🔦Spotlight on Principal Investigators: Professor Prof. Muhammad Imran

In this edition of our Spotlight on Principal Investigators, we feature Professor Muhammad Imran, a leading researcher shaping the future of wireless communications and digital connectivity. His work focuses on energy-efficient networking, frugal sensing, and equitable access to communication technologies, particularly for underserved communities.

 

What motivates you to continue innovating and exploring in your field?

I am driven by a passion to push the boundaries of knowledge in communication systems, aiming to develop energy-efficient and frugal sensing and networking solutions that benefit society. Recognizing that connectivity is integral to daily life, I am committed to ensuring equitable access for all, focusing on connecting underserved communities, especially in remote areas of the UK. Leading the Communication, Sensing and Imaging (CSI) Hub at the University of Glasgow, I collaborate with diverse experts to create innovative solutions that bridge the digital divide and foster a more inclusive, connected world.

How do you balance the demands of leading ground-breaking research with other aspects of your life?

My passion for advancing communication systems is deeply intertwined with the support of my family and friends, who share my drive and enthusiasm – coincidently majority of my family members and friends are engineers and scientists. This shared commitment often blurs the lines between work and personal life, but it enriches both, allowing me to enjoy and appreciate each aspect fully. For my leadership roles, I am inspired daily by the collaborative spirit that extends from my professional team to my personal relationships, fueling my team’s dedication to innovation and societal impact.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about pursuing this career, what would it be?

If I could offer my younger self one piece of advice about pursuing this career, it would be to prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance. While passion and dedication are vital, it’s equally important to value your health, well-being, and recreation time. By pacing yourself and ensuring time for personal rejuvenation, you can sustain a longer, more impactful contribution to your field. Remember, a balanced approach not only enhances professional performance but also enriches personal life, leading to a more fulfilling and enduring career.

How does your work contribute to addressing societal challenges?

My work addresses societal challenges by focusing on healthcare sensing technologies and promoting equitable connectivity. In healthcare, I develop non-invasive, real-time human activity recognition systems using wireless signals, enabling remote monitoring and proactive care. To bridge the digital divide, I advocate for the use of frugal hardware and low-cost, energy-efficient systems that are self-organized, ensuring affordable and sustainable connectivity, especially in underserved and rural areas. These efforts aim to enhance healthcare delivery and provide inclusive access to essential communication services.

Do you think it’s important for researchers to engage with the public? Why or why not?

Engaging with the public is crucial for researchers, as effectively communicating scientific and technical solutions helps shape public opinion. Technologies gain widespread adoption not solely based on technical superiority but also on user acceptability and desirability. For instance, smartphones became more desirable once their digital connectivity capabilities reached a certain threshold. Therefore, conveying science and facts in an understandable manner is essential.

Additionally, misconceptions about wireless technology risks persist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I actively worked to dispel myths linking 5G to the virus and other health risks and promoted a balanced, safe approach to technology use. This effort was particularly important amid heightened conspiracy theories, as misinformation can lead to public resistance against beneficial technologies. By engaging with the public, researchers can foster informed decision-making and encourage the responsible adoption of innovations.

What does it mean to you to be a leader in this field?

To me, being a leader in this field means empowering others through mentorship and sharing my experiences, insights, resources, and industry connections. By guiding and supporting emerging talent, I aim to foster innovation and drive progress within the telecommunications sector. This collaborative approach not only advances technology but also ensures its benefits are distributed equitably across research community and society.

How do you mentor or inspire the next generation of researchers in CHEDDAR?

At the CHEDDAR Hub, I lead and collaborate with a diverse team of researchers at various career stages. I inspire early-career researchers by exemplifying how dedication and assisting others can advance their own goals. This approach fosters a culture of support, collegiality, and knowledge-sharing within the broader research community. I encourage them to strive for excellence while maintaining humility and compassion. Emphasizing cooperation over competition, I believe that collaborative efforts lead to greater scientific advancements and societal benefits.

Can you share a moment when your research

Impact takes time to mature. Over a period of time, my collaborative research with industry, particularly the award-winning study “How Much Energy is Needed to Run a Wireless Network?” has profoundly influenced industry and policy perspectives. This work illuminated the substantial energy waste in wireless networks, prompting operators, vendors, and end-users to recognize the critical importance of energy efficiency. By addressing both environmental impact and operational costs, our findings have been pivotal in advocating for sustainable network practices, thereby enhancing equitable access to communication services.

