CSNet 2025 Keynotes

Keynote #1

Title: Large Perceptive Models for the future of Intelligent Connectivity

Abstract: The next evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) is not about connecting more devices — it’s about making them understand us. In this talk, I introduce the emerging concept of Large Perceptive Models (LPMs): AI-driven systems that integrate large language models (LLMs) into the very fabric of IoT. LPMs act as both interpreters of multimodal IoT data and optimizers of user intent, translating raw sensor signals into meaningful narratives and converting natural language instructions into real-time control and optimization strategies This shift redefines the role of AI in IoT, from passive data processors to proactive collaborators. The result: a more human-centric, resilient, and explainable IoT, where users no longer configure devices, but simply converse with them. More on this can be found here: 2a91d671dd067c0258b1e40a9f77cdfd.pdf.

Bio: Mérouane Debbah is Professor at  Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi and founding Director of the KU 6G Research Center. He is a frequent keynote speaker at international events in the field of telecommunication and AI. His research has been lying at the interface of fundamental mathematics, algorithms, statistics, information and communication sciences with a special focus on random matrix theory and learning algorithms. In the Communication field, he has been at the heart of the development of small cells (4G), Massive MIMO (5G) and Large Intelligent Surfaces (6G) technologies. In the AI field, he is known for his work on Large Language Models, distributed AI systems for networks and semantic communications. He received multiple prestigious distinctions, prizes and best paper awards (more than 50 IEEE best paper awards) for his contributions to both fields and according to research.com is ranked as the best scientist in France in the field of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. He is an IEEE Fellow, a WWRF Fellow, a Eurasip Fellow, an AAIA Fellow, an Institut Louis Bachelier Fellow, an AIIA Fellow  and a Membre émérite SEE. He is actually chair of  the IEEE Large Generative AI Models in Telecom (GenAINet) Emerging Technology Initiative and  a member of the Marconi Prize Selection Advisory Committee

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Keynote #2

Title: Secure Autonomous Systems

Abstract:  The Zero-Trust Autonomous Systems Platform (ZTASP) represents a transformative leap in secure, resilient, and safe autonomous mission execution. By embedding zero-trust principles—“never trust, always verify”—deep within every robotic and human interaction, ZTASP uniquely safeguards complex operations involving UAVs, UGVs, quadrupeds, and future humanoid robots. Featuring advanced Secure Runtime Assurance (SRTA), hybrid multi-layered communication networks, and AI-enhanced edge situational awareness, ZTASP maintains seamless functionality in both infrastructure-rich and austere, contested environments. Focusing on the multi-layered communications, this keynote will reveal how ZTASP unites cybersecurity rigor with cutting-edge autonomy, enabling trusted, adaptive collaboration between humans and autonomous agents to securely meet tomorrow’s mission-critical challenges.

Bio: Jean-Pierre Giacalone is Vice President of Secure Communications Engineering at Secure Systems Research Centre at the new Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a cutting-edge UAE-based scientific research center that develops advanced technologies.  In this role, he is responsible for carrying out advanced research that makes communications in systems safer and more secure with a focus on improving resilience of Cyber Physical and Autonomous systems. 

Jean-Pierre is a Systems Technology Leader and Implementer with a career providing innovations and technical successes that strengthened revenue and competitive advantage for Fortune 500 firms. He is hands-on leader and dedicated doer who delivers technical vision by building as well as leading and mentoring collaborative advanced development hardware and software teams across the World.

Prior, Jean-Pierre was Expert in software architecture for Advanced Driving Assistance Systems at Renault, a major car manufacturer in the Alliance (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi). In this capacity, he was instrumental in driving efficient processing tasks organization for combination with advanced features coming from Vehicle to vehicle network in addition to other sensors.
In earlier roles, he served 10 years as Principal Engineer and Architect at INTEL, for video systems within the Mobile Systems Technologies group.
Earlier in his career, Jean-Pierre completed 12 years at Texas Instruments and at Sensata Technologies, in roles including Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, among others. Before that, he spent 8 years in engineering dedicated integrated circuits, among the largest conceived in the mid 80’s, for the underwater defense domain. Jean-Pierre Giacalone holds an Engineering Degree at the Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs en Electronique, Electrotechnique, Informatique et Hydraulique de Toulouse (France). He holds more than 19 patents and has published over 15 technical papers with hundreds of  citations.

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Keynote #3

Title: Securing the Skies: Advanced Technologies for Airspace Protection

Abstract: With drones becoming ubiquitous in civil airspace, their potential to transform industries is clear, but so is the growing threat of misuse. Malicious and unauthorized drone operations pose real risks to public safety and infrastructure. To stay ahead of these challenges, we need intelligent, integrated solutions for monitoring and control.

In this talk, I will introduce the latest developments from the Secure UTM Systems Lab, where we are advancing airspace security through a suite of cutting-edge technologies. Our work includes secure remote identification modules and services, computer vision-based drone matching and disambiguation, large language model-powered airspace monitoring, crowd sensing-driven surveillance, and intelligent contingency management systems.

Bio: Abdulhadi Shoufan received his PhD from Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany, in 2007. He led the Security Hardware group at the Center for Advanced Security Research Darmstadt until 2010. Currently, he is an Associate Professor at Khalifa University. His research interests include zero-trust architecture, embedded security, cryptographic hardware, secure UAV operations, unmanned traffic management (UTM), learning technologies, and engineering education. He has collaborated on projects with several organizations, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, PSEG, the Technology Innovation Institute, the UAE Ministry of Education, and Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security.