The Research and Education Network (REN) Community from across the world converged in Brighton, United Kingdom, at the Brighton Dome from 9 – 13 June 2025 to interact and share their experiences during the TERENA Networking Conference (TNC). The TNC is the largest and most prestigious research and education networking conference. The TNC25, themed “Brighter Together,” was hosted by JISC, which is the UK’s digital, data, and technology agency for tertiary education, research, and innovation. And it was the highest attended in
history, bringing together a total of 900 participants from diverse backgrounds.
The conference was flagged off by the GÉANT’s CEO, Lise Fuhr, who gave her welcoming speech and highlighted the achievements made in the REN community globally. With 18 parallel sessions – including 55 talks, plus 20 partners, two lightning talk sessions, and four
plenaries – the conference offered more than one would have bargained for. The first day started with a morning run, demonstrating the need for the researchers to be not only mentally fit but also physically.
Several participants from the African regional and national Research and Education Networks also participated. These were: UbuntuNet Alliance for Research and Education Networking for Eastern and Southern Africa (UA), West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN), Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN), Tanzania Education and Research Network (TERNET), Kenya Education Network (KENET), Somalia Research and Education Network (SomaliREN), Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa (TENET), and Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU).
Social events also provided the ecstatic participants with the opportunity to mingle and continue their conversations about “Brighter Together.” The reception at the Brighton Royal Pavilion provided the perfect opportunity for speakers and session chairs to meet, discuss
presentations, catch up with community members, and make new connections. The crowning event was a memorable evening at the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, packed with seaside fun, exhilarating rides, and excellent opportunities to network with peers, all set
against the stunning backdrop of a sunset.
As the dust settles on TNC25, all eyes now turn to the UbuntuNet Alliance’s conference, UbuntuNet-Connect 2025, planned to take place in the Sunshine City of Harare, Zimbabwe, from 30 to 31 October. For more information, please visit https://ubuntunet.net/uc2025/