TNC26: sisu and the Finnish key to success

The theme: Digital Sisu

The Finnish word sisu is untranslatable, but overall it can be explained as a concept encompassing inner strength, tenacity, determination, and courage, particularly in the face of adversity. In a changing world, the TNC26 theme seems very fitting: our community needs to embrace the idea of sisu to ensure our future as a community. With this action-orientated mindset, we need the courage to make difficult decisions about our response to world events, to ensure a sustainable future for our activities and to maintain the strong ecosystem we have built.

Sisu is an all-purpose philosophy of life and as such it underpins all aspects of the NREN community.

The host

CSC – IT Center for Science builds digital solutions for data management, scientific computing, and education that help researchers, learners, and companies understand the world. CSC supports society’s digitalization and, on its part, promotes the green transition with our customers, owners, and partners.

CSC manages and operates Funet, a high-speed, cost effective academic and research network for Finnish higher education institutions, research organizations and other Funet members. Over 440 000 Funet community users use daily Funet services such as solutions for campus and wireless networking, cybersecurity and video technology. One of the world’s oldest NRENs, Funet (founded 1983) connects to other European NRENs and worldwide research networks through NORDUnet and GÉANT.

The venue

Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is a charming seaside city with a unique twist – a place where urban culture meets coastal nature. The easy-going Nordic lifestyle and friendly locals make it easy to fall in love with this northern city – the capital of the happiest country in the world!

TNC26 will be hosted at the Helsinki Music Hall (Helsingin Musiikkitalo in Finnish), a concert hall and a music center. The building is home to Sibelius Music Academy and two symphony orchestras, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra.

Call for Proposals

The Call for Proposals for single presentations, and side meetings is opening on 16 October 2025. All proposals can be submitted via the TNC26 website.

SUBMIT

Submission Deadline: 27 November 2025.

In an increasingly uncertain and changing world, sovereignty and sustainability have become defining challenges. TNC26 in Helsinki will explore how our community can turn these into opportunities for growth and trust. As research and education networks, we have a unique responsibility to provide secure, resilient, and open digital infrastructures and related services.
20 minds, 1 purpose: the Programme Committee that I am leading – bringing together multidisciplinary expertise – is crafting a diverse and inclusive agenda that mirrors the realities we face and the ambitions we share. A rich and balanced programme based on the many proposals that will be selected with care is what we will shape. Together, we’ll examine how collaboration strengthens digital independence and how innovation drives sustainability across our ecosystem.
Helsinki will be the place where vision meets responsibility and will drive us to look forward with confidence and purpose.

says Dirk Haex, TNC26 Programme Committee Chair and Belnet CEO