SNS JU June 2025 Newsflash

Opening of SNS JU Call for Proposals 2025

Further details, including proposal requirements, eligibility, and evaluation criteria, are available through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.The official press release can be accessed here.
A dedicated FAQ section is also available here.

Applicants are encouraged to consult all available resources and adhere to the deadlines to ensure eligibility and compliance.

The SNS JU has officially launched its 2025 Call for Proposals under Stream D, titled “Trials and Pilots with Verticals.” The call opened on 18 June 2025 and will remain open until the submission deadline on 18 September 2025.

This funding opportunity is designed to support large-scale trials and pilots in real operational environments. It specifically targets key vertical sectors where advanced 5G and emerging 6G technologies can be validated and where new business models for monetising such technologies can be explored. The verticals identified as priorities for this call include:

• Industry and Manufacturing
• Media
• Transportation and Logistics
• Emergency and Safety Services
• Healthcare

The 2025 Call aims to address sector-specific challenges—referred to as “pain points”—by encouraging co-development of technological solutions that respond to concrete adoption barriers. The overarching objective is to foster maturity in innovation that supports the near-future deployment and commercialisation of 6G technologies.

A total budget of €24 million in EU funding has been allocated to this call. This is in addition to the previously allocated €104 million for Streams B and C.

Further details, including proposal requirements, eligibility, and evaluation criteria, are available through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.

Key insights and outcomes from SNS JU-funded projects @ EuCNC 2025

The 2025 edition of the EuCNC & 6G Summit, held in Poznań, Poland, served as a significant platform for showcasing the European Union’s strategic progress toward 6G development. The event, themed “Towards the 6G World,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to assess ongoing efforts and chart future directions in digital connectivity.

At the heart of this year’s summit was the strong presence and engagement of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), which demonstrated the impact and scope of its funded research and innovation (R&I) projects. Across three calls since its inception, SNS JU has funded 79 projects, with a total investment exceeding €500 million. These initiatives aim to position Europe at the forefront of next-generation networks and services.

All or almost all SNS projects took part in the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2025, with a strong presence in booths, tutorials, workshops, special sessions and convened sessions. This year’s event was a particular success, with almost 1100 delegates. In addition to the remarkable presence of the SNS projects, the SNS JU Officer and the 6G-IA also played an active role.

Explore the full SNS JU project portfolio here.
Access the interactive reference figure here.

Overview of SNS JU-Funded Projects

• Call 1 (2023):
  • 35 R&I projects funded
  • €250 million investment
  • 4 work streams, 2 Coordination and Support Actions
• Call 2 (2024):
  • 27 R&I projects funded
  • €130 million investment
  • 3 work streams, 1 Coordination and Support Action
• Call 3 (2025):
  • 16 R&I projects funded
  • €127 million investment
  • 3 work streams, 1 Coordination and Support Action

Thematic Highlights from the Summit

1. Security and Trust:
   Security was addressed as a core design principle for 6G development. The session “Uncovering 6G Security” emphasized the role of robust frameworks, such as post-quantum cryptography and secure edge computing, in ensuring trustworthy networks. As noted by Pavlos Fournogerakis, Deputy Head of Programmes, embedding security early in the R&I phase is essential for long-term resilience.
2. Sustainability:
   Sustainability featured prominently in the workshop “Technology Enablers for Sustainable 6G Design,” led by Programme Officer Chiara Mazzone. 6G networks are envisioned not only to reduce their own environmental footprint but also to enable sustainability in other sectors through life cycle assessments, circular economy principles, and energy-efficient architectures.
3. International Cooperation:
   Sessions such as “EU–US Cooperation on Advanced Research Platforms” and “Research Collaborations Beyond Europe Towards 6G” reaffirmed SNS JU’s commitment to global partnerships. Programme Officer Odysseas Pyrovolakis emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining open, interoperable systems, and the sharing of data, models, and research platforms.
4. Alignment with European Values:
   Javier Albares Bueno, Head of Programs, led a panel discussing Europe’s role in shaping a value-driven 6G future. The emphasis was on integrating ethics, societal benefit, and inclusivity into the technological fabric of next-generation networks.
5. National Initiatives Coordination:
   The session “6G National Initiatives: A Collaborative Approach” stressed the need for greater synergy between national R&I programmes and SNS JU-funded initiatives. Aligning vision, funding, and research agendas across Europe is seen as essential for maximizing efficiency and accelerating impact.

