Program

Petteri Alahuhta, Vice Rector for Cooperation, University of Oulu 

Henna Virkkunen, Executive VP for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, European Commission 

Ari Pouttu, Director, 6G Flagship, University of Oulu 

Bio: Professor Ari Pouttu is Director of 6G Flagship at the University of Oulu. He has more than 30 years of scientific and engineering experience as a researcher, project leader and research manager in information and communication technology. His work has covered waveform and system design for military radio communications, radar systems, embedded device networks, and wireless communications from early cellular systems to emerging 6G technologies. 

Steve Vogelsang, CTO, Nokia Federal Solutions, USA 

Abstract: As defense and critical infrastructure operations become more data-driven and autonomous, public and private cellular technologies are playing a vital role in enabling resilient, secure and flexible communications. The expanding role of 5G—and the transition toward 6G—is transforming defense networks, spanning secure access through public cellular infrastructure to dedicated private systems that support fixed installations and portable, tactical deployments in the field.

This keynote will explore key technologies driving the next generation of resilient connectivity. Topics include massive MIMO advancements to support robust, high-capacity links; Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for enhanced situational awareness and spectrum efficiency; and the symbiotic relationship between artificial intelligence and next-generation networks—both “AI for networks” to optimize performance, and “networks for AI” to enable distributed intelligence at the edge. We will highlight how these innovations converge to deliver secure, adaptive, and mission-ready 6G architectures capable of meeting the demanding needs of future defense and critical operations.

Bio: Mr. Vogelsang is responsible for leading the team that adapts Nokia Federal’s portfolio to meet the U.S. Government’s mission-critical needs. He joined Nokia through the acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent and brings over 30 years of experience in IP and optical networks. Previously, Mr. Vogelsang was Vice President of Strategy and Technology for Nokia’s Network Infrastructure division.  

Hirley Alves, Assoc. Professor, University of Oulu 

Bio: Hirley Alves is an Associate Professor and Head of the Machine-type Wireless Communications Group at the 6G Flagship, Centre for Wireless Communications, University of Oulu. He works on massive connectivity and ultra-reliable low latency communications for future 5GB and 6G wireless networks. In addition, he coordinates the Massive Wireless Automation activities for the 6G Flagship Program.  

Jaakko Wallenius, CSO, Elisa 

Bio: Jaakko Wallenius is a seasoned cybersecurity leader, with deep insight into the cybersecurity market and trends. He has over 30 years of experience in the field, and currently holds the position of vice president, chief security officer at Elisa.  

Hugo Tullberg, Principal Researcher, Ericsson Research

Abstract: We discuss aspects of resilience in and by cellular systems. We consider 6G services beyond communication and how they contribute to societal resilience.

Bio: Dr. Hugo Tullberg works with Beyond-5G and 6G communication systems. His research interests include wireless communication and information theory, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and network reliability and security. Dr. Tullberg has been a member of the board and Treasurer of 5G-IA since November 2018, and since October 2020, he serves as vice chairman of the board. He is also a member of the Governing Board of the SNS JU.  

Tommi Kangas, Senior VP, Defense & Security, Bittium 

Bio: Tommi Kangas is the SVP, Defense & Security at Bittium, a company specializing in secure communications and connectivity solutions. He has a background in engineering and has held various leadership roles within Bittium since 2015, focusing on connectivity solutions and defense technologies.  

Authors: Abhishek Kumar, University of Jyväskylä, Finland 

Emil Kelhälä, University of Helsinki, Finland 

Sasu Tarkoma, University of Helsinki, Finland  

Abstract: 6G network is expected to be the connecting fabric of digital society, yet increasingly exposed to failures, adversarial perturbations, and cross-domain dependencies. We propose a resilient intent-based orchestration stack that compiles high-level service intents into verifiable, adaptive control across heterogeneous RAN/edge/cloud substrates. Our approach unifies (i) a Semantics-to-Intent Compiler via Policy-aware Intent Representation (PAIR) that binds policy, service-level objectives, and context into typed, conflict-aware intents; (ii) a neuro-symbolic event router that fuses learned predictors with rule-based guards for runtime adaptation; and (iii) a resilience-first orchestrator that co-optimizes availability, latency, and energy under faults and attacks. The design targets resilience key value indicators (KVIs) for 6G such as service continuity, failover time, intent satisfaction, and tail-risk under cascaded disturbances. 

