News & Events

On September 23, 2025, the 6G-MUSICAL project was proudly represented at the University of Oulu in hosting an interactive stand titled “ICT & 6G: Shaping a Sustainable Digital Future” during the Sustainability Week at the Linnanmaa campus.

As part of our mission to explore the transformative potential of joint communication and sensing in 6G, this event offered a unique opportunity to engage with students and the wider community on the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of digitalisation. Through hands-on displays and project-led conversations, we invited participants to reflect on their digital habits and envision how future mobile communication technologies can support a more sustainable world.

The goal of the event was to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire students to think critically about the role of digital technologies in shaping a sustainable future. 6G-MUSICAL is committed to advancing technical innovation and ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of next-generation wireless systems.

In an increasingly digital society, sustainability is no longer confined to physical consumption; it extends deeply into our online habits, device usage, and the invisible infrastructure that powers our digital lives. Interacting with audiences to explore their understanding of a sustainable digital lifestyle reveals a growing curiosity, but also significant gaps in awareness.

Many participants associate digital sustainability with reducing energy consumption, using eco-friendly devices, and avoiding unnecessary screen time. However, fewer people are aware of the massive scale of electronic waste (e-waste) generated globally, over 50 million metric tons annually, according to recent estimates.

The conversations also highlight a disconnect while users are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint in travel or food choices, they rarely consider the environmental impact of streaming, cloud storage, or frequent device upgrades. This underscores the need for education and digital literacy that extends beyond usage to encompass the entire lifecycle of technology.

By fostering awareness and encouraging mindful digital habits, we can begin to bridge the gap between convenience and conscience.

”Sustainability in the digital world is not just about what we consume, it’s about how we connect, communicate, and care for the planet through our choices online.” or “Technology can both enable sustainability and contribute to environmental burden. This means digital systems must be designed to reduce emissions while helping other sectors become more sustainable”, mentioned Dr. Marja Matinmikko Blue, director of the Research Director of Infotech Oulu Institute.

Learn more about 6G-MUSICAL and our vision for a sustainable digital future.