An international Workshop and Summer School on 5G and Cognitive Radio Networks is being hosted by the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) at the University of Pretoria (UP) from 25 to 27 July. It is funded by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the United States National Science Foundation (NSF).

According to the Dean of EBIT, Professor Sunil Maharaj, 'the workshop aims to promote and sustain wireless spectrum and cognitive wireless networking-related research, education and policy-centric collaborations among the academic, industrial and spectrum regulatory entities in the USA and the Republic of South Africa.' He also says that a particular emphasis will be put on investigation into the fundamental challenges related to low-cost, reliable wireless broadband access technologies for traditionally underserved areas such as Africa, as well as on promoting deployment and experimentation of test-bed and prototype systems. This is expected to lead to the development of joint research activities in 5G and cognitive radio technology between South African and American academics and postgraduate students.

Prof Maharaj is optimistic and says this activity could improve and increase collaborative work between universities in the two countries and give South African academics and postgraduate students opportunities to network and develop cutting-edge research activities with their USA counterparts.

Five experts from various American universities will do presentations at the summer school in which staff and postgraduate students from ten South African Universities are taking part. So far, the workshop and summer school have attracted more than 100 delegates from South African industry, government, universities and various state-owned entities. Prof Maharaj is proud of the fact that this is the first ever international workshop and summer school in the telecommunications area to be held in South Africa and says that UP is privileged to be involved in organising the event.