From November 8 to November 10, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia hosted the International Forum on Connecting the World from the Skies. This forum welcomed researchers, industry leaders, and academia to exchange findings and present on key issues impacting the unconnected world. In partnership with IEEE Future Networks, the forum hosted an international paper competition that challenged students and researchers to find innovative solutions and ideas for globally connecting remote or isolated groups.
Safwan Alfattani, a PhD candidate at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, won the competition’s grand prize after presenting a paper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Alfattani is jointly supervised by Professor Abbas Yongaçoglu from the University of Ottawa and Professor Halim Yanikomeroglu from Carleton University. The winning paper was co-authored by Professor Wael Jaafar from the Department of Software Engineering and IT at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). The work was awarded the grand prize of USD $10,000.
The winning paper, entitled “Multi-mode high altitude platform stations (HAPS) for future wireless networks”, argues for the use of HAPS stations that can function within different modes to reduce energy consumption and extend length of service. Alfattani’s experience in wireless networks has been a focal point during his time at the University of Ottawa: his master’s degree in applied science focussed on wireless networks.
The Connecting the World from the Skies forum welcomed over 3000 participants from around the world to attend seminars and presentations, both in person and virtually, and the grand prize was presented during the conference to Alfattani and Professor Wael Jaafar. We congratulate Safwan and Professor Yongaçoglu on this remarkable accomplishment!