WF-PST Workshops Program

Scope and Motivation
The 2024 IEEE World Forum on Public Safety Technology (WF-PST) will hold cutting-edge half-day or full-day Workshop proposals on emerging topics related to Public Safety technologies and applications. These workshops aim to inspire innovative research ideas and spark discussions on disruptive and timely subjects that attract high-quality contributions. We welcome proposals addressing fields like autonomous unmanned vehicles, healthcare, data safety, security, privacy, non-terrestrial networks, emerging wireless technologies, distributed ledgers, Blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, technology challenges in developing regions, and novel public safety architecture technologies.

Important Deadlines

  • Workshop Paper Submission Deadline: 26 February 2024
  • Paper Notification of Acceptance: 11 March 2024
  • Paper Camera-Ready Version: 25 March 2024

Workshops Program Co-Chairs
Alireza Ghasempour, University of Applied Science & Technology (alireza_ghasempour@yahoo.com)
Kapal Dev, Munster Technological University (kapal.dev@ieee.org)

1. International AI-Driven Public Safety and Security Workshop on Big Data, Deep Learning, and Applications, 2024 (2024 AI-PS)

Workshop Scope: The workshop is anticipated to enhance public safety and security through the exploration of theoretical and practical aspects related to the application and algorithms of artificial intelligence in combating criminal activities, whether in the real or virtual worlds. The workshop affords opportunities and platforms for industry partners, government agents, and academic scientists to present novel applications, advanced solutions, state-of-the-art algorithms in the domain of public safety and security.

The emergence of digital criminal activities, encompassing cyber-attacks, privacy breaches, and deepfakes, poses a new challenge in the virtual world. The manipulation of artificial intelligence by criminals is a growing concern, with adversarial attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in deep learning classifiers through subtle perturbations. Additionally, the pervasive use of deepfake technology presents the risk of manipulating societies through social media, for example, Facebook and YouTube. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices raises concerns about indirect leaks of human privacy.

Criminal activities jeopardize public safety with threats to societal well-being in the real world. Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) must adapt and employ new methods and approaches to detect, prevent, and control criminal activities, thereby enhancing situational awareness in investigative or law enforcement functions, tactical situations, unexpected attacks, and responses to crimes in progress.

Workshop Websites:

2. Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces in Action: Advancing Public Safety Communications and Surveillance

Workshop Scope and Topics: Public safety environments are rapidly evolving, necessitating advanced and adaptable communication and surveillance systems. Central to this transformation is the introduction of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), a pioneering advancement in communication technology that’s reshaping electromagnetic interactions and offering enhanced communication avenues tailored for public safety. This workshop aims to illuminate the diverse potential of RIS in revolutionizing public safety operations. We’re inviting researchers and professionals to come together, share their findings, and address the multifaceted challenges and breakthroughs associated with RIS and its application in public safety environments. We welcome research papers, as well as comprehensive review articles, that tackle topics including, but not limited to:

  • RIS Foundations and Applications: Delving into the basics of RIS, its adaptability in various wireless environments, and its real-world applicability in public safety scenarios.
  • Channel Estimations in RIS-based Networks: Exploring methodologies and challenges associated with channel estimation for networks empowered by RIS.
  • Design and Deployment of RIS: Technical considerations, challenges, and innovations in designing and deploying RIS for urban and remote public safety scenarios.
  • RIS in Hybrid Communication Systems: Exploring RIS’s role in systems such as UAV, satellite, terrestrial, optical wireless, and their combinations.
  • Machine Learning and AI in RIS: Investigating the potential of ML and AI-driven algorithms for predictive analysis in RIS-empowered public safety scenarios.
  • Security in RIS-driven Networks: Addressing the challenges and solutions pertaining to security and privacy in RIS-based communication systems.
  • Integration of RIS with Emerging Technologies: Discussing the synergy of RIS with technologies like edge computing, IoT, quantum communications, and more tailored for public safety.
  • Foundations of RIS and Quantum Communications: Delving into RIS basics, its adaptability across wireless environments, and its combination with quantum communication techniques to ensure ultra-secure transmissions tailored for public safety.
  • Real-world RIS Deployments: Case studies, pilot projects, and practical experiences from deploying RIS in public safety scenarios.

Workshop Websites:

3. Future-Ready Public Safety Technologies: AI, IoT, 6G, Blockchain, and More

Workshop Scope and Topics: The “Future-Ready Public Safety Technologies” workshop seeks to explore and advance the intersection of cutting-edge technologies with the vital field of public safety. In an era marked by rapid technological evolution, this workshop serves as a dynamic platform for multidisciplinary discussions, research presentations, and knowledge exchange. The primary objectives of the workshop are as follows:

  • AI, IoT, and 6G Integration: We aim to delve into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 6G wireless technologies within the context of public safety. This includes exploring AI-driven predictive analytics, IoT-enabled smart infrastructures, and the potential of 6G networks for enhancing public safety communications.
  • Blockchain for Security and Privacy: This workshop places a strong emphasis on the application of blockchain technology in bolstering data security, privacy, and transparency within public safety systems. Discussions will revolve around blockchain-based identity verification, secure data sharing, and tamper-resistant records for emergency management.
  • Healthcare and Public Safety Synergy: The convergence of healthcare technologies and public safety will be a focal point, exploring how innovations in telemedicine, wearable devices, and healthcare data analytics can play a pivotal role in emergency response, disaster management, and health crisis mitigation.
  • Non-Terrestrial Networks and Resilience: We will examine the potential of non-terrestrial networks, including satellite communications and drone-based connectivity, in ensuring robust and resilient public safety communication infrastructures, particularly in remote or disaster-stricken areas.
  • Emerging Wireless Technologies: Beyond 6G, this workshop will provide a forum for discussions on emerging wireless technologies, such as Visible Light Communications, for enhancing real-time data exchange and situational awareness in public safety scenarios.
  • Machine Learning for Decision Support: Participants will explore the application of machine learning algorithms in processing large datasets for more informed decision-making in emergency response and disaster management.
  • Technology for Developing Regions: We aim to investigate how technology can address specific challenges faced by developing regions in terms of public safety, including affordable and adaptable solutions that can be deployed effectively.
  • Innovations in Public Safety Architecture: This workshop invites contributions on novel architectural designs and solutions that redefine public safety infrastructures for greater efficiency, interoperability, and resilience.

Through a combination of research paper presentations, keynote talks, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions, the workshop aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, spark innovative ideas, and facilitate the dissemination of research findings that can make our communities safer and more resilient.

Workshop Websites: