Ieva Muraškienė assumes the role of new NIAC Chair, succeeding Ronan Byrne
GÉANT is pleased to announce several new appointments to the Network Infrastructure Advisory Committee (NIAC), including the nomination of Ieva Muraškienė (NORDUnet) as the new Community Chair of the committee. Ieva succeeds Ronan Byrne (HEAnet), whose leadership has been instrumental in guiding NIAC through a period of strategic growth and significant infrastructure development.
NIAC plays a vital role in advising on the technical and financial aspects of GÉANT’s network infrastructure projects. It ensures that the network continues to evolve in a smart, sustainable way, supporting the long-term needs of Europe’s research and education community. A recent example of this evolution is the GN4-3N project (2019–2023) – the most significant refresh of the GÉANT backbone network in over a decade.
“The NIAC was established as a vital, community-based advisory committee for the GN4-3N project, through which GÉANT made significant investments in new fibre infrastructure and connectivity, expanding both the reach and performance of the network,” said Bram Peeters (GÉANT). “These developments are crucial to bridging the digital divide in Europe and ensuring equitable access to world-class research and education resources. Our investment in the network doesn’t end with GN4-3N; we will continue to rely on the NIAC for advice, insights, ideas, constructive feedback, and critical review of our work.”
As NIAC looks to the future, Ieva Muraškienė brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of both the technical and community dimensions of GÉANT’s infrastructure. Her leadership is expected to help drive NIAC’s mission of identifying the best possible solutions for future network evolution.
“I am truly honoured to step into the role of NIAC Chair. This committee brings together a good mix of technical expertise and community insights – I’m so excited to work alongside my international colleagues in the NIAC and across the GÉANT community, and now also to help lead as we shape the future of our infrastructure. The network we are building today will empower the research and collaboration of tomorrow,” said Ieva Muraškienė.
We are also pleased to welcome Emanuel Massano (FCCN) and Eoin Kenny (HEAnet) as newly appointed NIAC members, following the GÉANT Board’s decision at its meeting on 13 May 2025. Their combined technical and strategic expertise will further strengthen NIAC’s role in guiding future infrastructure developments.
These appointments form part of a broader effort to ensure continuity, foster future readiness, and maintain geographically balanced representation across the NREN community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the exiting members Ana Pinto (FCCN) and Ronan Byrne. Ronan’s tenure as NIAC Chair has marked critical milestones in network expansion and community collaboration; we also congratulate him on receiving the GÉANT Community Award 2025 in recognition of his exceptional contributions.
For more information about NIAC, its role, and its members, please get in touch with us.
