Workshop “Breaking Barriers” by the Joint Lab: Innovation and Collaboration in Wireless Technology Research

The Joint Lab, a collaborative initiative between the University of Milano-Bicocca and Huawei, stands out as a center of excellence in advanced wireless technology research. Established with the aim of pushing the boundaries of innovation, the lab recently organized a technical workshop titled “Breaking Barriers: Modeling and Characterization Insights for Microwave Applications.”

The event targeted researchers and doctoral students in the field of microwave electronics, offering a significant opportunity for dialogue and networking. We spoke with Dr. Maurizio Pagani, IC Lab Director at Huawei Research Center, to delve into the details of the initiative and understand the value of this day. When asked about the main goals of the workshop, he explained: The primary objective was to create a contact point between academia and Huawei, facilitating the exchange of ideas between entities operating in similar fields. We focused on the characterization and modeling of high-frequency integrated circuits, a core topic for the Joint Lab in collaboration with the University of Milano-Bicocca. This workshop also served as a moment of inspiration for potential future collaborations and as a platform for building a network among participants.”

The workshop began with a presentation by Dr. Pagani, titled “High-Frequency Integrated Circuits for Microwave Communication Systems: Technological and Research Trends.” Regarding his talk, Dr. Pagani stated: “I highlighted the key challenges in designing integrated circuits, emphasizing how the need for more accurate characterization and modeling is essential to enhance project performance. I adopted an approach that merges industrial needs with academic research incentives, aiming to foster the development of new solutions for the future.”

Another key theme of the workshop was its connection to the MUSA project and the development of the Joint Lab. Explaining the relationship between the event and Huawei’s research activities, Dr. Pagani commented: “Our goal is to create a cutting-edge laboratory to develop measurement and modeling techniques for high-frequency components. These components are the essential building blocks for future circuits and applications. The workshop perfectly aligned with this vision, laying the groundwork for academic and industrial collaborations. Now, we need to accelerate the realization of the Joint Lab to maximize its impact.”