Dr. Burak Kantarci, professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has been named one of the 2025 University Research Chair recipients. With his chair, in AI-Enabled Secure Networking for Smart Critical Infrastructure, he’ll build on the foundation he laid as director of the Smart Connected Vehicles Innovation Centre (SCVIC).
Kantarci works at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity and 5G/6G technologies. His research helps make emerging technologies, such as connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and cyber-physical systems (CPS), more secure and reliable. He addresses critical security challenges that arise when we integrate AI and the internet of things (IoT) in these systems.
Tackling Canada’s most vital infrastructure
Kantarci’s contributions, both to theoretical frameworks and practical solutions, have already had a significant impact in areas such as smart cities and autonomous vehicle safety.
Kantarci is now tackling safeguarding Canada’s most vital infrastructure, like transportation systems and utilities. He’s focusing on AI-powered security protocols and 5G/6G-enabled communications, developing integrated technological solutions that enhance security, reduce vulnerabilities and support Canada’s ambitions in AI, telecommunications and next-generation wireless networks.
A core component of Kantarci’s vision is the integration of AI-driven safety measures into smart critical infrastructure. His work has two key components:
- Advancing the use of machine learning models for secure, ultra-reliable and ultra-fast communications
- Addressing the safety concerns in technologies like autonomous vehicles and UAVs (uncrewed aerial vehicles)
Kantarci’s focus on predictive anomaly detection and real-time security solutions is set to create new standards for resilience in smart cities and critical sectors.
Industry partnerships and collaborative research
Kantarci is also bringing together academia and industry. He has ongoing collaborations with leading organizations such as Edge Signal, a crucial program partner, ensuring that outcomes remain relevant to industry.
Other notable partners include Ciena, Nokia Bell Labs, BlackBerry and thinkRF. These partnerships have resulted in solutions to enhance critical infrastructure performance and security.
“Ensuring that our research outcomes progress through the technology readiness levels (TRLs) — from theoretical models and laboratory advancements (TRL 1–4) to real-world deployment and impact (TRL 5–9) — is a fundamental aspect of our work,” says Kantarci.
The Smart Connected Vehicles Innovation Centre (SCVIC), located in the Kanata North Technology Park, will serve as a hub for collaboration. It will strengthen current partnerships and foster new ones, bringing together academia, government and industry leaders.
“Ensuring that our research outcomes progress through the technology readiness levels (TRLs) — from theoretical models [...] to real-world deployment [...] — is a fundamental aspect of our work.”
Burak Kantarci
— Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Impact far beyond the classroom or lab
Kantarci’s commitment to secure communications and AI-driven infrastructure goes beyond research. He supervises students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates. Several of his students have gone on to positions at leading companies and government agencies. Through his new chair, Kantarci will provide hands-on training and development opportunities for the next generation of professionals.
Kantarci’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in fields of electrical engineering and computer science is also felt. “It’s important that all voices — women, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities and racialized researchers — are heard in the development of secure critical infrastructure,” says Kantarci.
Dr. Kantarci’s work will be felt far beyond the classroom or lab. Through innovative research, strong industry partnerships and the training of a diverse talent pool, he’s preparing future leaders to tackle challenges in AI, security and communications.
