The international conference, RENAM E-Infrastructure – Supporting Excellence in National Research and Education, celebrating RENAM’s 25th anniversary was held on 8 October 2024 at Moldova State University in Chișinău. The Regina Maria hall, illuminated by natural sunlight streaming through its large windows, created a welcoming atmosphere for about 100 participants from 31 organisations and 14 countries. Attendees included representatives from RENAM’s connected institutions, Eastern Partnership, EU NRENs, and ‘EU4Digital: Connecting Research and Education Communities’ (EaPConnect) project, plus representatives of GEANT as well as the Moldovan government and EU officials. RENAM is one of the five beneficiary members of the EU-funded (€23.5M) EaPConnect Project. By extending reliable and cost-effective infrastructure and services, this project aims to support education and to boost scientific exchange between the Eastern Partnership region and EU member states to achieve closer collaboration and mutual growth.
A warm welcome
Igor Chiosa, from the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, opened the event: “RENAM is a trusted partner that has been instrumental in advancing research and education (R&E) in Moldova. We need reliable partners to develop the sector we oversee. Only by working together we can achieve our objectives for the growth of our country and European integration”.
Igor Sharov, Rector of Moldova State University took the stage: “We are celebrating a month of significant events at Moldova State University, the largest university in Moldova. Despite facing challenges, our focus on digitalisation remains strong. The history of RENAM is a testament to our country’s resilience and ability to adapt to challenges while bringing people together. We are proud to host this event and celebrate the amazing collaboration and teamwork that RENAM represents. As we navigate the reorganisation of higher education, RENAM remains a key partner in this journey, and we look forward to embarking on new projects together and discussing future strategies. We cannot imagine the future of Moldova without our valued partners.”
Global connectivity – global opportunities
Ion Tiginyanu, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, talked about RENAM’s historical milestones, the development of RENAM’s national optical backbone and connectivity to GÉANT: “RENAM’s external connections capacity has increased by 20 times from 10 Gbps to 2×100 Gbps. RENAM’s creation, development and activities contribute to the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Research Area”.
Erik Huizer, CEO of GÉANT, underlined the principles that unite the R&E community and the benefits of being part of this human and digital network: “RENAM is essential for Moldova, as it enables Moldovan students and researchers to connect globally by providing access to Europe’s largest research and education network, built on principles of trust, commitment to innovation, and support for education and science across borders.”
To find out more about the event and the impact of RENAM in Moldova in the context of the EU-funded EaPConnect Project, visit: https://eapconnect.eu/stories/renams-25th-anniversary-a-milestone-in-digital-connectivity-and-collaboration/