Strategic Vision and Ecosystem Development

Colin Willcock, Vice-Chair of SNS JU and Chairman of the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association, highlighted that the diversity of these projects spans numerous verticals and is expected to drive global 6G innovation while delivering concrete European technological solutions.

Colin Willcock also participated in special and convened session including special session 11 “How to accelerate EU Funded Research results via Global Standards Activities” and convened session 5 “SMEs on the spotlight: driving innovation in next generation of communication networks”.

The event underscored the SNS JU’s strategic mission: to ensure European leadership in 6G while aligning with EU values of trust, sustainability, and inclusivity. According to SNS JU Executive Director Erzsébet Fitori, collaboration both across disciplines and internationally will be vital in the transition toward a mature 6G ecosystem.

More than 3,700 researchers are now engaged in SNS JU activities, with many participating for the first time, reflecting the programme’s growing impact and outreach.

Launch of the SNS Journal 2025

The summit also marked the official launch of the SNS Journal 2025, which provides detailed insights into the 79 R&I projects and their contributions to the European 6G agenda. This edition highlights progress in standardisation, trial activities, SME engagement, and societal applications of advanced connectivity technologies.

SMEs in the Spotlight at EuCNC & 6G Summit 2025

The NetworldEurope SME Working Group held a dedicated session on the role of European SMEs in shaping future communication technologies. Opening messages came from Jessica Carneiro (SME WG Chair), Oana Radu (SNS JU), and Rui Luís Aguiar (NetworldEurope Chair), stressing the need for SME visibility and long-term inclusion in Europe’s digital agenda.

The session featured SME success stories from Janez Sterle (Internet Institute), Adam Flizikowski (IS-Wireless), Edgardo Montes de Oca (Montimage), and Israel Koffman (RunEL), followed by a panel with Mikael Fallgren (Ericsson), Konstantinos Maliatsos (University of the Aegean), Yudani Riobó Gestido (Quobis), and Konstantinos Trichias (6G-IA/SNS). SME WG members were also active with booths and demos throughout the event.

Full press release

Looking Ahead

The next edition of the EuCNC & 6G Summit will take place from 2–5 June 2026 in Málaga, Spain, at the FYCMA Technology Hub. In the interim, the SNS JU 2025 Calls for Proposals remain open, offering new stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the growing European 6G ecosystem.

Read the full article here.

SNS T&Ps Brochure N°1 is now available

The SNS Trials & Pilots (T&Ps) Brochure N°1 is now available. It presents a detailed overview of the validation and testing activities related to 5G Advanced and emerging 6G technologies across a variety of vertical sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, media and entertainment, healthcare, public safety, energy, smart cities, and transport and logistics.

The brochure was initiated by the SNS CO-OP projects in January 2025 and continues the work of the 5G Infrastructure PPP, which previously published four T&Ps brochures and one summary edition. These earlier publications documented 322 5G Trials & Pilots conducted between 2015 and 2024.

Compiled by the SNS and 6G-IA Core Team with input from over 15 expert evaluators, the brochure includes a collection of two-page summaries for each selected project. These summaries provide information on the trial or pilot, including network architecture, deployment characteristics, key outcomes, and technical attributes associated with 5G technologies. The content highlights how these trials demonstrate the capabilities of 5G in comparison to previous network generations, including service validation and technological innovation.

The brochure is intended as a reference for stakeholders involved in research, industry development, and policy related to digital connectivity.

Available on SNS Publications page

Horizon Europe Info Day Webinar

The Horizon Europe Info Day webinar was held online on 19 June 2025, to provide guidance on how to become an expert evaluator for the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The event outlined the application process, expert roles, evaluation criteria, and project monitoring responsibilities. It featured presentations from representatives of the European Commission and the Research Executive Agency, including a call coordinator from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and an experienced evaluator from Carlos III University of Madrid.

The agenda included an overview of the call for expressions of interest, types of activities available for experts, and detailed information on evaluation and project monitoring. Insights were shared regarding the skills and best practices required for effective proposal assessment. Additionally, participants were informed about the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and its two-factor authentication system.

A live question and answer session allowed attendees to clarify doubts related to becoming experts and their expected contributions. The webinar emphasized the importance of expert evaluators in shaping European strategic initiatives, such as those supported by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking, which focus on advancing technologies including 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

The event aimed to encourage qualified individuals to register as Horizon Europe experts and contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of cutting-edge research and innovation projects across Europe.

