COMS

An important and emerging application of cognitive networks and self-organizing networks, in general, is to help in the aftermath assistance in case of natural or man-made disaster strikes. To give relief in the affected areas, the interested parties, i.e., relief and security groups, need communications support; therefore, a communication network needs to be established as quickly and as easily as possible in order to ensure that rescue and relief efforts are not further hindered. From a communication perspective, a disaster scenario can be characterized as having hazardous spatial environments (with the prevention of infrastructure deployment as a consequence) and possibly radio environments as well (with the impairment of the spectrum bands assigned to disaster relief services as a consequence). Cognitive and self-organizing networks come as a solution to implement disaster relief networks, the latter being infrastructure-less or not.

The global interest towards a safer Planet is forcing the industrial and scientific worlds to seek for engineering solutions in order to reestablish normal conditions both in terms of communication and medical-related functionalities, which are two of most basic needs of human beings, especially under critical scenarios in the aftermath of a disaster, either natural or man-made. Hence, from 2011 onward, ISABEL will also look upon the application of sciences in biomedical and communication engineering so as to develop novel technologies and solutions that can make our lives "safer" in critical situations.

ISABEL aims at creating a stage where researchers, scientists and business people can discuss and share ideas at the frontiers of life sciences, pure sciences and engineering.