The GÉANT Emerging NREN Programme (ENP) is part of the GÉANT Project (GN5-1) 1 and has been taking place alongside TNC, GÉANT’s flagship yearly conference, since 2018. In its consecutive editions the programme has aimed to integrate individuals from emerging NRENs from around the globe into the TNC community and create further synergies and connections at different organizational levels between European and international NRENs. In five editions the programme has reached 67 participants from 39 different countries and
territories.
This year the GÉANT Emerging NREN Programme will be held physically alongside TNC24 from Monday 10 June 2024 to Friday 15 June 2024 in Rennes, France and supported by RENATER, the French NREN. This allows the participants to get a full TNC experience to maximize the learning and skill sharing process.
The ENP is structured in a schedule that includes several meetings and mini workshops in which the participants get too meet personnel from more advanced NRENs including CEOs, technical staff and more. In addition to this, various members of the ENP have the opportunity to deliver lightening talks at TNC. This programme therefore serves as a significant learning point for all NREN personnel involved. The previous iteration of this programme which took place alongside TNC23 saw the inclusion of two participants from UbuntuNet Alliance member NRENs, Lensa Abera from EthErNet and Alex Chipalamwanzani from MAREN. Read more about their experience here.
The ENP is in direct support to the goals under the AfricaConnect3 project which seeks to unlock the potential of education and research through increased access to digital infrastructures and technologies for African education and research institutions. As part of this project, UbuntuNet Alliance member NRENs once again have the privilege of taking part in the ENP programme this year, the Alliance has funds to support the attendance of two NREN personnel from UbuntuNet Alliance member NRENs.
Sponsorship includes round-trip economy air ticket and daily per diem to meet accommodation, meals and out of pocket expenses. In addition, successful candidates will:
- Participate in the full TNC24 Programme and registrations fees will be waived by the conference organizers.
- Enjoy a tailor-made programme that includes dedicated sessions with the TNC host, RENATER, the French NREN.
- Provided with a dedicated registration link.
- A meeting with the GÉANT CEO.
NREN staff from member NREN interested in being part of the to the Emerging NREN Programme are requested to submit:
- A Lightning Talk proposal (maximum three pages) on a topic they would like to share with the TNC24 audience.
- An updated CV.
In addition to the pre-requisites, the following criteria will be taken into consideration for the final selection:
- Quality of the overall application
- Diversity and gender: The Emerging NREN Programme strongly encourages applications from women wherever possible.
Proposals should be submitted as a single pdf file via email to eliakim.okundi@ubuntunet.net. Deadline for submission of proposals is February 17, 2024. Please note that applicants will be notified by February 24 2024. Beneficiaries will be required to submit a two-page report detailing their experiences within two weeks of return from the ENP. The Alliance shall purchase air tickets directly and shall transfer per diem funds to the NRENs.
Please note that only NREN staff from member NRENs are eligible for this programme. If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to Eliakim Okundi via: eliakim.okundi@ubuntunet.net
Learn more about the ENP via: https://connect.geant.org/2024/01/25/2024-emerging-nren-programme-application-deadline-28-february-2024