HEAnet, Ireland’s National Education and Research Network, is proud to announce the launch of its Strategy 2025–2030.
HEAnet, Ireland’s National Education and Research Network, plays a pivotal role in supporting the country’s academic and research communities. By delivering high-speed internet connectivity and ICT shared services, HEAnet connects over one million students, researchers, and staff across all levels of the Irish education and research sector. Our network not only facilitates access to essential online resources but also ensures that Irish learners and researchers are linked to global academic and research networks through our partnership with GÉANT.
With a vision to empower excellence in education and research, HEAnet aims to be a trusted partner, driving technological innovation for the advancement of this sector. The HEAnet Strategy 2025-2030 seeks to address the ever-growing demands of the education and research community through key focus areas and foundation enablers. The new strategy focuses on five strategic areas:
- Network– Delivering world-class network connectivity. HEAnet will strengthen Ireland’s education and research infrastructure with a resilient, scalable, and energy-efficient network. Through key upgrades and expanded international connectivity, we will meet growing demands and position Ireland as a global hub for education and research data.
- Security – Strengthening the security capability and resilience of Irish education and research. HEAnet will expand its security services, including further expansion of our SOC and SIEM solution. In collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre, we aim to strengthen the security posture of Ireland’s education and research sector, reducing risks and enhancing resilience.
- Research – Driving collaboration and innovation to support global research ambitions. HEAnet is committed to driving research excellence by supporting FAIR data management, advancing national research infrastructure, and fostering collaboration. HEAnet will enhance Open Science efforts, helping Ireland’s research community to innovate and excel on the global stage.
- Sustainability – Leading the way in environmental, social and economic sustainability. HEAnet will integrate sustainability across environmental, social, and financial dimensions. We will significantly reduce our carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and ensure a sustainable funding model, contributing positively to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and the wider community.
- People – Empowering Our People to Achieve Excellence. At HEAnet, people are our most valuable asset. We will foster a culture of growth, inclusivity, and excellence, offering expanded development opportunities, promoting EDI, and cultivating talent pipelines to ensure long-term success and a thriving, diverse workforce.
HEAnet CEO Ronan Byrne remarked, “Our Strategy 2025–2030 outlines our ambitious and forward-looking strategic direction to the end of this decade. This strategy represents a significant milestone for HEAnet, as it sets the stage for a transformative journey that builds on our past achievements while charting a course for a future filled with opportunities and growth.”
The full strategy is available on HEAnet’s website: www.heanet.ie/heanet-strategy
About HEAnet
HEAnet is Ireland’s National Education and Research Network, delivering high-speed connectivity and ICT services to over 4,000 schools and all levels of the Irish education and research sector. Encompassing approximately 210,000 students & staff (third-level) and approximately 900,000 students & staff (first and second-level), HEAnet connects these Irish learners and researchers to the Internet, online educational resources, and to fellow national educational and research networks in Europe, the USA and the rest of the world.
