As part of the ongoing ENSURE-6G project, I had the opportunity to complete a secondment at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) in Sri Lanka. The visit was focused on exploring the integration of advanced 5G and Open RAN technologies into a telemedicine use case.
Bringing Open RAN to Healthcare
The objective of this secondment was to support USJ in the early stages of developing a Beyond 5G-enabled telemedicine platform. My role, representing Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), was to contribute expertise in secure network design and real-time communication, helping shape the technical foundations of the use case. Together, we set out to understand how modular and flexible Open RAN architecture could support critical healthcare applications such as remote diagnosis and continuous patient monitoring.
Working Across Disciplines and Institutions
During the secondment, I worked closely with researchers from USJ’s Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Medicine, as well as engineers from Mobitel, one of Sri Lanka’s main telecom operators. Through a series of meetings and technical sessions, we jointly identified the key functional and performance requirements for the telemedicine platform. We also explored the potential role of the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) and third-party applications (xApps) within the Open RAN ecosystem to manage network behaviour in real-time, based on patient data and clinical needs. This set the stage for future research, including a planned concept paper under the ENSURE-6G framework on applying Open RAN to healthcare scenarios.
Hands-On Contributions and Student Engagement
USJ recently acquired a USRP N210 software-defined radio platform, opening up new opportunities for experimental work. Drawing on my own experience with SDRs, I helped design and deliver two lab sessions for undergraduate students, focusing on signal processing and wireless communication fundamentals. These sessions aimed to build technical confidence and interest in modern radio technologies among students.
An Interdisciplinary Approach
One of the most rewarding aspects of this secondment was the interdisciplinary collaboration it enabled. The project brought together experts in telecommunications, cybersecurity, biomedical research, and clinical practice. This mix of perspectives helped ensure that the technical solutions we explored were grounded in real-world healthcare challenges—emphasizing not just what is possible, but what is necessary for meaningful impact.
Looking Ahead
This secondment has laid the groundwork for continued joint work between VUB and USJ. We plan to develop a prototype telemedicine testbed and conduct further research on secure xApp integration in Open RAN environments. A second research paper focused on security mechanisms is also in discussion.
Final Thoughts
I am sincerely grateful to VUB for giving me the opportunity to take part in this secondment and to USJ for their warm hospitality and for providing such a rich collaborative and cultural experience. My heartfelt thanks also go to the ENSURE-6G project for facilitating this kind of cross-border exchange, which truly enriches research through interdisciplinary and international cooperation. I also wish to acknowledge the invaluable support from University College Dublin (UCD) for their management and coordination efforts throughout the process.
This secondment was a clear reminder of the global and interdisciplinary nature of future network technologies. Collaborating on a healthcare-focused use case with experts in telecom, medicine, and engineering reaffirmed the importance of working across domains to create meaningful, impactful solutions for society. I look forward to continuing this collaboration in the next phases of the ENSURE-6G project.
