DNA data storage encodes digital information into synthetic DNA, with the potential to support the long-term preservation of rapidly growing digital information. To recover the stored information, the DNA must be sequenced, with nanopore sequencing providing a direct readout mechanism by measuring changes in ionic current as DNA molecules pass through a nanoscale pore. These current signals, often called squiggles, must then be interpreted to infer the underlying DNA sequence and recover the encoded digital data. Unlike classical communication channels, nanopore sequencing involves synchronisation errors caused by the random translocation speed of DNA bases through the pore, making the reading process a challenging problem in signal processing, coding theory, and information theory.

• B. McBain, and E. Viterbo, “An Information-Theoretic Approach to Nanopore Sequencing for DNA Storage”, IEEE BITS the Information Theory Magazine, 3 (3), 95-108 (2023)

Satellite mega-constellations use large networks of low Earth orbit satellites to provide global broadband connectivity, with the potential to support reliable communication for remote, mobile, and underserved regions. To maintain connectivity, users must communicate with satellites that rapidly move across the sky, causing frequent changes in visibility, link quality, and serving satellites. These highly dynamic connections must be modelled and optimised to characterise network capacity, continuous service, and handover behaviour, making satellite mega-constellations a challenging problem in stochastic modelling, signal processing, and information theory.