Title of the Talk: Advancement of Smart Sensors, Antennae, IoT, Robots and Drones
Professor Dr. Subhas Mukhopadhyay
FIEEE (USA), FIEE (UK), FIETE (India)
School of Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109
Email: [email protected]
Abstract:
The advancement of sensing technologies, embedded systems, wireless communication technologies, nano-materials, miniaturization, vision sensing and processing speed makes it possible to develop smart mechatronics and intelligent systems. This seminar will discuss recent research and developmental activities on different sensors and sensing system, Mechatronics, including robotics and drones, smart antennae, and IoT at Macquarie University as applicable to human health, medical science, biology and environmental monitoring.
Biography:
Subhas holds a B.E.E. (gold medalist), M.E.E., Ph.D. (India) and Doctor of Engineering (Japan). He has over 35 years of teaching, industrial and research experience. Currently he is working as a Professor of Mechanical/Electronics Engineering, Macquarie University, Australia and is the Discipline Leader of the Mechatronics Engineering Degree Programme. His fields of interest include Smart Sensors and sensing technology, instrumentation techniques, wireless sensors and network (WSN), Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Mechatronics and Drones etc. He has supervised over 60 postgraduate students and over 200 Honours students. He has examined over 80 postgraduate theses.
He has been co-inventor of 14 patents and published over 450 papers in different international journals and conference proceedings, written ten books and sixty two book chapters and edited twenty conference proceedings. He has also edited forty five books with Springer-Verlag and thirty five journal special issues. He has organized over 20 international conferences as either General Chairs/co-chairs or Technical Programme Chair. He has delivered 466 presentations including keynote, invited, tutorial and special lectures. As per Scholargoogle, his total citation is 29855 and h-index is 89.
He is a Fellow of IEEE (USA), a Fellow of IET (UK), a Fellow of IETE (India). He is an associate editor of IEEE Transactions on Reviews in Biomedical Engineering (RBME). He is the EiC of the International Journal on Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems. He was a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Sensors Council from 2017 to 2022. He chairs the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society NSW chapter.
More details can be available at
https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=8p-BvWIAAAAJ&hl=en
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8600-5907
http://web.science.mq.edu.au/directory/listing/person.htm?id=smukhopa
Title of the Talk: Electromagnetic Selective Structures: Concept and Design
Professor Dr. Zhongxiang Shen (Fellow IEEE)
Strategic Scientist & Professor, Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
In this talk, we intend to provide a brief overview of electromagnetic selective surfaces/structures (EMSS). According to the properties of an incident electromagnetic wave, EMSS can be divided into four categories: frequency-selective structure (FSS), polarization-selective surface (PSS), angle-selective surface (ASS), and energy-selective surface (ESS). Recent developments and advances in the design of EMSS will also be briefly introduced. Finally, future opportunities in the areas of the design and analysis of EMSS will be suggested.
Biography:
Zhongxiang Shen received the B. Eng. degree from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China, in 1987, the M. S. degree from Southeast University, Nanjing, China, in 1990, and the PhD degree from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in 1997, all in electrical engineering.
From 1990 to 1994, he was with Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China. He was with Com Dev Ltd., Cambridge, Canada, as an Advanced Member of Technical Staff in 1997. He spent six months each in 1998, first with the Gordon McKay Laboratory, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, and then with the Radiation Laboratory, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, as a Postdoctoral Fellow. From Jan. 1999 to December 2023, he was a faculty member (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Full Professor) of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is now a Strategic Scientist at Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
Dr. Shen served as the Chair of the IEEE MTT/AP Singapore Chapter in 2009. From Jan. 2010 to Aug. 2014, he was the Chair of IEEE AP-S Chapter Activities Committee. From July 2014 to December 2018, he served as the Secretary of IEEE AP-S. He was an elected AdCom member of the IEEE AP-S from Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2019. He served as an Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation from July 2016 to July 2022. From Jan. 2021 to Dec. 2023, he was a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE AP-S. Prof. Shen is currently the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation.
Prof. Shen is an IEEE Fellow. His research interests include small and planar antennas for various wireless communication systems, analysis and design of frequency-selective structures and absorbers, hybrid numerical techniques for modeling RF/microwave components and antennas. He has authored more than 240 journal papers (among them 180 were published in IEEE Journals) and also presented nearly 200 papers at international conferences.
Title of the Talk: New Era in Antenna Engineering: Breaking the Barrier
Debatosh Guha
INAE Chair & Professor
Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics
University of Calcutta, India
Email: [email protected]
Abstract:
Antenna engineering is treated as the most classical topic in electronics and communication, but existing predominantly since before the electronics era. After over a century and a half, and going through a series of advancements in structure, material, techniques, and applications, it has now started facing severe new challenges. This talk will address a few examples based on the firsthand experience in recent years. The crucial question is: ‘how do we break through these barriers?’. A common, often simplistic answer is: ‘why don’t you apply AI?’. This talk highlights the realities of this New Era in Antenna Engineering, addressing common doubts and uncertainties.
