2nd Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Communications & Networks (AVCN) Institute Conference
Join us for a day of innovation, networking, and cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Communications, and Networks.
Date
5 June 2026
Time
9am – 5pm
Location
P Block, UWS Paisley Campus
An Invitation from the Leads
“Welcome to the 2nd Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Communications, and Networks Institute Conference (AVCN2026)! AVCN2026 is a one day conference filled with opportunities for discussions and insights in the world of AI, virtual communications, and networks. Network with academics from the Division of Computing in the School of CEPS in person at this exciting event.”
The AVCN Institute Leads
School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)
About the Institute
The AVCN research Institute is one of the UWS's strongest research hubs in terms of research outputs, intellectual property (IP), and income generation. For the past 10 years AVCN developed a strong track record in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Realities, 5G+ Networks, Big Data, Deep Learning, IoT, Blockchain, Autonomous Systems and Cyber Security.
10+
Years of Excellence
40+
External Projects
Conference Programme
Follow our mixed-track schedule featuring keynote speeches and parallel research sessions.
Coffee & Participants arrival
P-Block Entrance
Welcome and Opening
Prof. Robert MacIntosh
Research in the School of CEPS
Prof. Gordon Morison
The AVCN Institute and REF UoA11
Prof. Dahal & Prof. Ramzan
Coffee (P121/123/125)
Internal Lounge
Track A
Dr Marco Gilardi
A Web-Based Agnostic Framework for Audio Generation from Interconnected 360 Images
Mr Julius Bernikas
Inclusive WebXR for Blind and Low Vision Users in Cultural Heritage
Ms Lara McIntyre
Deaf communication in virtual reality
Ms Panagiota (Penny) Trevlopoulou
Real-Time Cloth Simulations to Enhance Engagement and Education
Mr Dave Johnston
Can game characters move beyond scripted responses to become truly reactive personalities?
Track B
Dr Tahir Mahmood
Circular Twin: A Digital Twin Framework for Lifecycle Prediction and Circular Economy
Dr Joanna Olszewska
Trustworthy Autonomous Systems: Current Technical Challenges and Societal Impact
Dr Paul Keir
ClangOz: Parallel constant evaluation of C++ map and reduce operations
Mr Gabriel Okolo
Bridging the Gap: Deploying a Centralized Azure AI Gateway in an Engineering Enterprise
Mr Edward Jennings
The case for AI-enabled monitoring in soft fruit production
Networking Lunch and Demos
P121/123/125
Track A
Dr Thomas Hainey
Staff Attitudes, Perceived Challenges, Concerns and Uses of Generative AI in Higher Education
Mr Liam Mcphee
Economic security risks in telco technology: A comparative study
Ms Qi Chen
XR-Based Visualisation for Networking Education within a Digital Twin Framework
Mr Wei Ning
Multi-Point Thermal Haptics for Immersive VR: Perceptual Fidelity
Mr Osanyingbe Adebowale Teslim
Application of AI Techniques to Utility System Under Uncertainty for Decarbonisation
Track B
Dr Fahad Ayaz
AI and IoT-Enabled Real-Time Early Warning System for Extreme Weather Events
Dr Yingbo Zhu
Design and Deployment of a Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard for Biomass Briquette Production
Mr Timo Lange
Pitfalls in Multispectral In-Field Strawberry Detection
Mr Sujan Sharma
An Agentic AI Framework for Enhancing Data Trustworthiness in Blockchain Systems
Mr Muhammad Tufail Khan
mmWave radar-based assistive navigation system
Coffee Break (P121/123/125)
Internal Lounge
Track A
Dr Ahren Hart
An IoT digital twin framework for real-time robotic monitoring
Mr Adam Ashford
Synthesising literature on AI for heatwave prediction
Dr Alexander Dow
Drone Systems Laboratory Research Overview
Mr Michal Oszczudlowski
Lightweight deep learning models for crack detection
Mr Tamas Ilcsik
Federated Self-Supervised Learning for Aerial Environmental Monitoring
Track B
Mr Md Abdul Kalam
Transforming Project Management Through AI, IoT, and 5G and Beyond
Ms Shehrzad
A Digital Twin Framework for Missing Diagnosis Prediction
Mr Samson Adetutu-Amao
SQL-Native Medallion Architecture: Design Patterns and a Case Study
Ms Ogochukwu Ejike
Regime-Aware Short-Range Rain Occurrence Forecasting
Conference Closing
Prof. John F. Smith
P118
Opening Speakers
Distinguished professors and institute leads setting the stage for the conference.
Prof. Robert MacIntosh
Deputy VC & PVC (R&I)
Prof. Gordon Morison
Dean of the School of CEPS
Prof. Keshav Dahal
AVCN Institute Co-Lead
Prof. Naeem Ramzan
AVCN Institute Co-Lead & UoA 11 Lead
Prof. John Smith
ADRI R&I School of CEPS
Session Abstracts
Explore the detailed research and innovation being presented in this year's sessions.
Organizing Committee & Volunteers
The dedicated team working together to make AVCN 2026 a success.
General Chairs
- Prof. Keshav Dahal
- Dr Marco Gilardi
Program Chair
- Dr Marco Gilardi
Local Arrangements
- Dr Marco Gilardi
- Ms Emma McMillan
- Ms Alison McIntosh
Volunteers
- Mr Huzaifa Ramzan
- Ms Hannah Abasiekong
- Dr Tahir Mahmood
Our Sponsors
Supporting research excellence and innovation in AI and Communications.
Connect with us
Address
University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BE
University of the West of Scotland