MoU Signed by 6G-IA with XGMF

Strategic Paper Release

During the event, the 6G-IA released a new paper titled “Long-Term Perspective for Smart Networks and Services in Europe.” This publication outlines a strategic vision for the development of connectivity infrastructure and services, with a focus on European leadership in the digital domain.

Read More.

A joint workshop organized by NetworldEurope and the 6G-IA was held in Brussels in May 2025 as part of the preparatory activities for the upcoming European Union Framework Programme 10 (FP10). The event focused on the theme “Advanced Connectivity: The Essential Pillar for European Competitiveness and Sovereignty.” It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives, to examine the strategic role of connectivity technologies within Europe’s digital and economic agenda.

Context and Objectives

The workshop followed recent strategic reports from Mario Draghi, Enrico Letta, and Manuel Heitor, which emphasized the critical juncture at which Europe finds itself in terms of technological, innovation, and industrial policy. These reports underscored the importance of digital technologies—and connectivity infrastructures in particular—as enablers of broader policy objectives, including European competitiveness, sovereignty, and resilience in an evolving geopolitical environment.

Participants addressed the implications of these policy frameworks on future research and innovation in connectivity and explored how collaboration models, funding mechanisms, and deployment strategies could be optimized in preparation for FP10.

Focus Areas

The discussion was anchored in the experience gained from European 6G-related efforts, especially within the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). These initiatives have demonstrated the potential of future smart networks to act as technological and service integration platforms across multiple domains, contributing to Europe’s innovation and industrial leadership.

Key topics discussed during the workshop included:

• The impact of evolving policy and geopolitical environments on strategic priorities.
• Opportunities to restructure upstream research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) collaboration.
• Mechanisms to enhance downstream deployment and market uptake of advanced connectivity solutions.
• Early engagement strategies for aligning research objectives with FP10.

Challenges such as fragmented funding landscapes, delayed technology adoption, and the limited monetization of innovations were identified as critical barriers to be addressed in future strategies.

Contributions and Dialogue

The workshop agenda featured presentations and interventions from representatives of European institutions, national ministries, and research and industry bodies. Topics ranged from findings in the Draghi report on competitiveness to the current state and future direction of the SNS JU.

Panel discussions and open sessions allowed for exchange among participants and provided an opportunity to contribute to shaping the research and innovation agenda for the next EU Framework Programme.

SNS CO-OP 4th Webinar on National Initiatives: The French National Initiative on 6G

On 30 June 2025, the SNS CO-OP project and the 6G-IA, held the fourth webinar in its ongoing series dedicated to national initiatives supporting the development of 6G and next-generation communication services. This session highlighted France’s national strategy and research activities within the domain of future network technologies.

In this context, the webinar offered a platform to present France’s national efforts under the France 2030 strategy, a comprehensive investment plan designed to enhance the country’s resilience and competitiveness in high-impact sectors, including telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity. The strategy encompasses the full innovation chain, from fundamental research to industrial deployment, through instruments such as the Future Investment Program (PIA), targeted R&D calls, and the Priority Research and Equipment Programs (PEPRs). A specific national acceleration strategy for future networks, launched in 2021, has supported multiple 6G R&D initiatives and the establishment of experimental infrastructures.

The webinar agenda featured four key segments:

• 10:30 – 10:40 | Welcome & Introduction
  Presented by Colin Willcock, Chairman of 6G-IA, the session opened with a brief overview of the objectives and importance of national initiatives within the broader SNS context.
• 10:40 – 11:00 | RF_Net: Radiofrequency Test Facility Network
  Philippe Besnier, Research Director at CNRS, provided insights into RF_Net, a state-of-the-art facility network for testing advanced radiofrequency hardware components.
• 11:00 – 11:20 | SLICES-Fr: The French Node of SLICES-RI
  Raymond Knopp, Professor at Eurecom, presented the SLICES-Fr platform, which enables experimental research on network protocols, radio technologies, and distributed computing.
• 11:20 – 11:40 | NGC-AIoT: Embedded AI and Edge-Computing Testbeds within SLICES-Fr
  Philippe Martins, Research Director at IMT, discussed specialized testbeds supporting embedded artificial intelligence and edge-computing applications.
• 11:40 – 12:00 | Q&A Session
  The session concluded with an open discussion addressing questions from the audience.