Biography:
Debatosh Guha is a Professor in Radio Physics and Electronics, University of Calcutta. He is a Fellow of IEEE and also a fellow of all four National Academies for Sciences and Engineering of his country. A former Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellow (2020–2025), he has also been awarded the prestigious J C Bose Grant by the Government of India in 2025. He has served IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society as a Distinguished Lecturer and Associate/Guest Editor for IEEE AP Transactions, IEEE AWP Letters, IEEE AP Magazine, and IEEE OJAP. He is the Chair of IEEE AP-S MGA standing committee and has been representing India in the URSI Commission B.
Title of The Talk: Artificial Intelligence–Driven Modeling, Optimization, and Design in Electromagnetics, Antenna Systems, Microwave Engineering, RFID Sensors, and Deep Space Communications
Dr. Nemai Chandra Karmakar
Professor, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
PhD, ITEE, The University of Queensland, Australia
Abstract:
Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in machine learning (ML) and deep neural networks (DNNs), have introduced powerful data-driven methodologies for modeling, analysis, and optimization in complex electromagnetic (EM) systems. Traditional approaches in
computational electromagnetics (CEM), antenna synthesis, and microwave circuit design often rely on iterative full-wave simulations and analytical approximations, which are computationally intensive and time-consuming for high-dimensional design spaces. This talk presents a comprehensive overview of AI-enabled techniques for addressing challenging problems in electromagnetics, antenna engineering, microwave devices, radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor systems, and deep space communication links. AI models, including supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), are explored for applications such as surrogate modeling of EM structures,
inverse design of antennas, fast parameter optimization, and real-time system adaptation. In antenna and microwave engineering, AI-assisted design frameworks significantly reduce the number of required full-wave simulations by constructing accurate surrogate models and enabling rapid convergence toward optimal solutions. In RFID systems, AI facilitates advanced signal detection, feature extraction, and classification for chipless RFID sensors operating under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and multipath environments. Furthermore, in deep space communications, AI-based adaptive algorithms enhance channel estimation, error correction,
and autonomous decision-making under extreme propagation delays and limited link budgets. The talk also discusses the integration of AI into EM education, where intelligent tutoring systems and data-driven visualization tools improve conceptual understanding of abstract phenomena such as wave propagation, boundary conditions, and modal analysis. Challenges
related to model generalization, interpretability, data efficiency, and physics consistency arecritically examined. Overall, this work demonstrates that AI-driven methodologies provide a transformative paradigm for accelerating design cycles, improving system performance, and enabling scalable solutions in next-generation electromagnetic and communication systems.
Biography:
Nemai Chandra Karmakar (Sr Member, IEEE ‘99) received the BSc and MSc degrees in
Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and
Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, the MSc degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and the PhD degree in Information Technology and Electrical Engineering from The University of Queensland, Australia. He also received the Master of Higher Education degree from Griffith University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching in Higher Education from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He has over 35 years of academic and research experience across Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, and Singapore. His research interests include RFID systems (including chipless RFID), smart antennas, radar signal processing, ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies, microwave and millimeter-wave devices, visible light communications, and microwave biomedical applications. He has authored 13 books and more than 450 refereed journal and conference papers, and holds over 17 patent applications in chipless RFID technologies. Dr. Karmakar is currently a Full Professor with North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and has delivered numerous keynote and invited talks at leading international conferences.
Title of The Talk: Integrated Sensing Communication and Computing for Cognitive Cities
Prof. Qammer H. Abbasi
Professor & Theme Lead, Applied Electromagnetics & Sensing,
James Watt School (JWS) of Engineering
Director for Centre for Integrated Sensing and Communication for Cognitive Cities, Government Advisor and The Scottish Science Advisory Council Member.
Abstract:
The evolution of urban environments towards cognitive cities requires a fundamental shift from isolated communication systems to tightly integrated sensing, communication, and computing infrastructures. This talk explores how next-generation wireless technologies, particularly Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), are enabling this convergence and redefining the role of electromagnetic environments. RIS leverages programmable metasurfaces composed of sub-wavelength elements to dynamically control the amplitude, phase, and polarisation of electromagnetic waves. This capability enables intelligent manipulation of the wireless channel, supporting energy-efficient communication, high-accuracy sensing, and enhanced localisation. In communication, RIS improves coverage and spectral efficiency, particularly in Non-Line-of-Sight environments, while maintaining low power consumption and hardware complexity. For sensing, RIS enables contactless monitoring of vital signs such as respiration and heartbeat, even in challenging conditions. In localisation, it enhances machine-learning-based positioning by mitigating multipath effects and enabling adaptive propagation control.
The talk will further highlight how integrating RIS with AI-driven computing frameworks enables real-time, context-aware decision-making across urban systems. Through applications in healthcare, smart infrastructure, and connected environments, this convergence forms the foundation of scalable, resilient, and sustainable cognitive cities, paving the way toward 6G-enabled intelligent societies.
