In the context of the ENSURE-6G project, I carried out a one-month secondment at Özyeğin University (OzU), representing Z-RED L.P. This secondment provided a valuable opportunity to contribute to the project’s vision of secure, trustworthy, and human-centric B5G/6G systems, while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry through targeted knowledge exchange.
The secondment focused on collaborative research aligned with WP 3 (in particular Task 3.3), addressing trust, ethics, and governance in AI-enabled 6G security systems. The work explored how trust can be conceptualised and operationalised in multi-agent AI environments, integrating technical modelling approaches with ethical and regulatory considerations. In this context, an initial analysis of trust dynamics, cooperation, and potential adversarial behaviors in 6G security scenarios was performed. At the same time, the research maintained a strong compliance-by-design perspective, aligning with key frameworks such as the GDPR and the EU AI Act. An important outcome of the secondment was the initiation of a joint scientific publication, laying the groundwork for future dissemination and peer-reviewed results.
A key strength of this secondment was the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge. Collaboration with the OzU research team enabled the integration of expertise in AI, distributed systems, and 6G security with perspectives on ethics, trust, and regulatory compliance. This interaction not only advanced the technical work but also reinforced the importance of embedding transparency, accountability, and human oversight into next-generation communication systems. It also strengthened institutional ties between Z-RED and Özyeğin University, creating a solid basis for continued cooperation within ENSURE-6G and beyond. In this context, I have met with Prof. Dr. M. İrşadi AKSUN (Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact of Özyeğin University) to discuss opportunities for strengthening institutional collaboration in emerging areas related to AI, cybersecurity, trustworthy digital technologies, and next-generation communication systems.
I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Başak Ozan Özparlak and the OzU team for their support, collaboration, and academic engagement throughout the secondment. Their openness and constructive approach were instrumental in ensuring a productive and meaningful research experience.
Beyond the academic environment, Istanbul provided a stimulating setting shaped by its unique geographical position, reflected in its cultural diversity and dynamic atmosphere. This blend of tradition and technological evolution supported both focused research and broader reflection, while reinforcing the value of international mobility in fostering collaboration, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.
Looking ahead, this secondment marks an important step towards deeper joint research activities and continued contributions to ENSURE-6G’s mission of advancing secure, ethical, and trustworthy 6G technologies.
Contributed by Prof. Periklis Chatzimisios, Z-RED L.P. , in collaboration with Ozyegin University (OzU), under Work Package 3 (Task 3.3).
