AI-native networks
AI embedded into network design and operation, enabling systems to learn, optimize and adapt in real time.
6GEM+ · Ruhr University Bochum · 6 Oct 2026
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
As research, standardization, and industry align around the networks of the 2030s, this workshop asks one practical question: what should 6G become, and how do we turn its ambition into useful technology, architecture, and services?
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Shaping 6G: From Vision to Value
6G is moving from vision to concrete choices about technologies, architectures and services. The question is no longer only what 6G could enable, but what it should become—and where it can create value beyond today’s networks.
Organized within the 6GEM+ transfer hub at Ruhr University Bochum, this one-day, single-track workshop brings together experts from telecom operators, technology vendors, cloud and AI companies, and academia. The aim is to connect perspectives that are too often discussed separately—and turn them into credible directions for research, innovation and international collaboration.
Four questions shaping the discussion
AI-native networks
How will AI reshape the way networks are designed and operated?
Openness and programmability
How open and programmable should future networks become?
Communication and computing
How will communication, computing and cloud capabilities converge?
Services and value
Which new services will genuinely require 6G, and what must the network guarantee to enable them?
Three connected themes
Open, integrated and resilient architectures
Programmable terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks that unite communication, computing and cloud capabilities while remaining dependable under load, failure and attack.
6G services and industrial transfer
Digital twins and other emerging services used to define real network requirements—and create a path from validated research to deployment.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Distinguished Speakers
Leaders from telecom operators, network and technology vendors, cloud and AI companies, and universities across the world.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Workshop Programme Committee
Workshop Programme Co-Chairs
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Aydin SezginChair of Digital Communication SystemsRuhr University Bochum · Germany
Prof. Dr. Tarik TalebChair of Networked Energy-Efficient SystemsRuhr University Bochum · Germany
Local Organizing Chair
Dr. Qize GuoSenior ResearcherRuhr University Bochum · Germany
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Participant registration
Opening & welcome remarksSpeaker to be confirmed
Keynote Session I
- Keynote 1Dr. Sameh YamanyVIAVI Solutions
- Keynote 2Dr. Rajarajan SivarajRakuten
Coffee break
Technical Session I
6G & Beyond Enablers & Features — Perspectives from Industry
- Riccardo PascottoT-Labs, Germany
- Dr. Meryem SimsekNokia Bell Labs, USA
- Dr. Francisco GarciaKeysight Technologies, Belgium
- Mr. Riccardo GuerzoniDOCOMO Euro-Labs, Germany
- Dr. Jose Costa-RequenaCumucore Oy, Finland
Lunch break
Keynote Session II
- Keynote 3Dr. Athul PrasadCloudera Inc., USA
- Keynote 4Dr. Borislav Tadić1&1 Versatel, Germany
- Keynote 5Ms. Eva UlicevicTelefónica Germany, Germany
Coffee break
Technical Session II
6G & Beyond Services — Perspectives from Academia
- Prof. Jaeho KimSejong University, South Korea
- Prof. Susana SargentoUniversity of Aveiro, Portugal
- Prof. Manabu TsukadaThe University of Tokyo, Japan
- Prof. Jaeseung SongSejong University, South Korea
Closing remarks
Social dinnerBy invitation
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Bochum, Germany
Ruhr University Bochum
Venue details
Universitätsstraße 150Building ID44801 BochumGermanyThe workshop is held on the RUB campus in the heart of the Ruhr region. Final room details will be published with the full programme.
RUB campus and nearby transport links.
Getting to the venue
- From Bochum Hauptbahnhof
Take the U35 — the CampusLinie — towards Hustadt and ride to the Ruhr-Universität stop. Under ten minutes, every five minutes on weekdays. Leave the station by the escalators onto the Universitätsbrücke and walk on towards the campus centre, three to five minutes.
- By air
Düsseldorf (DUS) and Dortmund (DTM) are the closest airports, both with direct rail connections to Bochum Hauptbahnhof. Frankfurt (FRA) and Cologne/Bonn (CGN) also connect by ICE.
- By car
Parking at the university is free and open around the clock, though levels P1–P6 are closed for refurbishment until spring 2028. The campus is reached from the west via Max-Imdahl-Straße, from the north via the Uni-Center, from the east via Lennershofstraße, and from the south via Lottental.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Accommodation
Suggested by the organizers and listed in no particular order. All three hotels are within walking distance of Bochum Hauptbahnhof, about fifteen minutes by U35 to campus. Booking is on you — none are reserved for the workshop.
- Mercure Hotel Bochum CityWebsiteMassenbergstraße 19–21, 44787 Bochum
- Holiday Inn Express BochumWebsiteViktoriastraße 14b, 44787 Bochum
- B&B Hotel Bochum Hbf-NordWebsiteKurt-Schumacher-Platz 13–15, 44787 BochumA second B&B sits at Hbf-Süd; the organizers recommend this one.
All three are in the Hauptbahnhof area, marked here.
International 6G & Beyond Experts Workshop
Registration
Registration is free. Complete the form in under a minute and you will receive confirmation by email immediately.
Open the registration form