University of Sheffield to open UK’s first 6G research facility

A major new 6G technology research facility will be established at the University of Sheffield. A first of its kind for the UK.

In a press release, the university has announced that the new UKRI National 6G Radio Systems Facility will give the UK world class R&D capabilities in 6G technology.

Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the facility will play a key role in driving innovation in 6G. It will bring together academics and industrial partners, giving them the specialist equipment needed to collaborate and develop globally leading 6G solutions. 

The new national centre, based in the University’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, will establish a vibrant 6G research community in the UK and support the delivery of future 6G services. The bid received unprecedented support from more than 40 companies and academic institutions with strong interests in the technology.

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“Next-gen telecommunications technology”

Professor Timothy O’Farrell, Professor of Wireless Communication at the University of Sheffield, who will direct the new facility, said: “6G is the next generation of telecommunications technology and has fast become a strategically important area for research and development. If the UK is to maintain its place as a global leader in telecommunications then we need the specialist equipment that our academics and industrial partners can use to innovate and develop next generation 6G technologies. The national facility at the University of Sheffield will play a huge role in the UK’s 6G capabilities.” Cutting edge research into many aspects of 6G radio systems will thrive in the new center, the university says.

The facility will be straightforward to use, yet versatile, and will have the capability to enable a very broad range of novel research to support the delivery of future 6G services. It will take society closer to realising immersive communications services delivered over energy efficient infrastructure.