Application deadline 13 February 2026
With the next application call fast approaching, I spoke with Luis Martin Flores, Programme Manager of the GÉANT Emerging NREN Programme (ENP), to reflect on how the initiative has evolved and why it continues to play a key role within the global NREN community.
The Emerging NREN Programme was launched as part of the GN4-2 project and has been running alongside TNC since 2018. From the outset, its ambition was to bring people from emerging NRENs into the heart of the GÉANT community.
“The idea was to give access to those who don’t usually have the opportunity to attend large international conferences,” Luis explained, “often younger engineers, early-career NREN staff or researchers who might otherwise never experience our flagship conference.”
Over seven editions, ENP has supported 88 participants from 48 countries and territories. While attendance at TNC was the initial focus, the programme has gradually broadened. Participants now take part in side meetings and connect with other GÉANT initiatives, including the Future Talent Programme. As Luis noted, this reflects a deliberate move towards deeper engagement:
“We’ve put much more emphasis on mentoring, active participation and creating spaces where people can really feel part of the community.”
Diversity has also become a central pillar, reinforced by dedicated GÉANT sponsorship through the Women in STEM track.
What sets ENP apart from other capacity-building efforts within the GÉANT environment is its focus on individuals rather than institutions.
“ENP is really about people who would not normally be at TNC,” Luis said. “It’s oriented towards emerging NREN staff and younger professionals, and that naturally brings in voices that are often less represented at international events.”
This emphasis on inclusion clearly differentiates ENP from programmes typically aimed at more senior profiles.
Watch below what 2025 participants shared with us during their busy programme at TNC25.
The impact of this approach is visible well beyond the conference itself. This year alone, ENP connections led to follow-up NREN discussions, for instance between DFN (Germany) and RAGIE (Guatemala) on deploying eduroam in Guatemala, and between KENET (Kenya) and NREN (Nepal) on using satellite-connected routers to extend eduroam into rural areas.
“These are very concrete outcomes,” Luis noted, “and they show how the programme translates networking into real collaboration.”
Past editions tell a similar story. ENP participants have gone on to collaborate on technical challenges, such as TERNET (Tanzania) and RENATER (France) working together to resolve Trust-and-Identity service issues, have remained active in GÉANT special interest groups and task forces beyond TNC, and have even mobilised community support in unexpected ways. An example of this, helping the CEO of the Sri Lankan NREN to receive support from the community to secure sponsors for one of the APAN conferences. Visibility is also a very important element: across seven editions, 18 ENP participants have been selected to present Lightning Talks at TNC.
For many participants, TNC is their first encounter with the GÉANT community and the wider international NREN environment in one place.
“Those first connections are often the most significant” Luis reflected. “They become long-term professional relationships, and shape how people engage with the community for the rest of their careers.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 application call, the programme continues to build on participant feedback. Recent editions have opened access to side meetings and technical groups, including special interest groups on Research Engagement, AI, Sustainability and the Global Network Advancement Group. What is the focus for the next cycle?. “There isn’t a radical change planned,” Luis explained, “but we are coordinating ENP and TNC agendas more closely, strengthening mentoring interactions, and providing additional support for the Women in STEM track, which may increase up to five sponsored participants in 2026.”
For prospective applicants, Luis’ advice is straightforward.
“Be genuine,” he said. “A strong Lightning Talk proposal, especially for the Women in STEM track, really matters. Topics that address real community challenges or emerging technologies tend to resonate much more.”
He also encourages applicants to keep their CVs and motivation statements personal and authentic. Asked to sum up the spirit of the Emerging NREN Programme, Luis put it simply:
“ENP opens the door to the GÉANT and international NREN community for under-represented voices, fostering diversity, inclusion and long-term engagement across regions.”
How to apply?
Applications to Regional Research and Education Network (RREN) should include:
- CV in English
- Complete 2026 ENP application form
- Some RRENs might specify and include additional selection criteria
- RRENs should collect candidate information and send it to Luis Martin Flores International Relations Project Manager, GÉANT by 13 February 2026.
Applications for the GÉANT Women in STEM sponsorship should include:
- CV in English
- Complete 2026 ENP application form
- TNC26 Lightning talk submission
The documents should be sent to Luis Martin Flores by 13 February 2026, clearly indicating “Emerging NREN Programme 2026” in the subject of the email.
Please Note
*The Lightning Talk call for proposals will run from 4 February to 10 March 2026.
*All Lightning Talk proposals must be submitted via the official TNC26 submission platform.
*For candidates applying for the Women in STEM sponsorship track, the Lightning Talk proposal must be included in the application documentation.
*Applicants may apply to both the RREN and the GÉANT Women in STEM sponsorship tracks only if they meet the eligibility criteria for each. The selection processes for both will take place in parallel.
*The ENP participants list be finalised by 30 March 2026.
Resources
ENP Terms of Reference
ENP Application Form
Would you like to find out more about the experiences of previous Emerging NREN Programme participants? Watch our video, read our articles and stay tuned for more stories from around the world in the coming months!