SNS CO-OP Webinar on SNS projects’ results and ambitions

On 16 June 2025, the SNS JU held a webinar to present the consolidated progress and future outlook of its 79 ongoing projects. These projects were initiated under SNS JU Calls 1 (2023), 2 (2024), and 3 (2025). The event was organized with the support of the SNS CO-OP Coordination and Support Actions, which conducted a technical and strategic survey earlier in the year to gather input from all active projects. The webinar aimed to provide an overview of the collective technical directions, objectives, and early outcomes of the SNS portfolio. Special emphasis was placed on the progress achieved by projects from Calls 1 and 2 and the ambitions of the newly launched Call 3 initiatives.

Overview and Structure

The session opened with remarks from Uwe Herzog (Eurescom GmbH, Coordinator of SNS CO-OP), followed by a message from Pavlos Fournogerakis (SNS Office, Deputy Head of Programmes).

The event served as a platform to assess ongoing progress, facilitate knowledge exchange among stakeholders, and contribute to aligning strategic planning with the evolving research and innovation agenda of the SNS JU.

The presentations focused on several thematic areas:

• Technical Insights: Delivered by Kostas Trichias (6G-IA, SNS CO-OP WP1 Leader), this segment outlined the emerging trends and innovations pursued by Call 3 projects, which started in January 2025.
• Project Vision: Per Hjalmar Lehne (Telenor, SNS CO-OP T1.1 Leader) highlighted the long-term strategic perspectives and research directions driving the current project cohort.
• Market Perspectives: Jessica Carneiro (NetworldEurope SME WG & Australo, SNS CO-OP T2.4 Leader) provided insights into the market relevance and innovation potential of the new projects, with a focus on SME engagement and alignment with broader industrial goals.
• Reflections on Calls 1 and 2: Arda Güreller (Ericsson, SNS CO-OP T1.3 Leader) and Pierre-Yves Danet (6G-IA) summarized achievements and lessons learned from the earlier calls, noting progress in areas such as system architecture, enabling technologies, and early trials.

The session concluded with a Q&A and a forward-looking discussion moderated by Uwe Herzog.

Project Portfolio

The webinar covered the following distribution of ongoing projects:

• Call 1 (2023): 35 projects
• Call 2 (2024): 28 projects
• Call 3 (2025): 16 projects

The projects span a broad range of topics including advanced connectivity, 6G architecture, edge-cloud integration, AI-native networks, and vertical use cases. The collected survey results provided the basis for the discussions and contributed to identifying synergies across the project portfolio.

SNS JU 6G Architecture WG White Paper

SNS JU 6G Architecture WG published the White Paper Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks

“This white paper has been prepared by the 6G Architecture working group of the SNS JU. It presents a comprehensive snapshot of the current architectural considerations explored by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) projects. It discusses the rationale for novel architectural components, the ongoing design efforts, and the future outlook for 6G. It analyses the blueprint for next-generation mobile networks, building on past experiences while integrating cutting-edge advancements. The structure follows the IMT-2030 framework, categorizing insights into the key usage scenarios and overarching architectural aspects.”

SNS JU Sustainability Task Force White Paper

The Sustainability Task Force of the SNS JU Technology Board has released the first White Paper addressing sustainability aspects within the SNS community focused on 6G networks. This publication titled “Sustainability in SNS JU Projects” provides a comprehensive analysis based on input from over 27 SNS JU-funded projects that incorporate sustainability considerations in their research on next-generation communication technologies.

The White Paper examines four key areas: sustainability targets, methodologies, trade-offs, and implementation considerations. It is grounded in detailed questionnaire responses and follow-up interviews with project representatives, offering a thorough overview of how sustainability is being integrated into 6G development efforts.

In addition to presenting these insights, the document includes specific recommendations aimed at key stakeholders to support the development and deployment of sustainable 6G networks. The White Paper serves as an important resource for guiding future initiatives toward environmentally responsible and energy-efficient network technologies.

The full White Paper is accessible on the SNS JU website.

6G-IA & 5G-ACIA webinar on recent 5G/6G achievements

On 19 May, the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) and the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA) organised a webinar on  “5G and 6G Industry/Manufacturing Trials and Pilots (T&Ps) – Highlights, Lessons Learnt, “5G/6G Empowerment” and “Pain Points” supported by SNS CO-OP.

The recording is now available here.

The presentations can be downloaded here.

The session provided valuable insights into recent achievements from both the 6G-IA and the 5G-ACIA, featuring:

• Highlights from recent 5G/6G Trials & Pilots
• Presentations from SNS and 5G-ACIA testbeds
• A panel discussion on “5G/6G Empowerment” and key industry “Pain Points”
• Opportunities and outlook for the upcoming 2025 initiatives

3^rd Joint Webinar on Sustainable Wireless Design

On 27 June 2025, the third joint webinar on sustainable wireless design was organized by the SNS projects 6G-SHINE, SUPERIOT, and TERRAMETA, following the success of two previous sessions in the series. The event aimed to explore emerging technological approaches that support sustainability in next-generation wireless communication systems.

