Adjunct Prof Albert Lysko
Short bio
Dr Lysko is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town and a Principal Researcher at CSIR. His work bridges RF engineering, software systems, techno economics, and spectrum policy by turning research into field-proven systems that address real deployment constraints. He led TV white spaces (TVWS) experimental work and nation-level trials that provided connectivity to more than 20,000 users and contributed to regulatory practice, including in the USA. His current focus includes spectrum engineering and regulation support, antennas and RF measurement, 5G systems and energy efficiency, and applied AI tools that improve engineering and organisational workflows.
Research interests (Collaboration is welcome!)
Wireless Communications and Networking
- 5G and Beyond 5G (B5G, 6G), including energy efficiency measurement and test methods
- Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA), especially Television White Spaces (TVWS)
- Spectrum management engineering for regulation and policy
- Smart Antennas, antennas, RF measurements, and electromagnetic modelling
- Techno-economics
- Applied AI tools for engineering and organisational efficiency.
Highlights
Delivered 10+ TRL6+ technology demonstrators and 3 patents.
- 150+ research and public-facing publications.
- Contributed technical inputs across South African radio frequency spectrum assignment plans, with outcomes gazetted.
Postgraduate supervision
Successfully co-supervised 9 Masters and PhD students to graduation; currently supervising 4 PhD candidates. Master’s and PhD students in the topics of research interest (see above) are welcome.
- Served as external examiner for over 19 theses and dissertations.
Teaching
Electromagnetic Engineering: EEE3089F (2026)
- Broadband Communication Networks: EEE5138Z (2 lectures, 2022)
- Wireless Data Network Convergence: EEE5139Z (2021).
- Multiple invited lectures around TVWS, spectrum, 5G and energy efficiency (2015-2024)
- Physics, Atomic Physics, Optics (UKZN, 2005)
List of publications