Raouf Boutaba

Raouf Boutaba is a Professor at the University of Waterloo, serving as Director of the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science since July 2020. He holds prestigious fellowships including FRSC, FIEEE, FIEC, and FCAE.

• 2024: Inaugural Rogers Chair in Network Automation
• 2024: Ontario Research Fund–Research Excellence (ORF–RE) $2M grant for next-gen mobile networks
• 2021: University Professor title, University of Waterloo

Research Interests span network automation, resource management in wired/wireless networks, network function virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN), cloud computing, blockchain, future Internet architecture, and cybersecurity. His work focuses on zero-touch networks, 5G/B5G slicing, and AI-driven orchestration.

Scientific Contributions include 15+ recent publications on topics like reinforcement learning for RAN slicing, encrypted traffic classification, quantum network optimization, and self-driving infrastructure. His projects 5G LEAP and 5G ELITE explore network isolation and Open RAN principles.

• 2024: IFIP/IEEE CNOM Test of Time Paper Award
• 2024: Graduate Supervision Excellence Award
• 2021: Kenneth C. Sevcik Outstanding Student Paper Award (advisor)

Teaching includes co-developing the NSERC CREATE Network Softwarization program, offering courses like Network Softwarization: Principles and Foundations (Winter 2024) and Technologies and Enablers since 2018. He emphasizes hands-on training in SDN, NFV, Open RAN, and 5G.

Students and Collaborations: Supervised PhD students such as Shihabur R. Chowdhury (2021), Nashid Shahriar (2020), and undergrad Leni Aniva (2022 Gov. Gen. Silver Medal). His team includes researchers working on 5G, blockchain, and AI-driven network management.

Professional Leadership: Organized Rogers TEP Workshops (2024-2025), delivered keynotes at IEEE Globecom, ColCom, and BalkanCom, and served on expert panels for AI orchestration and 5G cybersecurity at major symposia.