In a significant stride towards enhancing research and education networking, the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) recently launched its NREN Twinning Programme in collaboration with the National Research and Academic Network of Armenia (ASNET-AM). This initiative, facilitated by UbuntuNet Alliance and GÉANT through the AfricaConnect 3 project and co-funded by the European Union, aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two networks. Spearheaded by Dr. Hrachya Astsatryan, CEO of ASNET-AM, Naira Kocharyan and Solomon Dindi CO of MAREN.
During their visit to Malawi, Dr. Astsatryan and Ms. Kocharyan conducted comprehensive training workshops at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) on February 5-6, 2024. These workshops covered a wide array of topics including High-Performance Computing (HPC), Big Data, Data Analytics, and NREN Communication and Marketing activities. Over 21 participants from MAREN’s member institutions benefited from the insightful sessions.
In an exclusive interview with MAREN, Dr. Astsatryan shared his perspectives on the training and its significance for the participants. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between ASNET-AM and MAREN, emphasizing common focus areas such as HPC, data analytics, and security. Dr. Astsatryan explained HPC, underlining its importance in addressing complex scientific and societal challenges. He also shed light on the practical aspects of utilizing HPC resources and accessing them through a queue system.
Moreover, Dr. Astsatryan provided insights into ASNET-AM’s pioneering research initiatives facilitated by HPC, showcasing its impact on groundbreaking publications in various fields. He also discussed ASNET-AM’s portfolio of services, emphasizing their commitment to supporting diverse user communities.
Beyond HPC, the interview delved into big data and data analytics, highlighting the challenges posed by unstructured data and exploring efficient storage and processing technologies. Dr. Astsatryan expressed optimism about future collaboration opportunities between ASNET-AM and MAREN, encompassing thematic areas such as security, networking, marketing communication, and cloud computing.
The interview demonstrates the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing at the heart of NREN Twinning Programme between UbuntuNet Alliance member NRENs and European counterparts. It underscores the commitment of both networks to leverage their expertise and resources for the advancement of research and education networking in Africa and beyond.
For more insights from the interview, visit MAREN’s website here.