The future of 6G: research, innovation, and global standards
The Special Session at the IEEE Conference on Computer Communications and Networks (CSCN) 2026 (London, 7–9 September 2026) focuses on current developments in 6G research and the transition of emerging research results towards future 6G standardisation processes. It provides a platform for dialogue between research and standardisation communities and examines how innovative research outcomes can contribute to future communication standards.
The event brings together an interdisciplinary and international perspective: building on European research, it incorporates contributions from Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, and Brazil. Thematic areas include communication technologies, satellite and navigation technologies, sensing, and future 6G services.
Technical presentations and a panel discussion address key topics such as 6G architectures, AI-native networking, integrated communication, sensing and positioning (JCSP), non-terrestrial networks, quantum communications, and alignment between international standardisation organisations (ETSI/3GPP/IEEE). Selected contributions will be included in an open-access CONASENSE book (River Publishers).
The special session is being organized jointly by the Horizon Europe project INSTAR and the 6G-CONASENSE platform. fortiss researcher Prof. Dr. Rute Sofia, chair of CONASENSE and head of INSTAR’s 6G workstream, is participating as a co-organizer and contributing her expertise in 6G research and standardization.
Overview
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Time Topic 10:00 - 10:05 h Welcome and Special Session Objectives 10:05 - 10:25 h Invited Talk I
International 6G Visions – Japan Perspective10:25 - 10:45 h Invited Talk II
International 6G Visions – India Perspective10:45 - 11:05 h Invited Talk III
International 6G Visions – Brazil Perspective11:05 - 11:45 h Panel Discussion
Aligning Research and Global Standards (all speakers)
Closing remarks
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Researchers, engineers and practitioners in 6G communications, satellites and navigation, sensing and 6G use-cases/services; standardisation experts from ETSI, 3GPP and IEEE; and an international audience with invited perspectives from Japan, India, Brazil and the Republic of Korea.
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Location
Strand Campus, King’s College London (KCL)
Strand, London WC2R 2LS
United KingdomThe location of the special session will be announced at a later date.
Language
EnglishParticipation fee
Follows IEEE CSCN 2026 conference registration. Exact fee amounts are set by the CSCN 2026 conference organisers; attending the Special Session requires conference registration.
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Co-organised by the Horizon Europe cooperation and support action INSTAR and the 6G CONASENSE platform.
Special Session co-Chairs:
- Rute Sofia, fortiss GmbH: sofia@fortiss.org
CONASENSE chair & INSTAR 6G workstream lead - Ramjee Prasad, CTIF Global Capsule: ramjee@btech.au.dk
Chair of CONASENSE - Paulo Rufino CTIF Global Capsule: paulo.rufino@ctifglobalcapsule.org
Technical program committee, - Damir Filipovic Bluspecs
International task forces lead
- Rute Sofia, fortiss GmbH: sofia@fortiss.org
