## 2 Overview of Published Papers
The prototype of the cylindrical phased array, with the particle-embedded CRLH phase shifters, demonstrates a close agreement between simulated and measured results, presenting a promising solution for conformal array applications. The research by [PERSON] et al. (contribution 16) delves into the design of a \(1\times 2\) MIMO Palm Tree Coplanar Vivaldi Antenna in the E-Plane, aiming to overcome challenges related to mutual coupling and grating lobes. The authors employ diverse patch structures, such as Back Cut Palm Tree (BCPT) and Horizontal Wave Structure Palm Tree (HWSPT), demonstrating superior return loss and mutual scattering. Additionally, their incorporation of Metamaterial Lens Palm Tree (MLPT) into radar applications further extends the antenna's utility. [PERSON] et al. (Contribution 17) present an Evolutionary Computation approach for the Sparse Synthesis Optimization of Concentric Circular Antenna Arrays (CCAAs). By introducing hybrid solution initialisation and crossover methods, the proposed algorithm optimises CCAAs to reduce sidelobes while turning off specific antennas, addressing challenges related to overhead and excessive sidelobes in these arrays. In contribution 18, by [PERSON] et al., a dual-polarisation dipole antenna for a cylindrical phased array in Ku-Band is introduced. The dual-layer structured antenna, composed of butterfly shaped dipoles, demonstrates improved isolation between ports and effective scanning capabilities. The proposed design, applied in a 32-element cylinder array, indicates its potential for conformal devices in Ku-band frequencies. [PERSON] et al. (contribution 19) focus on the expansion of the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) Network, particularly in the central African region. Analysing the scientific impact of additional antennas in countries like Cameroon and Chad, the paper emphasises the economic and human capital impacts of radio interferometers, contributing to the broader success of the AVN project. In contribution 20, by [PERSON] et al., a simple yet effective approach for scattering suppression in multiband base station antennas is presented. By introducing a novel horizontal and vertical radiating element, the authors successfully mitigate high band pattern distortions, providing improved return loss and comparable pattern performance over the entire frequency band. [PERSON] et al. (contribution 21) explore adaptive beamforming patterns of microstrip patch antenna arrays on flexible surfaces, emphasising the importance of conformal and self-adapting beamforming in the era of wireless spectrum growth. Their work offers insights into efficient and robust conformal phased-array antennas with multiple beamforming capabilities. [PERSON] et al. (contribution 22) propose novel coplanar meta-surface-based substrate-integrated waveguide antennas for K-Band beam scanning. Their innovative designs leverage coplanar rhombus- and hexagon-shaped meta-surfaces, providing low reflection and wide bandwidth, thus paving the way for highly directive scanning radiation in mm-Wave applications. In contribution 23, by [PERSON] et al., a compact four-port MIMO antenna for UWB applications is introduced. Utilising a polarisation diversity approach, the authors achieve a compact design with small dimensions and demonstrate promising performance in terms of impedance bandwidth, isolation, and gain, making it suitable for UWB applications. [PERSON] et al. (contribution 24) propose an advanced marine predator algorithm (AMPA) to optimise non-uniform CAA beam patterns. The algorithm effectively optimises amplitude current and inter-element spacing for CAAs with varying element counts, achieving superior peak sidelobe level (SLL) suppression and convergence rates compared to other algorithms. In contribution 25, by [PERSON] et al., a portable Yagi-Uda-based directional antenna for digital terrestrial television (DTT) is proposed. Simulations and tests show an impedance bandwidth of 75.93%, gain from 2.69 to 4.84 dBi, and a unidirectional radiation pattern.