Action IC0603 Antenna Systems & Sensors for Information Society Technologies (ASSIST) Participating countries: BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IL, IT, LV, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, TR, UK + AU, CA Chair of the Action: Prof. Juan R. Mosig, CH, juan.mosig@epfl.ch COST Science Officer: Jamsheed Shorish, jamsheed.shorish@cost.eu www.cost-0603.org WG1: Antenna Concepts & Architectures Global networks require compact terminals and complex and reliable systems, facing the antenna technology with stringent requirements and challenging innovations. “The antenna“ is presently integrated as a system in complex environments, this calling for alternative characterisation methods. The range of applications is almost unlimited: wearable antennas, sensors, implants, RFID tags, arrays for automotive and radar applications, etc. WG1 main goals: new hardware solutions and architectures; the use of artificial materials for enhanced miniaturisation and improved performance. WG2: Antenna Applications: Sensors & Communications Systems Antenna systems must be designed for new environments: nomadic applications, communications between instruments, automatic monitoring of cars, tracking, etc, and the development of these systems requires close cooperation between different research fields. WG2 main goals: a multi-disciplinary approach to antenna optimisation; system-oriented implementations for industrial and academic purposes. WG3: New Frontiers in Antenna Theory & Design The design and tuning process often requires numerous simulations and iterations resulting in high computational costs, particularly for large structures and complex environments. Accurate EM models, in conjunction with effective analysis methods and reliable and efficient synthesis algorithms need being developed for managing a wide class of problems in a flexible and scalable way. WG3 main goals: to foster blue-sky research for facing these challenges; providing the basis for new computational tools. WG4: Measurements & Characterisation, Technological Issues Modern antennas require fundamental changes in the characterisation and measurement procedures. New techniques can lower the costs and access to accurate measurement facilities will enable a larger community to perform quality assessment over the complete design-manufacture-measurement cycle. WG4 main goals: low cost and accurate measurement techniques; measurement procedures and parameters specification for modern antennas; creating a frame for the comparison of facilities and procedures; the development of new measurement techniques, equipment and facilities. Objectives: WG5: EM Computational Models, Tools & Software for Antennas There is a constantly increasing demand for simulating more complex structures and architectures in less time, using state-of-the-art computer-aided design methods. It is thus necessary to improve theoretical and computational models, as well as to build and verify new software tools. WG5 main goals: establish a close cooperation across Europe (and even worldwide); foster unobstructed interchange of ideas, computational models, software modules and data. To assist in the R&D of antenna systems and sensors in the ubiquitous wireless society Coordinate existing research Suggest new topics for future research Stand in a scientific/technological survey attitude Main Achievements: Creation of several Focus Areas including one on educational issues, to alleviate the lack of interest for engineering studies in Europe Fostering antenna research by supporting European conferences, joint publications, and special events Benchmarking of European computer tools and measurement facilities for antennas Mobility of Early Stage Researchers: Short Time Scientific Missions (STSMs) • 10 missions in 2007 – 2008 • 12 missions in 2008 – 2009 • 11 missions in 2009 – 2010 Organization of training courses and collaboration with the European School of Antennas. New structural collaborations established between the participants, spin off of new national and international projects. Collaboration with other COST Actions through joint workshops To contribute to the visibility of antenna activities in Europe Help start new projects Create an active European Antenna community Contribute to dissemination through conferences, workshops and training courses Foster the mobility of researchers Enhance the interactions between academy and industry To increase public awareness of antenna related issues