Khaled B. Letaief

Title: AI and Foundation Models: The Next Wireless Revolution

Abstract: The emergence of 6G wireless networks heralds a transformative era in our digital landscape, characterized by the need for not only ultra-fast data rates but also significant advancements in ultra-reliable low-latency communications, massive device connectivity, and seamless intelligence at the network edge. As these next-generation networks evolve to support diverse applications—from hyper-realistic virtual environments to autonomous cities and interconnected industries—the demands for seamless communication, robust security, and agile automation become increasingly critical. At this pivotal moment, artificial intelligence is poised to become the driving force behind wireless innovation, enabling predictive analytics, adaptive resource allocation, and real-time network self-management. This talk will explore some of the key technologies that will shape the future of wireless networks, with a particular focus on foundation models—massive AI engines with generative, multimodal, and autonomous capabilities designed to thrive in the dynamic landscape of wireless environments.  These foundation models usher in a new era of universality and adaptability, empowering intelligent agents to predict communication channels, optimize beamforming, enhance network security, automate lifecycle management, and navigate unpredictable scenarios with agility. Global research collaborations and industry competitions are accelerating progress, bringing foundational AI into practical 6G applications and establishing new benchmarks for performance and adaptability. Ultimately, this talk will illustrate how foundation models are redefining next-generation connectivity, enabling wireless systems to perceive, decide, and act with human-like intelligence.

Bio: Dr. Letaief is an internationally recognized leader in wireless communications and networks with research interest in 6G, AI, task-oriented and semantic communications, along with integrated sensing and communications.  He is a Member of the United States National Academy of Engineering, Fellow of IEEE, and Member of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering. He is also recognized by Thomson Reuters as an ISI Highly Cited Researcher with over 62,000 citations and an exceptional 110 h-index.

He is the founding Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications.  He is the recipient of many distinguished awards and honors including the 2024 Purdue University Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award; 2024 IEEE James Evans Avant Garde Award; 2022 IEEE Edwin Howard Armstrong Achievement Award; 2019 IEEE Communications Society and Information Theory Society Joint Paper Award; and 2016 IEEE Marconi Prize Award in Wireless Communications.

He is well recognized for his dedicated service to professional societies and in particular IEEE where he has served in many leadership positions. These include IEEE Communications Society President, the world’s leading organization for communications professionals with headquarter in New York City and members in 162 countries. Since 1993, he has been with HKUST in Hong Kong where he has held many administrative positions, including Acting Provost and Dean of Engineering.

Dr. Letaief received the BS degree with distinction, MS and Ph.D. Degrees in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. He also received a Ph.D. Honoris Causa from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.