IUCRC Planning Grant VCU: Center for Wireless Innovation towards Secure, Pervasive, Efficient and Resilient Next G Networks (WISPER)

The proposed Center for Wireless Innovation towards Secure, Pervasive, Efficient, and Resilient Next Generation Networks (WISPER) will coordinate academia, industry, and government to pioneer transformative next generation (NextG) wireless technologies for key industry verticals. Our missions include: (1) growing the U.S. innovation capacity in the next-generation wireless networks; (2) catalyzing breakthrough pre-competitive research for enabling NextG wireless communications; (3) contributing to the emerging North American vision for the next generation wireless networks; (4) providing guidance to standardization bodies and cooperation partners; and (5) producing a workforce prepared to tackle complex next-generation wireless challenges.

WISPER will focus on developing transformative wireless innovations. Areas of research include but are not limited to: (1) Forensics exploration and implementation in Cyber-Physical NextG systems by considering performance, efficiency, resilience, and security and privacy; (2) deep integration of artificial intelligence in wireless networks; (3) infrared free-space NextG networks; (4) development of advanced secure systems based on EM characterization of mmWave 5G and 6G systems ; (5) demonstration of NextG wireless networks in diversified industrial applications; and (6) development of an industry-guided workforce development program in the context of next-generation wireless networks.

The proposed WISPER Center will contribute significantly to the country's future communication infrastructure, with broader impacts on diversity and inclusion, workforce development, and technology transfer. A Diversity & Inclusion Committee will be formed to review the current diversity and inclusion profile and develop specific measures and plans for inspiring the participation of underrepresented groups.

WISPER will prepare students to become proficient in NextG techniques, leading to transformative changes in the state of wireless workforce preparedness. WISPER will enable seamless integration of the center's new discoveries into NextG wireless systems, accelerating technology transfer, enhancing the competence of the industrial members, and contributing to the Nation’s leadership in NextG technologies.

All data, software, and artifacts produced in this project will be archived and preserved, according to standard institutional security and privacy practices and policies, for at least five years.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.