Cognitive Networks Lab
The Cognitive Networks Research Laboratory, led by Prof. Pandelis Kourtessis and Prof. John Senior, focusses on producing leading research within the emerging 6G landscape. We specialise in the fundamental research required to allow multiple communication domains to interconnect and interact with each other, and produce cross-layer solutions for novel communication challenges.
Our work covers 6G NTN LEO, MEO, and GEO connectivity, integrated AI across the communications stack, vehicular networking, research into the latest high‑mobility waveforms such as OTFS, massive-MIMO, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. We conduct original research, starting from mathematical principles, verifying in simulation, building software‑defined prototypes with industry standard FPGAs and SDRs, and validate our work through testbed evaluations and independent trials.
Our track record includes R&D industry-focussed and academic research projects funded by the European Commission (Horizon 2020) and the European Space Agency, with results disseminated through publications and structured demonstrations.
Professor Pandelis Kourtessis
Research Laboratory Coordinator
Pandelis Kourtessis is Professor of Cognitive Networks, Associate Dean of Research and Enterprise for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, and Leader of the Cognitive Networks Research Laboratory. His work centres on next‑generation access and converged networks, spanning NG‑PONs and MAC protocol design, optical/wireless convergence, SDN and virtualisation for 5G/6G RANs and satellite–terrestrial integration, and vehicular/NTN communications. Kourtessis has led and contributed to major funded programmes (e.g., EU FP7/ACCORDANCE, COST/BONE) and subsequent H2020/ESA/UKRI activities alongside industry collaboration. He has 100+ peer‑reviewed outputs and has served in conference leadership and technical programme roles across IEEE/OSA venues.
Professor John Senior
Research Laboratory Coordinator
John Senior is Professor of Communication Networks, formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Research and International and then for Research and Enterprise from 2006 until 2023, joined the University of Hertfordshire as Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences in 1998 moving from the post of Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University. He has substantial experience over 35 years of research in optical communications and networking including pioneering activities concerned with optical fibre local area networks (LANs) and passive optical networks (PONs). John has lead research in a range of aspects including device and subsystem technology together with system and network development at both physical and medium access control levels (i.e. novel protocol development and analysis).