Spending two months at the University College Dublin (UCD) as part of the ENSURE-6G MSCA Staff Exchange Programme was an unforgettable experience, both professionally and personally.
While much of my time was dedicated to collaborating with the NetsLab team on Open RAN and private 5G research infrastructure, the secondment also provided an opportunity to experience Ireland’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
Working alongside researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students at UCD was an enriching experience. We exchanged ideas on Open RAN deployment, security challenges, and future 6G research directions, while also deploying an experimental 5G platform based on Open5GS, srsRAN, and Osmocom programmable SIM cards. The collaborative atmosphere at NetsLab made every discussion both enjoyable and inspiring.
Outside the laboratory, I had the opportunity to explore some of Ireland’s most iconic locations. A visit to the National Botanic Gardens offered a peaceful escape with its beautiful collections of plants and historic glasshouses, while Phoenix Park and the impressive Wellington Monument showcased one of Europe’s largest urban parks and an important piece of Irish history.
One of the highlights of my stay was visiting Kilkenny Castle, a remarkable landmark that reflects Ireland’s rich medieval heritage. Walking through the castle grounds and the historic streets surrounding it was a memorable experience and provided a glimpse into the country’s fascinating history and architecture.
The ENSURE-6G Staff Exchange Programme is about much more than research outputs. It brings together researchers from different countries, encourages collaboration across institutions, and creates opportunities to learn from different cultures and perspectives. The friendships and professional connections established during these two months will undoubtedly continue well beyond this secondment.
I would like to thank Prof. Madhusanka Liyanage, the NetsLab team, and all my colleagues at University College Dublin for their warm hospitality and support throughout my stay. I also extend my gratitude to Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the ENSURE-6G consortium for making this valuable experience possible.
I leave Ireland with wonderful memories, new collaborations, and a renewed enthusiasm for contributing to secure and intelligent Open RAN-based 6G networks.