The webinar commenced at 10:00 CEST with a welcome and introduction by Gilberto Berardinelli from Aalborg University, representing the 6G-SHINE project. The technical program featured three presentations highlighting ongoing research efforts in the field.

• Saeed Hakimi (Aalborg University, 6G-SHINE) presented on “Attention-based channel prediction for efficient and sustainable resource management in industrial subnetworks.”
• Sean Ahearne (Dell Technologies, TERRAMETA) discussed “Enabling future industrial AI use cases with high-performance THz RIS communications: A real-world demonstration at 140 GHz.”
• Emanuel Abreu Antunes Carlos (Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, SUPERIOT) delivered a presentation titled “Solution-processed materials: From formulation to printed devices.”

The session concluded with an open discussion and Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage with the speakers on the technical challenges and future opportunities associated with sustainable wireless system design.

SNS Projects @ IEEE ICC 2025

The IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2025, held from June 8 to June 12 in Montreal, Canada, served as a major international forum for innovation and collaboration in communication technologies. With more than 2,500 attendees, ICC continues to be a leading venue for advancing research in networks and systems. Several projects under the SNS JU, such as 6G-BRICKS, 6G-DALI, and SUNRISE-6G, actively participated in the conference, contributing to scientific and policy-related discussions on the evolution of 6G networks.

Panel on AI-Native Networks and Data Platforms
The session titled “Data Platforms for Advanced AI-Native Networks: Fostering International Collaboration” included coordinated contributions from the 6G-BRICKS, 6G-DALI, and SUNRISE-6G projects. The panel focused on the role of AI-native network platforms, especially in enabling collaborative, federated testbeds and data-driven methods for next-generation network management. Representatives from academia and industry, including Christos Verikoukis, Adlen Ksentini, Giacomo Bernini, Rahul Kumar, and Chris Murphy, shared insights on data operations, architecture design, and the application of foundation models to understand and optimize network behavior.

The panel pointed out that existing network data is often underutilized, data standards are fragmented, and regulatory constraints create challenges. It also stressed the strategic importance of European leadership in developing a federated data space for AI-native networks.

Workshop on 6G Standardisation and Research Vision
6G-BRICKS also took part in the workshop titled “The Path Towards 6G: Standardisation and Research Vision.” This workshop brought together a broad coalition of SNS JU projects, including ADROIT6G, 6G-INTENSE, FLECON-6G, 6GREEN, SUPERIOT, SUNRISE-6G, 6G-DALI, HORSE, PRIVATEER, 6GARROW, and the ACCC AC3 project. The session aimed to bridge the gap between advanced research and the standardisation strategies required for 6G deployment both in Europe and internationally.

A keynote speech by Prof. Rahim Tafazolli CBE, titled “A Realistic Path to 6G,” set the stage for discussions about technology roadmaps, regulatory alignment, and research collaboration.

Contributions from SNS projects
In addition to the panel and workshop, SNS JU projects contributed to the scientific program:

SUNRISE-6G presented two peer-reviewed papers:

• “A Vision for Multiaccess HTTP in 6G Networks” from Lenovo
• “DRL-enabled SLO-aware Task Scheduling for Large Language Models in 6G Networks” from EURECOM

6G-DALI shared its work on data architectures and digital twin-based testbeds for AI training and RLOps, covering the lifecycle of 6G networks and emphasizing the role of federated data platforms in energy efficiency and automation.

A separate paper accepted by Teragreen, titled “Frequency Offset Estimation with 1-bit Quantization and Oversampling at the Receiver,” focused on energy-efficient receiver designs that are relevant for IoT and future low-power communication systems.

SNS Projects @ IEEE ICMLCN 2025

The IEEE International Conference on Machine Learning for Communications and Networking (ICMLCN) 2025 took place in Barcelona from May 26 to May 29, bringing together researchers from around the world to discuss advances in machine learning (ML) applied to communication systems and networks. The event focused on fundamental and applied research involving ML techniques for network design, protocol development, and distributed ML over communication infrastructures.

