Conference: US-UAE Workshop on Spectrum Research Frontiers and Applications

After the successful joint workshop between the United States (including NTIA and State Department participation) and the UAE January 12 – 14, 2026, this award will continue and extend the budding partnership between the two countries with a second workshop to further collaboration regarding research and development in electromagnetic spectrum management and use. This award is for a workshop with three tracks to include both participants from the U.S. and the UAE to take place in Washington DC in FY27. The award follows on and extends the work begun in January, 2026 between the U.S. and United Arab Emirates on spectrum management and innovation. It follows three tracks: spectrum infrastructure, next-generation radiocommunication systems, and applied aspects of spectrum research. These areas align closely with U.S. interests, including AI applications, Spectrum and 6G, Advanced Manufacturing, Space technologies and exploration, as well as an emphasis on Advanced Communication Networks. The week-long workshop is designed to create a forum for exchange of ideas. This work is highly appropriate, given the fundamentally international nature of spectrum use, and badly needed as demand for spectrum availability continues to grow, while availability of unused spectrum has become highly challenging. New techniques and technologies designed to improve efficiency and coexistence in spectrum use are required. Collaboration in the area of artificial intelligence will be coordinated with the Office of International Science & Engineering and the State Department to ensure that any joint research efforts explored in the workshop are appropriate for international engagement. 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.