Authors: Tarja Outila, Finnish Consulting Group, Finland 

Risto Jurva, University of Oulu, Finland 

Timo Bräysy, University of Oulu, Finland 

Lauri Lovén, University of Oulu, Finland 

Hannu Nikurautio, University of Oulu, Finland 

Harri Antikainen, University of Oulu, Finland 

Abstract: Comprehensive security forms the basis for the resilience of societies. In the comprehensive security cooperating model, the vital functions of society are safeguarded through cooperation between the authorities, the business community, organizations and citizens in all circumstances and at all levels. The starting point is the arrangements and legislation of normal conditions. Preparedness reduces the likelihood of materializing threats and promotes society’s readiness to face them. The need for a response provides grounds for preparedness. The response minimizes the impact of realized threats and promotes the recovery of vital functions in society. Readiness for a response is created by preparation. Stakeholders of safety benefit also from digitalization and ICT technology has taken a significant role in the development of comprehensive security. The role potentially increases through 5G/6G, AI and XR technologies. 

Authors: Bilal Ghani, Telecom SudParis, France 

Hakima Chaouchi, Telecom SudParis, France 

Abstract: A distributed 6G core network will represent a paradigm shift, promising to significantly enhance network resilience by eliminating the single points of failure inherent in centralized designs, as in previous xG mobile networks. Critical control functions, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and the Session Management Function (SMF), often reside in a centralized node, making them vulnerable to network outages caused by hardware failures, connectivity disruptions, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. On the other hand, a distributed network introduces redundancy through the geographic distribution of its Network Functions (NFs). The same NF can have multiple instances deployed at different sites, to place them close to users to reduce latency and enhance both performance and resilience. 

Authors: Ana Stroescu, European Space Agency, France 

Abstract: The European Space Agency (ESA) and Nokia RXRM have demonstrated an AI-powered telemedicine solution leveraging integrated satellite and 5G connectivity. This work highlights the potential of hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to provide resilient, continuous services, a key requirement for future 6G networks. The project focuses on delivering critical healthcare to remote and underserved regions, illustrating both technological feasibility and societal impact.  

Authors: Saeid Sheikhi, University of Oulu, Finland  

Lauri Loven, University of Oulu, Finland 

Abstract: Sixth-generation (6G) networks demand autonomous security operations to maintain resilience against sophisticated threats while bridging digital and physical worlds. As AI becomes integral to 6G infrastructure, security challenges multiply with expanded attack surfaces across edge computing, network slicing, and AI/ML pipelines. We present a novel framework leveraging Small Language Models (SLMs) for explainable security decisions at the 6G edge. Through controlled synthetic experiments, we demonstrate potential for approximately 10-fold latency reduction and 20-fold resource efficiency improvements versus cloud LLMs while achieving high explainability scores. 

Authors: Zohreh Yousefi Dahka, University of Oulu, Finland 

Marja Matinmikko-Blue, University of Oulu, Finland 

Seppo Yrjölä, Nokia, Finland and University of Oulu, Finland 

Petri Ahokangas, University of Oulu, Finland 

Arturo Basaure, University of Oulu, Finland 

Chinthani Kumaradasa, University of Oulu, Finland 

Nina Ong’uti, University of Oulu, Finland 

Oxana Gisca, University of Oulu, Finland 

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between resilience and sustainability in the context of 6G mobile networks. While both are recognized as fundamental design principles for 6G, their interaction remains underexplored. We propose a framework that identifies key dimensions and metrics of resilience and sustainability and maps their connections. The results show that their relationship is characterized by both trade-offs and complementarities: resilience aligns most strongly with social sustainability, interacts with economic sustainability through both costs and benefits, and predominantly creates trade-offs with environmental sustainability. These findings highlight the need for future 6G design to view resilience as an integral property of any networked system and to balance resilience considering survivability and recoverability with sustainability goals. 

Authors: Petri Ahokangas, University of Oulu, Finland 

Arturo Basaure, University of Oulu, Finland 

Seppo Yrjölä, Nokia, Finland and University of Oulu, Finland 

Marja Matinmikko-Blue, University of Oulu, Finland 

Abstract: This paper studies the resilience effects of local 6G networks from the 2030s onward in Europe. Applying the mini-scenario methodology on a future event, described as the emergence of numerous local 6G networks by different stakeholders, it analyzes in parallel positive and negative technological, economic, regulatory, and social resilience effects. It is argued that technological resilience in local 6G enables economic resilience but requires regulatory resilience to contribute at a social level.  

Jaakko Wallenius, CSO, Elisa, Finland

Heidi Himmanen, Chief Advisor, Traficom, Finland

John Lindström, Professor and CEO, Centre for Critical Infrastructure and Societal Security, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden

Toni Lindén, CEO, KNL, Finland

Abstract: Modern crises expose how fragile our communications have become: multivendor equipment, legacy radios alongside off-the-shelf devices, heterogeneous terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, and ever-present EW/cyber threats all conspire to erode situational awareness and mission continuity. I outline a pragmatic, field-driven blueprint for resilience by design built around a hybrid, cognitive architecture that fuses HF (for robust BLOS reach), VHF/UHF, cellular/private 5G, and SATCOM into a single, policy-driven fabric.

