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. 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: Dr. Shreekant (Ticky) Thakkar is the Chief Researcher at the Secure Systems Research Centre of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a cutting-edge scientific research center based in the United Arab Emirates. He also serves as an Adjunct Research Professor at Khalifa University. In his current role, Dr. Thakkar leads advanced research initiatives focused on zero-trust end-to-end security, resilience, and safety in cyber-physical and autonomous systems platforms—such as swarms of drones—leveraging generative AI and large language models (LLMs).
Under his leadership, his team has successfully demonstrated and commercialized a system integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and human first responders. This integrated system operates cohesively with flight and mission operations, utilizing a zero-trust communication shield over mesh and long-range connectivity. Additionally, his team has developed zero-trust mobile platforms featuring secure applications for smartphones and laptops, which are currently in the commercialization phase.
Dr. Thakkar’s work extends to embedding zero-trust security technologies in silicon, edge, mobile, and cloud platforms. He collaborates with open-source ecosystems such as Dronecode, RISC-V, Linux, Apache, and ROS, and partners with research institutions across the USA, Europe, and the UAE.
Before joining TII, Dr. Thakkar was the Chief Scientist and Executive Vice President of Engineering and Technology at a leading UAE-based cybersecurity company, where he played a pivotal role in productizing secure smartphones and an enterprise VPN appliance. His previous positions include Chief Solutions Architect at Qualcomm Data Technologies and Chief Technology Officer in the Personal Computing Group, as well as Vice President and Fellow at HP’s Emerging Computing Lab. Earlier in his career, he spent 21 years at Intel Corporation, holding roles such as Intel Fellow and Chief Systems Architect for Mobile Systems Technologies.
Throughout his career, Dr. Thakkar has consistently fostered innovation by establishing startups within large corp rations and smaller organizations, leading to the formation of stellar research and engineering teams.
Dr. Thakkar holds both a Ph.D. and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Manchester. An accomplished inventor and scholar, he holds 87 patents and has published 45 papers, with over 5,000 citations on Google Scholar.

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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.