In a significant stride towards strengthening international research collaborations, India and the UK have launched a joint call for proposals in the field of telecommunications. This initiative, backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in India and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in the UK, aims to foster innovative projects that address key challenges in modern telecommunications.
India-UK Joint Call – Building on Existing UK-India Partnerships
The projects under this call are designed to build upon the robust UK-India Future Network partnerships. This initiative encourages forming multi-institutional teams, leveraging expertise from both nations. Each project must have two leads: one based at a UK research organization and another at an Indian research organization, eligible for funding from UKRI and DST, respectively. This collaborative framework ensures that the projects are well-equipped to tackle complex issues and promote cross-border knowledge exchange.
Research Areas
The joint call invites proposals across a broad spectrum of telecommunications research areas, including:
- Private 5G Networks: Focus on secure, closed-access networks tailored for specific user groups.
- Softwarisation of Networks: Research on software-defined networking and network function virtualization.
- Satellites: Including their role in interoperable networks, in-orbit mesh networks, and backhaul solutions.
- Future Services: Innovations in e-commerce, AI-driven software, cloud computing, and distributed computing systems.
- Open Radio Access Networks (ORAN): Development of open and interoperable RAN solutions.
- Networking Software and Systems Architecture: Exploring advanced networking software and robust system architectures.
- Network of Networks: Integrating different network types into a cohesive system.
- Cyber Security Across Networks: Ensuring secure communications across diverse network infrastructures.
- Spectrum Innovation: Developing new techniques for spectrum management and utilization.
- Resilient Communications: Creating communication systems that are robust against disruptions.
- Sustainable Communications (Net Zero): Focusing on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly communication technologies.
- Sensor Data Across Networks: Applications such as waste management using networked sensor data.
Project Duration and Timeline
The projects are planned to span four years, with a tentative start date of February 2025 for UK-based initiatives and April-May 2025 for those based in India. This timeline provides ample opportunity for in-depth research and development, fostering innovations that can significantly impact the telecommunications landscape.
Application Details – India-UK Joint Call
Researchers interested in applying for this funding opportunity should prepare their proposals according to the guidelines provided by DST and EPSRC. The submission window is open until September 24, 2024. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, visit the official DST website.
This joint initiative represents a major opportunity for researchers and institutions in India and the UK to collaborate on cutting-edge telecommunications research. By leveraging the strengths of both nations, the program aims to drive significant advancements in technology, benefiting both countries and the global community.