Among the notable contributions was a panel dedicated to exploring the synergy between machine learning and digital twin technologies in enabling autonomous networks. Experts from the 6G-TWIN project presented discussions on how ML empowers digital twin platforms, while digital twins, through the generation of synthetic data, enhance ML models. Topics included challenges in creating accurate digital representations of live networks, use cases such as tele-operated driving and energy savings in operational networks, and the orchestration required to coordinate complex network systems. The panel also referenced complementary work from the 6G-DALI project, which focuses on establishing a federated data space by integrating testbeds and digital twins to support 6G research.

In parallel, the 6G-EWOC project made a dual contribution to the conference. One presentation introduced the application of quantum machine learning to improve intrusion detection in software-defined networks by efficiently monitoring network traffic and identifying malicious activities. Additionally, members of 6G-EWOC organized a special session addressing artificial intelligence and machine learning for optical networks and communications, highlighting the critical role of ML in managing physical-layer infrastructure for 6G networks.

The Eco-eNet project also participated actively, with the project coordinator presenting recent research on optical network automation and AI-driven programmability as key enablers for 6G readiness. A joint paper by Eco-eNet partners from the SUNRISE-6G and 6G-DALI projects addressed the challenge of catastrophic forgetting in drift adaptation techniques for time series models. The study proposed an extension of Elastic Weight Consolidation tailored for Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, improving the balance between retaining previous knowledge and adapting to new data patterns in non-stationary environments.

Overall, the ICMLCN 2025 conference showcased a broad range of collaborative efforts across multiple European projects, emphasizing the role of machine learning and digital twins in advancing intelligent, autonomous networks and preparing for the deployment of 6G technologies.

SNS Projects @ EUSEW 2025

From June 10 to 12, 2025, a consortium of eleven European Union-funded projects: WeForming, i-STENTORE, SNUG EU, TWAIN Project, DigiWind, EXIGENCE, 6G-PATH, HEDGE-IoT, INFERNO Project, HyLiST, and 6G-LEADER participated in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Policy Conference held in Brussels. The event, organized in a hybrid format, gathered policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders to advance discussions on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The projects were showcased collectively at the European Commission Charlemagne Building, Stand C-17, as part of the F6S Innovation Sustainable Energy Cluster. Their joint presence highlighted efforts to accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition through innovative solutions at the intersection of energy and digital technologies.

Throughout the conference, the consortium presented key results and engaged in collaborative exchanges aimed at aligning energy efficiency innovations with market and end-user needs, while promoting coordination to avoid duplication of efforts. The participation underscored the role of integrated approaches in driving sustainable energy and connectivity across Europe.

IEEE NFV-SDN 2025 Call for Papers

The IEEE Conference on Network Functions Virtualization and Software Defined Networking (NFV-SDN) 2025 will be held from 10 to 12 November 2025 in Athens, Greece.

This conference provides an important platform for academic and industry experts to exchange innovative ideas, research outcomes, and technological developments related to NFV and SDN. Its main objective is to promote knowledge sharing and foster discussions on emerging architectures, algorithms, and operational frameworks aimed at enhancing virtualized network functions and infrastructures. These discussions will address advancements across the radio access network, core network, edge computing, and cloud environments.

ATHENA Workshop Call for Papers

SAFE-6G, 6G-VERSUS and 8 other SNS projects co-organises the workshop entitled ”  Empowering 6G Networks: 2nd Workshop on Advancements in Research Infrastructures, Adaptive Frameworks, and Global Architectural Evolution (ATHENA 2025)”

The organisers invites original paper submissions in the field of 6G technologies.

• Paper Submission Deadline: 14 July 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: 1 August 2025
• Camera-Ready Submission Deadline: 8 August 2025

Workshop 1: From Lab to Field: Experimentation Platforms for 6G Architecture Validation

This workshop co-organised by SUNRISE-6G will focus on the emerging landscape of large-scale 6G experimentation, addressing critical challenges and opportunities related to cross-domain orchestration, infrastructure federation, and architecture validation. It will also showcase ongoing developments within SUNRISE-6G, which currently coordinates a network of 14 interconnected testbeds designed to accelerate the evaluation of next-generation network architectures.

Call for Contributions

The workshop is now accepting papers and demonstration proposals from researchers, developers, and practitioners active in the field of advanced network experimentation.

