Connecting Ideas and Industries: Meet PhD Student Muhammad Azeem Khan

What is your background?

- I am Muhammad Azeem Khan, and I’m originally from Pakistan. I completed my Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Electrical Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Pakistan. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in computer networking and telecommunications, which led me to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Telecommunications Engineering at the University of Calabria in Italy, a prestigious institution where I gained in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in IoT, computing, networking, wireless communication, and emerging trends in electrical communication, Muhammad says and continues:

- As part of my master’s program, I had the opportunity to conduct my research thesis at Linköping University in Sweden through the Erasmus+ Exchange program. This experience was particularly impactful, as I found the academic environment highly collaborative and the research in telecommunications very advanced. My time in Sweden sparked a deep interest in continuing my research career here, ultimately inspiring me to pursue PhD opportunities in Sweden.

The combination of high-quality research, international collaboration, and close ties to industry made Mid Sweden University the perfect choice for my PhD studies.

How come you chose Mid Sweden University?

- After completing my MSc degree in Telecommunication Engineering in Italy, I was looking for a PhD opportunity that would offer a strong research environment, international exposure, and meaningful collaboration with both academia and industry. During this search, I came across an exciting cotutelle PhD position on LinkedIn, a joint program between Mid Sweden University and the University of L’Aquila in Italy, Muhammad says. 

- What made this opportunity especially attractive to me was its unique structure, not only does it involve two countries that are close to my heart, Italy and Sweden, but it also includes a close collaboration with an industrial partner, LumenRadio. This industrial involvement was a major motivation for me, as it allows me to connect academic research with real-world applications and gain valuable experience working alongside industry professionals.

Mid Sweden University, particularly the STC Research Centre and the Communication Systems and Networks (CSN) research group, stood out for its supportive academic culture, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary work. From day one, I found the environment to be collaborative and inspiring, providing the ideal conditions to grow both personally and professionally. The combination of high-quality research, international collaboration, and close ties to industry made Mid Sweden University the perfect choice for my PhD studies, Muhammad says. 

What is going to be your focus during your PhD studies?

- The focus of my PhD studies is on Deterministic Wireless Communication, a field aimed at making wireless communication more reliable, predictable, and time-sensitive, qualities that are essential for advanced industrial applications such as automation, robotics, and real-time control systems. As industrial environments increasingly adopt wireless technologies, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing latency and packet loss becomes critical. My research contributes to addressing these challenges by developing communication methods that can support deterministic behaviour in wireless networks, Muhammad explains. 

What are your expectations of the PhD program and your research environment?

- I have high expectations for the PhD program, particularly in terms of academic growth, hands-on research experience, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I see this program as a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of deterministic wireless communication and its applications in real-world industrial systems. I hope to develop not only technical expertise, but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills that are essential for a successful research career, Muhammad says and continues:

- One of the aspects I truly appreciate about this program is the research environment, especially at Mid Sweden University. The atmosphere here is very positive and collaborative. Everyone from faculty members to fellow PhD students is supportive, and approachable. The CSN research group and STC Research Centre offer an excellent working environment, with access to modern lab facilities, regular seminars, and opportunities to discuss ideas openly.

How do you see your PhD studies contributing to your future career goals?

- I see my PhD studies as a crucial step toward achieving my long-term career goal of becoming a leading researcher and expert in the field of wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of industrial applications. The specialized focus of my research addresses real challenges faced by industries today, and working on this topic allows me to contribute to advancements that can have a tangible impact on the evolution of smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and cyber-physical systems.

By participating in this cotutelle PhD program between Mid Sweden University and the University of L’Aquila, I am gaining not only deep technical expertise, but also international experience, exposure to different academic cultures, and practical insights through collaboration with LumenRadio, our industrial partner. These diverse experiences are helping me develop a well-rounded research profile that blends theoretical knowledge with applied problem-solving skills, Muhammad says.