[December 16, 2026] (Hybrid) Symposium on Radio and Optical Networks Convergence: Seeing the Unseen, Using the Understood – Electromagnetic Waves for Beyond 5G/6G
The publication of the Handbook of Radio and Optical Networks Convergence (Springer Nature, 2024) inspired us to extend the book’s collaborative spirit through further activities, including a symposium series that brings together researchers in the field. Launched in March 2025, the series will hold its third symposium this year: the Symposium on Radio and Optical Networks Convergence, under the theme “Seeing the Unseen, Using the Understood: Electromagnetic Waves for Beyond 5G/6G.” The symposium will bring together leading researchers to explore how electromagnetic waves can reveal new possibilities for next-generation communication networks. Through invited presentations and discussion, participants will examine emerging technologies, practical applications, and opportunities for collaboration across radio and optical networks. We look forward to welcoming everyone interested in exchanging ideas and helping shape the future of communication beyond 5G.
Date & Time
[Date] Wednesday, December 16, 2026
[Time] 10:00 a.m. -6:10 p.m. (JST) *tentative
Hybrid Event Details
On-Site Participation
Masaru Ibuka Auditorium, 1st and 2nd floor, International Conference Center, Waseda University, Tokyo, JAPAN
* Map & Directions: Masaru Ibuka Auditorium, Waseda University
Online Participation
Zoom Webinar
Participation
Participation is free of charge, but pre-registration is required
Program
*Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
| Start | End | Theme (Provisional) | Speaker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | 10:15 | Opening Remarks & Introduction of ASPIRE project – Multi-physics based system design for future ICT networks | Tetsuya Kawanishi | |
| FEATURED TALK | ||||
| 10:15 | 10:55 | TBD | Lute Maleki | |
| SESSION 1 – Applications of Access Networks | ||||
| 10:55 | 11:25 | Applications of Access Networks | Steve Jia | |
| 11:25 | 11:40 | Coffee Break | ||
| 11:40 | 12:10 | Optical Access Technologies for Next-Gen Mobile Applications | Jim Zou | |
| 12:10 | 12:40 | Radio Access Network Convergence | Christina Lim | |
| NETWORKING LUNCH (for onsite participants) | ||||
| 12:40 | 13:50 | Digest Presentation Viewing | ||
| SESSION 2 – Millimeter-Wave and THz Propagation | ||||
| 13:50 | 14:20 | Overview of MMW/THz Wireless Propagation | Akihiko Hirata | |
| 14:20 | 14:50 | THz Propagation Simulator | Bo Kum Jung | |
| 14:50 | 15:20 | Millimeter-Wave Propagation of 5G Wireless Access | Minseok Kim | |
| 15:20 | 15:35 | Coffee Break | ||
| SESSION 3 – Visualization of Electromagnetic Waves | ||||
| 15:35 | 16:05 | Millimeter-Wave and THz-Wave Visualization | Shintaro Hisatake | |
| 16:05 | 16:35 | EO Sensing for 5G Antenna Characterization | Dong-Joon Lee | |
| 16:35 | 16:50 | Coffee Break / Stage Setup | ||
| Panel Discussion: “From Seeing to Using: The Path of Electromagnetic Waves into Beyond 5G/6G Networks” | ||||
| 16:50 | 18:00 | *More Information to Follow | ||
| 18:00 | 18:10 | Closing Remarks | ||
* The timetable is subject to change
Speakers
*The listed titles are provisional and subject to change.
- Opening Remarks & Introduction of ASPIRE project
Tetsuya Kawanishi (Waseda University, Japan)
- TBD
Lute Maleki (OEwaves, Inc., USA)
- Applications of Access Networks
Steve Jia (CableLabs., USA)
- Optical Access Technologies for Next-Gen Mobile Applications
Jim Zou (Adtran, USA)
- Radio Access Network Convergence
Christina Lim (University of Melbourne, Australia)
- Overview of MMW/THz Wireless Propagation
Akihiko Hirata (Chiba Institute of Technology, Japan)
- THz Propagation Simulator
Bo Kum Jung (Waseda University, Japan)
- Millimeter-Wave Propagation of 5G Wireless Access
Minseok Kim (Niigata University)
- Millimeter-Wave and THz Visualization
Shintaro Hisatake (Gifu University, Japan)
- EO Sensing for 5G Antenna Characterization
Dong-Joon Lee (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Korea)
* Speaker list is subject to change
Registration
Organizer
Institute of Radio Photonics for 6G Networks, Waseda University
Supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) through the ASPIRE Program
https://aspire.w.waseda.jp/