When leading researchers from around the world gather in one place, scientific momentum is inevitable. At “Foundations of Future Communication Systems (FFCS 2026)”, hosted at TU Braunschweig, internationally renowned experts from Germany, the United States, Israel, Japan, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Poland, Ireland, and Italy met to discuss the breakthroughs that will define tomorrow’s communication systems.
The conference was organized by Christian Deppe (TU Braunschweig), Boulat Bash (University of Arizona), Holger Boche (TUM), Eduard Jorswieck (TU Braunschweig), Uzi Pereg (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology), and Shun Watanabe (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology). Their joint effort reflects the strong international cooperation at the heart of FFCS.
The scientific program addressed some of the most pressing challenges in next-generation networks: quantum-secure communication architectures, semantic and context-aware transmission, molecular communication, non-terrestrial and optical wireless systems, and the fundamental limits of 6G technologies. By combining rigorous information theory with experimental perspectives and system-level thinking, FFCS 2026 created a unique platform where foundational research met technological vision.
High-level panel discussions sparked lively debates on how quantum technologies and semantic communication could redefine security, reliability, and efficiency in future infrastructures. The exchange between senior scientists and emerging researchers highlighted both the maturity of the field and the bold ideas driving its evolution.
The dynamic poster session showcased cutting-edge contributions from early-career researchers, fostering in-depth technical discussions and new international collaborations. Many participants emphasized that these interactive exchanges were among the most inspiring moments of the week.
As a key supporter, 6G-life played an important role in connecting fundamental research with the broader vision of future 6G systems. The conference was further supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Siemens, MDPI, and Springer. The proceedings will appear as a special volume in the renowned Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series, ensuring global visibility of the presented results.
