Christian GRASSO
Keywords
The main research topics can be classified as follows:
- Topic A - Network softwarization, slicing e orchestration in reti 5G/6G
- Topic B - Edge and far-edge computing through UAVs and FANETs
- Topic C – Network Intelligence, zero-touch management, and distributed learning
- Topic D – Energy optimization and function placement in FANETs
- Topic E – Vehicular edge computing and Smart Cities
- Topic F – Aerial image processing and environmental monitoring
- Topic G – Adaptive coding of 360° video and cloud gaming
- Topic H – Network Digital Twins and Smart Agents for FANET
- Topic I -- Electromagnetic Technologies for UAV Systems
Christian Grasso (Member, IEEE) received the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering (Class 9 – Information Engineering, Ministerial Decree 509/1999) from the University of Catania on July 23, 2012, with a final grade of 109/110, and the Master’s Degree in Telecommunications Engineering (Class LM-27 – Telecommunications Engineering, Ministerial Decree 270/2004) on October 18, 2017, with a final grade of 110/110 cum laude. Both theses were carried out under the supervision of Prof. Giovanni Schembra.
From November 4, 2014, to March 4, 2015, he held a Research Fellowship at the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (DIEEI), University of Catania. His research activity, entitled “Technological Infrastructures, Applications and High-Value-Added Services for Smart Health,” was conducted within the SMART HEALTH – CLUSTER OSDH – SMART FSE – STAYWELL project and involved an analysis of the scientific literature on solutions adopted in Europe and worldwide, as well as the study of network solutions and architectures for Health Information Exchange.
He received the Ph.D. degree in Systems, Energy, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (XXXIII cycle) from the University of Catania, defending his dissertation entitled “Network Softwarization and Smart Services in 5G Ecosystems” on February 2, 2021. His Ph.D. program was carried out in collaboration with Xenia Network Solutions, based in Acicastello (CT), Italy.
From February 2021 to February 2023, he was a Research Fellow at the University of Catania in the scientific sector 09/F2 ING-INF/03 – Telecommunications, within the PRIN project “LIQUID_EDGE: Liquid Edge Computing Based on Distributed Machine Learning and Millimeter-Wave Radio Access.”
Since March 2023, he has been an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (DIEEI), University of Catania, in the scientific sector IINF-03/A – Telecommunications. During the first three years, his research activity was mainly carried out within the PNRR project Ecosystems for Innovation – SAMOTHRACE Foundation – Sicilian Micro and Nano Technology Research and Innovation Center.
From December 14, 2018, to May 25, 2021, he served on the Department Council of the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Catania as a Ph.D. student representative.
From March 12, 2019, to October 31, 2020, he served on the Joint Student-Faculty Committee of the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Catania as a Ph.D. student representative.
On November 23, 2023, he obtained the Professional Qualification to Practice as an Information Engineer, Section A, and he is currently registered with the Order of Engineers of the Province of Syracuse.
Between 2016 and 2023, he worked as a Research Consultant and Software Developer in European, National, and Regional research projects.
From November 2023 to July 2026, he served as Co-supervisor of Ph.D. student Andrea Caruso (XXXIX cycle), whose research project was entitled “AI-Based 5G Services at the Network Edge Supporting Mission-Critical 360° Video Encoding and UAV Digital Twins.”
In September 2025, he was a member of the Admission Committee for admission to the first year of the Master’s Degree Program in Communications Engineering (LM-27) at the University of Catania, pursuant to Rectoral Decree No. 2868 of July 7, 2025.
Since 2022, he has been a member of the Organizing Committee of the International Workshop on Edge Network Softwarization (ENS), serving as General Co-Chair for the 2023–2026 editions.
He has served as Guest Editor of the Special Issues “Edge Intelligence for 6G Networks” in Computer Communications and “Network Softwarization and Intelligence at the Edge: Challenges and Opportunities” in Computer Networks.
He serves as a Reviewer for several international journals, including IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking, IEEE Transactions on Green Communications and Networking, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, Ad Hoc Networks, Computer Networks, Computer Communications, and IEEE Communications Magazine.
He is a member of the Technical Program Committee of several international conferences.
He is co-author of 53 scientific publications in international journals and conference proceedings, with a total of 572 citations and an h-index of 13.
He has been a certified UAS Pilot in the Open A1/A3 category since May 9, 2024, and conducts UAV flight operations for research activities at the University of Catania.
Last edit: 09/30/2026