Summary of Workshop on Mathematical Issues in Communications
The Workshop on Mathematical Issues in Communications was successfully held at the Tianyuan Mathematics Research Center from August 17 to August 23, 2025. Convened by Professors Zhi-Quan Luo and Ya-Feng Liu, the event brought together 32 scholars and experts from leading institutions and companies, including Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Southeast University, Great Bay University, Xidian University, Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Sichuan University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, and Huawei Corporation.
The opening ceremony, held on the morning of August 18, was presided over by Professor Ya-Feng Liu (BUPT). In his welcome speech, Prof. Liu emphasized the critical role of mathematics in advancing communication technologies. Professor Zhi-Quan Luo (CUHKSZ) further highlighted that the workshop’s key objective was identifying practical, valuable and high-impact research problems.
On the morning of August 18, Professor Meixia Tao (SJTU) presented a generalizable neural ray tracing framework that improves channel modeling with enhanced generalization, accuracy and efficiency by integrating physics-inspired neural design. Professor Jie Xu (CUHKSZ) presented a novel approach for constructing a 6D channel knowledge map from sparse channel measurements. On the afternoon of August 18, Professor Fan Liu (SEU) discussed sensing with random communication signals in 6G ISAC systems, proposing design principles for three components of communication-centric ISAC systems. Professor Yang Li (GBU) presented deep learning techniques for single-cell and cell-free activity detection. Professor Cong Sun (BUPT) presented the joint optimization model of RIS location and parameter for RIS aided multi-user broadcast channel.
On the morning of August 19, Professor Kai Niu (BUPT) introduced semantic information theory, including fundamental characteristics of semantic information, basic framework of semantic information and architecture of semantic coded transmission. Professor Yongwei Huang (GPNU) presented robust adaptive beamforming design with constant-modulus signal waveform estimation and steering vector uncertainty. On the afternoon of August 19, Professor Yongchao Wang (XDU) gave a talk on the design of artificial interference signals for covert communication aided by multiple friendly nodes. Professor Wenqiang Pu (SRIBD) presented optimistic Thompson sampling algorithms for no-regret learning in unknown games with bandit feedback. Professor Mingjie Shao (AMSS, CAS) discussed sensing from quantized signals, providing both identifiability analysis and efficient algorithms for quantized MIMO detection.
On the morning of August 20, Dr. Chengjun Guo (Huawei) delivered a talk on the joint design of communication algorithms and low-level computation, covering topics on matrix quantization, operator design and algorithm design. Dr. Xueyan Niu (Huawei) discussed scaling, editing and reasoning with memory in large language models, including semantic perspective of communications, rate-distortion-perspective trade-off and information theoretic interpretation of LLM mechanisms. On the afternoon of August 20, Professor Liang Liu (PolyU) characterized the fundamental limit for channel estimation overhead in conventional and beyond diagonal RIS-aided communication. Professor Shuowen Zhang (PolyU) presented a beamforming optimization framework for ISAC systems based only on the prior distribution information about the sensing parameters, analyzing the number of sensing beams required in sensing-only systems and ISAC systems. Professor Enbin Song (SCU) presented a globally convergent algorithm for linear minimax regret estimation of deterministic parameters with bounded data uncertainties.
On the morning of August 21, Professor Wei Xu (SEU) presented a framework for joint communication and computation under digital and analog transmissions. Professor Fei Qin (UCAS) delivered a talk on measurement and modeling methods for multipath channel based on the integration of signals and systems, and electromagnetic theory. On the afternoon of August 21, Professor Junting Chen (CUHKSZ) discussed the construction of radio map based on unlabeled data and the development of a radio-map-embedded switching Kalman filter framework. Professor Jingran Lin (UESTC) proposed a position recommendation aided admission control approach to enhance network serving capabilities.
On the morning of August 22, Professor Shu Cai (NUPT) presented reconfigurable intelligent surface-enhanced ambient backscatter communication and symbiotic radio hybrid systems. Boyang Zhang (UCAS) provided a gradient-guided diffusion-based optimization framework, tackling chance constrained programming problems
During the one-week workshop, scholars and experts presented cutting-edge advancements, engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanged innovative ideas on the topic of mathematical issues in communication. The workshop concluded with a closing speech delivered by Professor Ya-Feng Liu (BUPT), who expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the participants for their valuable contributions and active engagement throughout the week. He emphasized that the fruitful discussions established would lay a strong foundation for future research. Professor Liu also conveyed his gratitude to the Tianyuan Mathematics Research Center for their generous support.