SUSTAIN-6G & SLICES-RI STRATEGIC CONVERGENCE

Madrid to Host 6G Strategic Alignment at UC3M Puerta de Toledo, June 8–11, 2026

The week of June 8–11, 2026, will mark a major cornerstone for European telecommunications as the UC3M Puerta de Toledo Campus hosts two pivotal, interconnected events. The SUSTAIN-6G 5th Plenary Meeting and the SLICES Summer School will bring together a select group of consortium members and researchers to harmonize the sustainability goals of the SNS JU ecosystem with the experimental capabilities of the ESFRI infrastructure. This strategic co-location is a deliberate initiative led by UC3M Professors A. Banchs (SUSTAIN-6G – SNS) and A. de la Oliva (SLICES – ESFRI) to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical validation, ensuring next-generation 6G networks are built on both technical excellence and environmental responsibility.

The technical complementarity between these two initiatives creates a unique “lab-to-society” pipeline for project partners. While SUSTAIN-6G defines the societal and economic requirements for future networks, SLICES-RI – the large-scale scientific infrastructure for computing and communication experimental studies – provides the robust resources necessary to model the full lifecycle impact of these technologies. By leveraging SLICES testbeds, researchers can move beyond basic simulations to execute large-scale experimental studies. This integration allows for the precise measurement of critical metrics – from hardware energy consumption to data center cooling requirements – providing the empirical data needed to validate Proofs of Concept (PoC) across vital verticals such as smart grids, agriculture, and e-health.

Central to this collaboration is a shared “Intent-by-Design” philosophy, strongly supported by UC3M, that places user comfort and planetary health at the forefront of digital innovation. By drawing inspiration from the SLICES-RI framework, SUSTAIN-6G ensures its sustainability protocols are not only theoretically sound but also economically viable and socially inclusive. This internal gathering will focus on mastering the SLICES Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and refining the architectural principles that will govern 6G. Together, these projects demonstrate how European research initiatives can successfully unify efforts to create a resilient, reproducible, and human-centric digital future that adheres to the highest environmental and ethical standards.

Important Dates

Summer School Dates: June 9 – 11, 2026

Registration and Information Participation is open to researchers and professionals interested in the future of digital infrastructures. For more details on the agenda, registration process, and travel information, please visit our official site: 👉 https://www.slices-es.eu/slices-summer-school-2026/