ANCHOR (Advanced Network Connectivity using Harmonious Optical and Radio Technologies) is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network that brings together leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners from across Europe to train the next generation of experts in 6G and beyond communication technologies.

ANCHOR addresses the limitations of traditional wireless systems—often based on single radio technologies and inflexible architectures—which will not be able to meet growing demands on bandwidth, reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability, as well as extended coverage from underwater, terrestrial, and aerial network components. By leveraging innovations in terahertz (THz), optical, and advanced radio technologies, ANCHOR aims to develop practical, scalable solutions that improve 3D coverage, mobility, latency, network capacity, and energy efficiency for future telecommunications infrastructure.

The project conducts cutting‑edge research across the spectrum—from radio, mmWave, sub‑THz, and optical (ultraviolet, visible, infrared) frequencies—tailored for underwater, terrestrial, aerial, and space platforms. Its fifteen doctoral projects span environment‑aware optical wireless communication, efficient radio transceivers and cell‑free architectures, and harmonious integration of fibre, radio, and optical wireless systems. Together, these efforts pursue objectives such; as developing innovative, energy‑efficient OWC technologies for next‑generation underwater, terrestrial, and space networks, developing modular radio for efficient utilisation of new and existing spectrum, and empowering the next generation of intelligent, sustainable, and efficient 3D networks through the seamless convergence of fiber, radio, and OWC systems.

ANCHOR is also a structured doctoral training programme designed to equip fifteen doctoral candidates with strong technical and transferable skills through interdisciplinary research, cross‑sectoral collaboration, and international mobility. The training covers advanced communication techniques, signal processing, device and component design, energy efficiency and harvesting, zero‑energy sustainable networks, and integrated sensing and communications, ensuring that graduates can address real‑world challenges, drive innovation in wireless networks, and develop promising careers. In doing so, ANCHOR contributes directly to Horizon Europe priorities under the Digital, Industry and Space cluster and supports Europe’s Digital Decade targets by advancing sustainable, high‑capacity communication networks and strengthening Europe’s leadership in the digital economy.