Topics of interest include:

• Design and implementation of 6G experimentation platforms
• Cross-domain orchestration and control frameworks
• Experiment-as-a-Service and testbed as-a-service paradigms
• Integration of AI/ML for intelligent testbed management
• Federation of heterogeneous infrastructures (edge, core, cloud, satellite)
• Performance benchmarking and KPI validation
• Use-case-driven experimentation (e.g., Extended Reality, IoT, Non-Terrestrial Networks)
• Development and adoption of open-source tools for network testing

Key Dates:

• Submission deadline: 1 July 2025
• Notification of acceptance: 30 August 2025
• Camera-ready papers due: 30 September 2025

Submission Links:

• Call for Papers
• Call for Demos

2^nd Summer School on Optical Communications

The 2nd Summer School on Optical Communication is scheduled to take place in Berlin from 15 to 18 July 2025. The event will be hosted by the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) and the University of Patras, offering an in-depth exploration of the full value chain of optical communication, from cutting-edge research to industrial applications.

The Summer School will feature a comprehensive agenda covering advanced topics such as photonic integrated circuits, free-space optics, and fiber networks. Industry applications to be discussed include AI, smart cities, green ICT, and quantum computing. Participants will have the opportunity to attend lab tours, live demonstrations, and exclusive visits to companies such as Adtran and Adva Network Security GmbH.

A highlight of the program will be a keynote presentation by Chuck Mattera, who will share insights drawn from over 45 years of experience in the global optical communications sector, including 25 years in executive leadership roles at Coherent Corp.

The program will bring together prominent speakers from academia and industry, including Polina Bayvel (UCL), Ioannis Tomkos (University of Patras), Fred Buchali (Nokia Bell Labs), and several experts from Fraunhofer HHI and partner organizations.

Designed for master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career professionals, the Summer School aims to foster knowledge exchange and skill development in optical communication technologies.

Several projects funded under the SNS JU will support the Summer School, including SEASON, PROTEUS-6G, and FLEX-SCALE. Industry partners such as Huawei, Xtera, Adtran, and Adva Network Security GmbH will also contribute to the event.

Call For Papers 6GNet 2025

The 4th edition of the International Conference on 6G Networking (6GNet25) will take place on 12-14 November in Paris,France. The event invites submissions of original technical papers presenting novel research. The conference provides a platform for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to engage in discussions around the latest advances and challenges in 6G networking.

Scope and Context

6G research continues to evolve rapidly, driven by emerging technologies and the increasing demand for advanced connectivity. Key focus areas include:

• New trials and proof-of-concepts in global 6G research
• AI-driven traffic optimization, including generative AI and video analytics
• Increased unpredictability and uncertainty in network traffic growth
• AI-native architectures for traffic modelling, customization, and security
• Multidisciplinary integration: AI/ML, digital twins, cloud, edge, and service delivery

The event aims to bring together academia, industry, and governmental stakeholders to explore the technical and strategic landscape shaping the future of 6G networks.

Topics of Interest Include:

• 6G architectures and visions
• 6G RAN and core networks
• QoS and QoE on-demand in 6G
• Edge and embedded edge cloud computing
• AI computing edge for network automation and AI for services
• Security and privacy within 6G

A complete list of topics can be accessed via the conference’s website or by scanning the QR code included in the original call.

Submission Guidelines

• Only original, unpublished papers not under review elsewhere will be considered.
• Two types of technical papers are accepted:
  • Full papers: Maximum 9 pages (11-point font), including all content (figures, tables, references).
  • Short papers: Maximum 5 pages (11-point font).
• All papers must be submitted in English using IEEE two-column conference templates.
• Submissions will be peer-reviewed through a single-blind process.
• Rejected full papers may be reconsidered as short papers, subject to self-plagiarism rules.

Important Dates

• Paper Submission Deadline: 20 July 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: 7 September 2025
• Camera-Ready Papers Due: 14 September 2025

Conference Chairs

• Toktam Mahmoodi, King’s College London, UK

Emmanuel Dotaro, Thales, France

Call for papers IEEE Globecom 2025

The IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) 2025 will take place from 8 to 12 December 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan. As one of IEEE’s flagship events in telecommunications, GLOBECOM 2025 brings together researchers, industry experts, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the latest developments in communication technologies. The conference features technical sessions, workshops, tutorials, and industry panels, with a focus on advancing innovation in areas such as 5G, 6G, AI for communications, network architectures, and emerging wireless systems.

Workshop 28: International Workshop on AI-Native Communication Systems – Towards Integrated Intelligent and Highly Efficient Communications Systems

The International Workshop on AI-Native Communication Systems will be held as part of IEEE Globecom 2025 and is jointly organized by three SNS JU projects: 6G-GOALS, 6G-DISAC, and 6GARROW. This workshop addresses the evolution of wireless communication systems through AI/ML-native designs, with attention to emerging regulatory considerations.

