The GÉANT Twinning Programme is pleased to announce the official commencement of a new partnership between CSC/Funet (Finland) and NREN (the Nepalese National Research and Education Network). The project was formally launched during a virtual kick-off meeting led by Rajan Parajuli (NREN), Harri Kuusisto (Funet), and Leonie Schäfer (GÉANT Twinning Programme Chair).
This six-month initiative is designed to leverage the respective strengths of both organisations, fostering collaboration in NREN management and support for research communities. The project will focus on three core objectives:
- Awareness and Outreach: Developing tailored REN awareness materials for diverse
user groups in Nepal. - Infrastructure Expansion: Increasing the coverage and adoption of eduroam
throughout the Nepalese research and education sector. - Knowledge Exchange: Exploring best practices in NREN operations and identifying
long-term collaboration opportunities beyond the initial twinning cycle.
A summer of exchange
The project features a dynamic schedule of mutual knowledge exchange. The Nepalese team is scheduled to visit Finland in June, immediately preceding TNC26 in Helsinki, where they will join the wider community. Later in the year, the Funet team will travel to Nepal in August/September to continue the implementation phase. To ensure steady progress, the partners have established a rhythm of weekly virtual consultations, supported by a formal mid-term review with GÉANT.
A word from the Chair
“It is inspiring to see the immediate synergy between the teams in Helsinki and Kathmandu,” says Leonie Schäfer. “This partnership exemplifies the spirit of the Twinning Programme: bridge-building that results in tangible technical improvements and lasting professional bonds. We are currently exploring opportunities to showcase the first results of this collaboration during TNC26.”
Join the 2026 Twinning Cycle
As this project gains momentum, one remaining slot is available for the 2026 Twinning cycle. This is a unique opportunity for NRENs to engage in a structured, supported partnership to solve specific technical or strategic challenges.
While interest in the programme remains high, we invite NRENs with a clear project vision to reach out to the Twinning Programme Chair to discuss potential pairings for the upcoming window.
To learn more about the programme or to express interest in the final 2026 slot, please visit the GÉANT Twinning Wiki.
