivity.

The event brought together members of the wider CHEDDAR community for invited talks, keynote presentations, research spotlights, posters, demonstrations and two panel discussions exploring the technical and societal questions shaping future telecommunications.

Opening Friends of CHEDDAR 2026

The day opened with a welcome from Professor Julie McCann, Director of the CHEDDAR Hub, who introduced the programme and reflected on the importance of collaboration across institutions, disciplines and sectors.

This was followed by an invited talk from Justin O’Byrne of EPSRC, who shared perspectives on the importance of supporting future-facing research, innovation and partnerships across the UK connectivity landscape.

Invited talk: Earables and physiological intelligence

The first invited keynote was delivered by Professor Fahim Kawsar, Founder and CTO of OmniBuds and Professor of Mobile Systems at the University of Glasgow.

His presentation, Beyond Biosignals: Earables and the Future of Physiological Intelligence, explored how ear-worn technologies are creating new opportunities for sensing, health monitoring and human-centred intelligence.

The talk considered the potential of earables to move beyond conventional biosignal collection and support richer, more continuous understanding of human physiology and behaviour.

Future connectivity in the electromagnetic environment

Professor Akram Alomainy of Queen Mary University of London then delivered an invited talk titled Future Connectivity in the Electromagnetic Environment: Defence Science, Dual-Use Innovation and Resilient Capability.

The presentation examined the role of advanced connectivity in supporting secure, resilient and adaptable systems. It also highlighted the importance of defence science, dual-use technologies and innovation in strengthening future communication capabilities.

Future networks: autonomous, aware and accountable

The first panel discussion, The Future Networks – Autonomous, Aware and Accountable, brought together:

• Dr Delia Rico Marchena, University of Malaga
• Daniel K. C. So, University of Manchester
• Professor Hatem Abou-Zeid, University of Calgary

The panel explored how future networks can become more intelligent and autonomous while remaining transparent, trustworthy and accountable.

Discussion considered the role of artificial intelligence, automation and adaptive network management, alongside the need to ensure that future systems remain secure, understandable and aligned with human and societal needs.

Creating more inclusive futures

The second panel, Creating Inclusive Futures – Lessons from Diversity-Focused Initiatives, brought together speakers with extensive experience in supporting inclusion across engineering, technology and research:

• Dr Poonam Yadav, Chair of ACM-W UK
• Professor Qammer H. Abbasi, Director of CDT DiveIN, University of Glasgow
• Professor Nagham Sayeed, Chair of the IEEE UK and Ireland Section
• Dorota Filipczuk, Senior Applied Scientist at Microsoft and Chair of ACM Women Europe
• Dr Sara Peers, President of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists

The discussion explored the lessons that can be learned from existing diversity-focused initiatives and considered how universities, professional organisations and industry can work together to create more inclusive pathways into engineering and telecommunications.

Panellists shared perspectives on representation, mentorship, leadership and the importance of building supportive communities that enable people from different backgrounds to progress and succeed.

Posters and demonstrations

Posters and demonstrations formed an important part of Friends of CHEDDAR, giving attendees the opportunity to explore emerging research, speak directly with researchers and identify new possibilities for collaboration.

The displays reflected the wide range of work taking place across CHEDDAR, including research connected to advanced wireless systems, artificial intelligence, sensing, security, sustainable communications and future network technologies.

The poster and demonstration sessions encouraged informal conversation and gave attendees a closer look at the technologies, ideas and applications being developed across the Hub.

Strengthening the CHEDDAR community

Friends of CHEDDAR 2026 demonstrated the value of bringing together researchers, partners and friends of the Hub to exchange knowledge and explore shared priorities.

The event showcased CHEDDAR’s research, fostered new collaborations, strengthened connections with industry and policymakers, and inspired the next generation of researchers shaping the future of telecommunications.

A huge thank you to all our speakers, panellists, presenters, researchers and attendees for contributing to such an engaging and successful day.

SLIDESHOW from 9 July 2026