The GÉANT Emerging NREN Programme (ENP) returns for 2025 coinciding with TNC25, GÉANT’s flagship conference that will take place in Brighton, UK, from June 9–13, 2025.
Launched in 2018, the ENP, funded by the GÉANT Project, has been a key feature of previous TNC editions. Its main goal is to integrate representatives from emerging National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) worldwide into the TNC community, fostering collaborations and building connections at various organisational levels between European and international NRENs.
As in previous years, the ENP team invites Regional Research and Education Networks to nominate up to three representatives to participate in the programme, subject to regional funding availability. Selected representatives will have their TNC25 conference fees waived by GÉANT and, in partnership with Jisc (the UK NREN and TNC25 host), a dedicated ENP track will be organised during the conference.
Tailored programme for ENP participants
The programme for selected participants will include:
- A two-hour session with the TNC host, Jisc, on Monday 9 June.
- An informative session introducing participants to GÉANT Community Programme, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Task Forces (TFs).
- A welcome meeting with the GÉANT CEO, Lise Fuhr (tbc).
- Participation in one of the Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings taking place at TNC25 such as SIG-AI, SIG-Sustainability and SIG-Procurement.
Lightning Talks at TNC25
Lightning Talks have long been a highlight of the TNC conferences, offering a platform for concise, impactful presentations. Each talk is designed to spotlight a single, compelling idea in just five minutes. These sessions cover a range of topics, from successful projects and inspiring stories to collaboration opportunities, demonstrations, and practical advice.
At previous editions of TNC, 16 ENP participants shared insightful presentations on a variety of topics, such as the experience of the Philippine REN in sustaining their operation as a government-run network and reflections on how functions such as Business Development and Risk Management, have been enabling RENU, the Ugandan NREN, to maintain relevance and continue to grow, and much more.
Selected ENP candidates for the TNC25 Lightning Talks will receive dedicated support from GÉANT to help them prepare their presentations for this exciting plenary session of TNC.
Women in STEM track sponsored by GÉANT
GÉANT will sponsor two / three female participants from any of the countries and territories listed by the OECD DAC as official development assistance recipients.
How to apply?
Applications to RRENs should include:
- CV in English
- Complete 2025 ENP application form
Applications for the GÉANT sponsorship should include:
The documents should be sent to Luis Martin Flores, International Relations Project Manager, GÉANT, by 14th February 2025, clearly indicating “Emerging NREN Programme 2025” in the subject of the email.
Interested candidates may apply to the Regional REN and to GÉANT for the sponsorship opportunity at the same time as the two selection processes will run in parallel.
The ENP participants list will be finalised in mid-March.
Luis Martin Flores, International Relations Project Manager from GÉANT comments: “In six editions, the GÉANT Emerging NREN Programme has reached 74 participants from 44 different countries and territories, exemplifying the power of community and collaboration within the NREN and RREN ecosystem. As a newcomer from the private telecoms industry and with only a few months at GÉANT, I’ve had the privilege to witness first-hand the transformative role that these relationships play, both in personal growth and in strengthening our NRENs. We firmly believe that participation in the ENP has a multiplier effect, empowering individuals to not only benefit personally but also to act as catalysts for progress within their organisations and the broader community”.
Resources:
ENP Terms of Reference
ENP Application Form
Would you like to find out more about the experiences of previous Emerging NREN Programme participants? Read this article and stay tuned for more stories from around the world in the coming months!