UbuntuNet Alliance is pleased to announce the theme for its 18th annual research and education networking conference, UbuntuNet-Connect 2025, taking place on 30–31 October 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The conference will be hosted by the Zimbabwe Research and Education Network (ZIMREN) and will bring together 200+ leading voices in research and education networking from across Africa and beyond.
Theme: Resilient and Sustainable Research & Education Networks for the Future
Research and education networks (RENs) must be built to withstand emerging challenges while ensuring long-term sustainability. This theme explores strategies for strengthening the resilience of RENs through robust cybersecurity measures, advanced connectivity solutions, and innovative policy frameworks. It also highlights the need for inclusive and equitable access to digital resources, environmentally sustainable networking practices, and cross-border collaborations that drive global research excellence. By addressing key issues such as high-performance computing, open science, disaster recovery, and financial sustainability, this conference aims to shape the future of RENs.
Subthemes
- Network Resilience and Cybersecurity: Strategies for building robust network infrastructures, mitigating cyber threats, and enhancing data protection. Discussions will focus on best practices in network monitoring, identity and access management, and policies for safeguarding sensitive research data.
- High-Performance Computing and Cloud for Research & Education: The role of HPC in research, the benefits of cloud infrastructure, and strategies for making these technologies accessible to institutions with limited resources. Discussions will focus on innovations in AI, machine learning, and big data analytics.
- Open Science and Open Educational Resources: Frameworks for sharing research outputs, implementing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles, and creating open access digital repositories.
- The Future of Internet Connectivity for Research and Education: Emerging technologies such as 5G, Starlink and IPv6 are shaping the next generation of research and education networks. Discussions also to include strategies for expanding connectivity to underserved institutions, improving network performance, and fostering global collaboration through enhanced internet infrastructure.
- Policy and Governance for Sustainable Research & Education Networks: Policy approaches that support equitable access, cybersecurity, data protection, and funding for RENs. Discussions to include the role of government support and private sector partnerships in shaping policies that enhance research collaboration and digital education.
- Green and Sustainable Networks: Discussions will highlight innovations in green computing and sustainable ICT practices that contribute to environmentally responsible RENs.
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity for RENs: Best practices in disaster recovery planning, redundancy strategies, and business continuity frameworks that ensure RENs can quickly recover from disruptions. Institutions will share insights on building resilient systems that protect data integrity and maintain seamless operations during crises.
- Monetization and Sustainability of Research & Education Networks: various approaches to monetizing REN services, such as offering value-added services, forming public-private partnerships, and diversifying funding sources. Discussions will focus on balancing affordability with sustainability, reducing dependency on donor funding, and fostering financial resilience in research and education networks
Call for Presentation Proposals
UbuntuNet Alliance invites NREN practitioners, researchers, librarians, service providers, policymakers, university staff and other stakeholders in research and education to submit presentation proposals for this event.
Important Dates:
- Call Opens: 17 March 2025
- Submission Deadline: 30 June 2025
We strongly encourage first-time presenters to submit proposals. Successful presenters will receive sponsorship to attend the conference (subject to terms and conditions), covering:
- Return air ticket
- Airport shuttle fees
- Accommodation
- Meals for the duration of the stay
Submission Guidelines
- All proposals must be submitted via the conference website, https://ubuntunet.net/uc2025.
- Proposals should be between 500 – 650 words.
- Submissions must clearly align with the conference theme and sub-themes.
This is an excellent opportunity to share research findings, best practices, and insights that can shape the future of research and education networking in Africa. We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you to UbuntuNet-Connect 2025 in Harare!
For more details, visit the conference web page, ubuntunet.net/uc2025 or contact the conference liaison: harold.bowa@ubuntunet.net.