The workshop seeks original technical contributions in, but not limited to, the following areas:

• AI/ML-integrated architectural solutions for central, distributed, or edge processing
• Network architectures for AI/ML-based learning and inference
• AI/ML in 6G mobile and radio local area networks (RLAN)
• AI/ML approaches to cross-layer edge resource orchestration
• AI/ML enhancements in physical layer processing
• Federated learning and distributed intelligence for network optimization
• Modeling and performance analysis of AI-enabled communication systems
• Energy efficiency aspects of AI/ML in communications
• Regulatory-compliant architectural designs
• Applications of Generative AI in wireless systems
• Semantic and goal-oriented communication frameworks
• Semantic coding and signal processing techniques
• Advanced AI/ML approaches (e.g., reinforcement learning, in-device learning, split learning)
• Experimental testbeds and evaluation of AI/ML-enabled networks

Important Dates:

• Paper Submission Deadline: 15 July 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: 1 September 2025
• Camera-Ready Deadline: 1 October 2025

Submission Portal: https://gcwkshps2025-aincsiihecs.edas.info/

Workshop 2: 6th Workshop on “Emerging Topics in 6G Communications”

Also co-located with IEEE Globecom 2025, the 6th Workshop on Emerging Topics in 6G Communications invites submissions addressing frontier research in 6G technologies. The workshop is led by experts from academia and industry, offering a platform to discuss novel approaches and conceptual advances.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Artificial Intelligence applications in 6G networks
• Signal processing innovations tailored for 6G
• Design and deployment of smart antennas
• Communications in the Terahertz spectrum
• Advanced full-duplex systems for 6G
• Integration of meta-surfaces in network architectures
• Emerging QoS metrics relevant to 6G environments
• New multiple access techniques for high-density networks
• Dynamic spectrum access and sharing in 6G bands
• Novel 6G network architectures
• Self-organizing IoT systems powered by 6G
• Interference management solutions
• Security and privacy frameworks for 6G
• Development and evaluation of 6G testbeds
• Spectrum regulation for next-generation networks

Important Dates:

• Paper Submission Deadline: 15 July 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: 1 September 2025
• Camera-Ready Paper and Registration Deadline: 1 October 2025

Submission Link

Workshop Co-Chairs:

• Ruiqi (Richie) Liu – ZTE Corporation, China
• Nizar Zorba – Qatar University, Qatar
• Ana Garcia Armada – Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain

Wei Zhang – University of New South Wales, Australia

The SNS JU 2025 Calls are being launched in two phases:

• The call for proposals including Streams B and C opened on 22 May 2025, with a total of €104 million in EU funding allocated to support research and innovation in Beyond 5G and 6G technologies.
• The call for proposals including Stream D will open on 18 June 2025, with a dedicated €24 million budget to support advanced 5G/6G trials and pilots in key vertical sectors.

The submission deadline for all Streams is 18 September 2025. All relevant information is available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, and full details can be found in the SNS JU Research & Innovation Work Programme 2025.

The event underscored the collaborative nature of SNS JU projects, requiring participation in programme-level activities and alignment with broader European strategic objectives.

SCoDIHNet news

1. The Smart Connectivity DIH Network has mainly worked on the following topics1/ The Certify project having the objective to develop a novel framework to manage security throughout the lifecycle of the IoT device, to put in place a Certification & security evaluation, to Enhance open hardware security, to Secure integration of IoT devices has organised a workshop on the 10^th June. SCoDIHNet has been invited to a round table in order to explain the role of DIH in the cybersecurity journey with end users.2/ The SEADE project Summit 2025 has been co-organised with the European Business and Innovation Network in Bilbao, it had the objective to facilitate cooperation with African Countries.

   SCoDIHNet has been invited to participate to a panel with regards to the actions made to push collaboration between members and African DIHs

   3/ The call for the Digital Transformation Accelerator Phase II has been closed on 17 June, several proposals have been submitted, results should be available end of the year.

   The objective of the DTA is the provisioning of services to the European Commission which will benefit the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and other stakeholders. The subject of this call for tenders is the second stage of ​the Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA) for the network of EDIHs​. Now that the network of EDIHs has been established and launched, it will support the full deployment of an effective and efficient network of EDIHs, with the core objective to accelerate the digitalization and the uptake of Artificial Intelligence by European companies and public administration and to serve as a one-stop shop, enabling organizations to access various elements of the European Artificial Intelligence ecosystem based on their specific needs.