Bio: Toni Lindén is the co-founder and CEO of KNL Networks, a spin-off from the University of Oulu. A former electronic warfare officer specializing in communications technologies, he brings 20 years of hands-on radio experience. Before founding KNL, he worked as a research scientist and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Oulu. Toni has contributed to Arctic Council work on communications, supporting the Finnish government in shaping Finland’s Arctic policy. His expertise spans resilient communications and IoT solutions for critical infrastructure, as well as defense and security applications.

Bio:.

Bho Matthiesen, University of Bremen, Germany

Abstract: 5G networks offer exceptional reliability and availability, ensuring consistent performance and user satisfaction. Yet they might still fail when confronted with the unexpected. A resilient system is able to adapt to real-world complexity, including operating conditions completely unanticipated during system design. This makes resilience a vital attribute for communication systems that must sustain service in scenarios where models are absent or too intricate to provide statistical guarantees. Such considerations indicate that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a major role in delivering resilience. This talk examines the challenges of designing AIs for resilient radio access networks, highlighting the limitations of current statistical learning methods in the face of unanticipated and rare disruptions. This emphasizes that the journey toward truly resilient networks will extend well beyond the 6G era. Ultimately, building truly resilient networks will transcend the 6G era, calling for a paradigm shift in how we engineer AI for unpredictability.

Bio: Bho Matthiesen is a senior researcher and lecturer at the Department of Communications Engineering, University of Bremen. His research interests include communication theory and resource allocation, with current focus on resilient communications and non-terrestrial networks.

Hakima Chaouchi, Telecom SudParis, France

Abstract: A distributed 6G core network will represent a paradigm shift, promising to significantly enhance network resilience by eliminating the single points of failure inherent in centralized designs, as in previous xG mobile networks. Critical control functions often reside in a centralized node, making them vulnerable to network outages caused by hardware failures, connectivity disruptions, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. On the other hand, a distributed network introduces redundancy through the geographic distribution of its Network Functions (NFs) to reduce latency and enhance both performance and resilience.

Bio: Hakima Chaouchi received is currently a Full Professor with Télécom SudParis and the Institut Mines-Télécom, Évry, France, where she is leading a research group on emerging networks and services. Her research interests include wireless and mobile communication, emerging 5G and LTE narrow band, the Internet of Things technologies, service discovery and composition, network security, and privacy. She is a Scientific Advisor on Research and Innovation Strategy at the French Ministry of High Education and Research.

John Lindström, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden

Abstract: Due to the increasing number of advanced cyberattacks towards society and its critical infrastructures, whereof the mobile networks are one whose importance will become further greater in the future as the 6G is introduced and edge services used more, and adequate level of cybersecurity and secure cloud services will be necessary pillars for 6G to stand upon. Most users and assets will need to have an identification for all this to work together securely. In this context, the concept of zero-trust can provide a means to bridge that use of cloud and edge services from a variety of private and public networks will require multiple trust checks.

Bio: John Lindström is a Professor and the CEO of Centre for Critical Infrastructure and Societal Security, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden. His research involves management systems for IT/information and OT/OT security. Further, lifecycle management of OT-systems and IoT-solutions are of interest as well.

Marcos Katz, Professor, University of Oulu

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) is crucial for indoor infrastructure like logistics and healthcare. To ensure sustainability, energy networking treats energy as a shared resource, utilizing Passive Energy Networking (PEN) for opportunistic harvesting and Active Energy Networking (AEN) for scheduled redistribution. This creates zero-energy IoT (ZE-IoT) networks for resilient infrastructure.

Bio: Marcos Katz is a Professor at CWC, University of Oulu, Finland since 2009. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the telecom industry. Prof. Katz has edited and written six books in different areas of wireless and mobile communications, published by Wiley and Springer. He has published more than 170 journal and international conference papers in the areas of analog circuit design, multiantenna systems, cooperative communications, network synchronization and others.

Marja Matinmikko-Blue, Director of Infotech, University of Oulu, Finland  

Abstract: This paper analyzes market mechanisms for enhancing resiliency in 6G networks, presenting two evolution paths: operator-driven cooperation among mobile network operators (MNOs) and end-user driven competition. It examines three mechanisms—Open Radio Access Network sharing, national roaming, and end-user multihoming—promoting coverage and congestion solutions, particularly through local network deployments.  

Bio: Marja Matinmikko-Blue is Research Director at Infotech Oulu Institute and Director of Sustainability and Regulation at 6G Flagship at University of Oulu. She conducts interdisciplinary research on future mobile communication networks from business, technology and regulatory perspectives. She received the Young Scientist of the Year Award in Finland in 2013 for this collaboration. She has led several research project consortia that have demonstrated world’s first Licensed Shared Access (LSA) trials and introduced a new local 5G micro operator concept with local licensing.  