Biography:
Qammer H. Abbasi, Professor of Applied Electromagnetics & Sensing with the James Watt School (JWS) of Engineering, Theme lead for Connecting People priority at JWS, Director for Centre for Integrated Sensing and Communication for Cognitive Cities, Government Advisor and The Scottish Science Advisory Council Member. He has grant portfolio of £15M+ and contributed to more than 500+ leading international technical journal (including nature portfolio) and peer reviewed conference papers, 11 books and received several recognitions for his research including UK exceptional talent endorsement by Royal Academy of Engineering, Sensor 2021 Young Scientist Award, University level Teaching excellence award, Scottish Muslim Innovator Award to name few in addition to coverage by various media houses globally, BBC news, Scotland TV, Fierce wireless, the Engineers and many other media houses. Prof. Abbasi is an IEEE senior member and is chair of IEEE APS/MTT UK, Ireland and Scotland joint chapter. He is an Associate editor for IEEE Sensors, IEEE open journal of Antenna and Propagation, IEEE JBHI and scientific reports. He is IEEE APS distinguished lecturer (2024-26), Vice-Chair of IEEE APS Young professional committee, Sub-committee chair for IEEE YP Ambassador program, committee member for IEEE 1906.1.1 standard on nano communication, IEEE APS/SC WG P145, IET Antenna & Propagation and healthcare network. He is/was Fellow of Royal Society of Arts (2022-2024), Fellow of Royal Society of Edinburgh, industrial Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering (2022-23), Fellow of Institution of Engineering & Technology and Fellow of European Alliance of innovation.
Talk of The Title: Near-Field Meta-Steering – A Low-Profile Method to Steer the Beam of Any Antenna
Prof. Karu Esselle
FRSN, FIEEE, FIEAust
Distinguished Professor
Electromagnetic and Antenna Engineering
University of Technology, Sydney
Abstract:
In the history of Antenna Engineering, there has been only one universal method to steer the beam of any fixed-beam antenna. That’s physically tilting the antenna. This method has been implemented in many commercial antenna systems using motorised mechanical tilting and rotating systems. Now there is another way: Near-Field Meta-Steering, in which two flat phase-gradient metasurfaces (MS) are placed very close to the fixed-beam “base” antenna, in its near field, and are rotated independently. This way, the beam of the antenna can be steered over a large range of zenith angles and the complete azimuth range of 3600, without tilting or rotating the antenna. In fact, no part of the system is tilted.
A Meta-Steering antenna system is only slightly taller than the base antenna itself. Lack of tilting means it is much shorter than conventional tilting antennas. In the future, one electronically reconfigurable near-field metasurface may provide 2D beam steering without any mechanical rotation.
Since this method was introduced in the seminal paper in 2017, together with the concept of Near-Field Phase Transformation, it has been applied by many industry and academic researchers across the globe (e.g. Thales in France, WaveUp in Italy, TICRA in Denmark, UCLA, University of Wisconsin-Madison, San Diego University, all in USA) to develop novel antenna systems, and to steer the beam of nearly all types of fixed-beam antennas, e.g. Fabry-Perot/resonant cavity antennas, reflector (dish) antennas, metasurface antennas, slot arrays, holographic antennas, and even some end-fire antennas, to name a few.
The method is also known in several names including Risley Method and Near-Field Phase Transformation. The surfaces are also known in different names, e.g. meta lenses, flat lenses, transmit arrays, deflectors.
Several different types of metasurfaces have been developed, e.g. standard printed-circuit-board type, all dielectric, all metal, hybrid and 3D-printed, and some research outcomes have led to national prizes and awards. This distinguished lecture will review the research conducted by the speaker’s team as well as others in this modern and growing area of research.
Biography: Karu Essell e, FRSN, FIEEE, FIEAust, is Distinguished Professor in Electromagnetic and Antenna Engineering at University of Technology Sydney. A large collection of awards Karu recently received include AcademicResearch Team of the Year (Team Leader) at 2025 Australian Space Awards, 2024 Premier’s Prize for Leadership in Innovation in New South Wales, Australia’s national 2023 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia (Team Leader), Australia’s national 2022 Professional Engineer of the Year, both the most prestigious space award in Australia – the “Winner of Winners” ExcellenceAward – as well as the
Academic of Year Award at the 2022 Australian Space Awards, 2022 UTS Chancellor’s Medal, both the Excellence Award and the Academic of the Year Award at 2021 Australian Defence Industry Awards, and 2019 Motohisa Kanda Award (from IEEE USA) for the most cited paper in IEEE Transactions on EMC in the past five years.
Karu is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, IEEE and Engineers Australia. He has authored over 750 research publications, and his papers have been cited over 18,000 times. His h-index is 66. Karu is among the top 0.3% of active researchers in the world in the research area of Networking and Telecommunications, according to an analysis published in Elsevier, which considered only actively publishing researchers in this field.