What motivates you to continue innovating and exploring in your field?

I am driven by a passion to push the boundaries of knowledge in communication systems, aiming to develop energy-efficient and frugal sensing and networking solutions that benefit society. Recognizing that connectivity is integral to daily life, I am committed to ensuring equitable access for all, focusing on connecting underserved communities, especially in remote areas of the UK. Leading the Communication, Sensing and Imaging (CSI) Hub at the University of Glasgow, I collaborate with diverse experts to create innovative solutions that bridge the digital divide and foster a more inclusive, connected world.

How do you balance the demands of leading ground-breaking research with other aspects of your life?

My passion for advancing communication systems is deeply intertwined with the support of my family and friends, who share my drive and enthusiasm – coincidently majority of my family members and friends are engineers and scientists. This shared commitment often blurs the lines between work and personal life, but it enriches both, allowing me to enjoy and appreciate each aspect fully. For my leadership roles, I am inspired daily by the collaborative spirit that extends from my professional team to my personal relationships, fueling my team’s dedication to innovation and societal impact.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about pursuing this career, what would it be?

If I could offer my younger self one piece of advice about pursuing this career, it would be to prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance. While passion and dedication are vital, it’s equally important to value your health, well-being, and recreation time. By pacing yourself and ensuring time for personal rejuvenation, you can sustain a longer, more impactful contribution to your field. Remember, a balanced approach not only enhances professional performance but also enriches personal life, leading to a more fulfilling and enduring career.

How does your work contribute to addressing societal challenges?

My work addresses societal challenges by focusing on healthcare sensing technologies and promoting equitable connectivity. In healthcare, I develop non-invasive, real-time human activity recognition systems using wireless signals, enabling remote monitoring and proactive care. To bridge the digital divide, I advocate for the use of frugal hardware and low-cost, energy-efficient systems that are self-organized, ensuring affordable and sustainable connectivity, especially in underserved and rural areas. These efforts aim to enhance healthcare delivery and provide inclusive access to essential communication services.

Do you think it’s important for researchers to engage with the public? Why or why not?

Engaging with the public is crucial for researchers, as effectively communicating scientific and technical solutions helps shape public opinion. Technologies gain widespread adoption not solely based on technical superiority but also on user acceptability and desirability. For instance, smartphones became more desirable once their digital connectivity capabilities reached a certain threshold. Therefore, conveying science and facts in an understandable manner is essential.

Additionally, misconceptions about wireless technology risks persist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I actively worked to dispel myths linking 5G to the virus and other health risks and promoted a balanced, safe approach to technology use. This effort was particularly important amid heightened conspiracy theories, as misinformation can lead to public resistance against beneficial technologies. By engaging with the public, researchers can foster informed decision-making and encourage the responsible adoption of innovations.

What does it mean to you to be a leader in this field?

To me, being a leader in this field means empowering others through mentorship and sharing my experiences, insights, resources, and industry connections. By guiding and supporting emerging talent, I aim to foster innovation and drive progress within the telecommunications sector. This collaborative approach not only advances technology but also ensures its benefits are distributed equitably across research community and society.

How do you mentor or inspire the next generation of researchers in CHEDDAR?

At the CHEDDAR Hub, I lead and collaborate with a diverse team of researchers at various career stages. I inspire early-career researchers by exemplifying how dedication and assisting others can advance their own goals. This approach fosters a culture of support, collegiality, and knowledge-sharing within the broader research community. I encourage them to strive for excellence while maintaining humility and compassion. Emphasizing cooperation over competition, I believe that collaborative efforts lead to greater scientific advancements and societal benefits.

Can you share a moment when your research

Impact takes time to mature. Over a period of time, my collaborative research with industry, particularly the award-winning study “How Much Energy is Needed to Run a Wireless Network?” has profoundly influenced industry and policy perspectives. This work illuminated the substantial energy waste in wireless networks, prompting operators, vendors, and end-users to recognize the critical importance of energy efficiency. By addressing both environmental impact and operational costs, our findings have been pivotal in advocating for sustainable network practices, thereby enhancing equitable access to communication services.