Hannu Nikurautio, Research Director, 6G Flagship, Finland 

Bio: Hannu Nikurautio has built a career in business and technology that spans several decades, multiple industries, and global markets. His extensive leadership experience in global business development, product innovation, and R&D has contributed to significant advancements in wireless communications technologies. Throughout his career, Mr. Nikurautio has held senior leadership roles. Since November 2023, Mr. Nikurautio has served as Research Director at 6G Flagship, where he leads the Security & Defence vertical and the 6G Technology Center, which is closely integrated with the NATO DIANA programme (6G Test Centre).

Gürkan Gür, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland 

Abstract: As we look toward the 2030s, 6G is emerging as a pervasive systems-of-systems platform that will integrate novel technologies into a programmable infrastructure for a hyper-connected digital society. However, the convergence of AI/ML-driven operations, disaggregated architectures, edge–cloud continuum, and open interfaces introduces a complex threat landscape, while climate and cost constraints call for sustainable design. This talk aims to concisely explore how resilience, security, and sustainability are interwoven as foundational pillars for 6G networks to ensure their long-term viability and trustworthiness as critical digital infrastructure.

Bio: Dr. Gürkan Gür is a senior lecturer at Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland. He received his Ph.D. in computer engineering in 2013 from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey. His research interests include Future Internet, information security, 5G and Beyond networks, and critical infrastructure protection. Currently, he is involved in Horizon Europe NATWORK and SNSF-NSF co-funded SATUQ projects. He is a senior member of IEEE and a member of ACM.

Dariush Salami, Nokia Bell Labs, Finland

Abstract: As 5G and 6G networks evolve, traditional KPIs like throughput and latency fail to address resilience against disruptions. This paper proposes a multitier framework analyzing first-order and second-order resilience KPIs and presents a resiliency evaluation framework. It enables users to assess the reliability and sustainability of network resiliency methods.  

Bio: Dariush Salami is a Radio Research Scientist at Nokia Bell Labs, specializing in dual-use and defense wireless communication and sensing, artificial intelligence for WiFi, 5G/6G, and mmWave radars. He holds a PhD in ML for Wireless Communication and Sensing as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow from Aalto University in Finland. His research bridges cutting-edge AI/ML methods with next-generation wireless systems, with a strong focus on resilient and intelligent network design, human-centric sensing, and novel RF applications. 

Radu Lupoaie, 6G & SDV Program Lead, Keysight, Germany

Bio: Radu Lupoaie is the Keysight 6G Program Lead in Europe, responsible for connecting industry and academia with Keysight’s test and measurement expertise in B5G and 6G applications. With 14 years of industry experience in cellular modem commercialisation and test & measurement, Radu believes in the power of international collaboration and standards to advance cellular connectivity. He holds engineering degrees from University POLITEHNICA Bucharest and RWTH Aachen University, and an MBA from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Heidi Himmanen, Chief Advisor, Traficom, Finland  

Abstract: The talk will cover perspectives on 6G resilience from global policy to national plans and implementation. The global perspective will depict resilience in ITU IMT-2030 work, where Finland has been an active contributor. 6G standardization will be discussed, as well as highlights from Finland’s 6G roadmap. 

Bio: Dr. Heidi Himmanen is a Chief Adviser at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, where she leads various operational, development and international activities. Her current tasks include promoting spectrum, regulation and standardization for 6G and related emerging technologies. Her international responsibilities cover influencing ITU’s 6G work and leading the development of EU’s 6G spectrum roadmap in RSPG. She is supporting RDI-activities in Finland and bridging the needs of spectrum users with the development work in spectrum management.  She was recently involved in developing Finland’s 6G roadmap. Her team is responsible for all tasks related to spectrum management for mobile networks from individual licensing to international advocacy.  

Pekka Rantala, Head of 6G Bridge, Business Finland 

Bio: Mr. Pekka Rantala is the Head of Business Finland’s 6G Bridge Program. This 4-year national program started in January 2023 with a funding budget of 130 MEUR. The 6G Bridge program focuses on ecosystem-driven collaboration in research and innovation for 5GA/6G and building future business ecosystems in future connectivity. Mr. Pekka is also Business Finland’s delegate for Finland’s European Space Agency’s (ESA) Business Incubation Centre. Previously, Pekka acted as the National Contact Point for Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe in digital themes and clusters. He has an extensive team, project, and product management background from different industries, entrepreneurship, and innovative-born global ventures.

Ari Pouttu, Director, 6G Flagship, Finland