As part of the ongoing knowledge exchange within the COALESCE Project, secondments offer researchers a unique opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, institutions, and countries. One such experience recently brought Hossein Aghamohammadloo, a Junior Researcher from LUT University, to Cyprus Research and Innovation Center (CyRIC) and the University of Cyprus.
Expanding Expertise Across Disciplines
With a background rooted in power systems and energy optimisation, Hossein selected CyRIC and the University of Cyprus for their recognised expertise in communication systems and emerging technologies. This secondment provided a valuable opportunity to explore new research directions and expand his knowledge into the rapidly evolving field of communications.
A key focus of his visit was collaboration with the IRIDA Centre, led by Prof. Ioannis Krikidis, where research efforts centred on microgrid–ICT co-optimisation. This interdisciplinary topic aligns closely with the goals of COALESCE, particularly in integrating smart energy systems with advanced communication infrastructures.
Immersive Research and Knowledge Exchange
During his time in Nicosia, Hossein actively engaged with researchers through team meetings, technical discussions, and presentations. These interactions deepened his understanding of advanced topics such as quantum communications, reconfigurable antennas, and mobile applications—areas that complement and extend his expertise in energy systems.
Hossein also presented his ongoing PhD research, sparking insightful discussions and receiving valuable feedback from experts working in related domains. His visit to CyRIC further exposed him to applied research and innovation activities, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation.
A highlight of the secondment was participation in the COALESCE Workshop and Training School, where he connected with fellow project partners, exchanged ideas, and explored avenues for future collaboration.
Driving Collaboration and Innovation
Reflecting on his experience, Hossein noted: “The secondment brought clear benefits both to me as a researcher and to the COALESCE project. For me, it was an opportunity to learn from experts in a field that is different from my own and to see how communication technologies can connect with my research interests in energy systems. It also helped me develop new contacts and identify possible directions for future joint work.”
He also emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary engagement: “One of the most important lessons I took from this secondment was that meaningful ideas often emerge when you engage with people and topics outside your immediate field of expertise. Being exposed to a different research culture and different technical perspectives broadened my thinking and encouraged me to approach my own work in a more open and interdisciplinary way.”
Looking Ahead
Building on the progress made during the secondment, the next phase of research will focus on EV aggregation flexibility. This includes further developing the research framework, defining key technical and operational aspects, and exploring applications within smart energy systems.
Through continued collaboration and joint discussions, this work aims to contribute to future scientific outputs and support the broader objectives of the COALESCE project.
