TNC25: Brighton, UK | 9-13 June 2025
TNC25: Brighton, UK | 9-13 June 2025
THE COMMUNITY HUB
What motivates Identity Providers (IdPs) and Service Providers (SPs) to join CARSI (China CERNET Identity Federation)? And what challenges and opportunities arise for the federation as a result? CARSI provides federated identity management and global academic resource access services to Chinese universities, currently serving over 700 Identity Providers (IdPs) and 290 Service Providers (SPs).
In this session, the CARSI project team will explore User-Driven Evolution and showcase practical solutions to common challenges, including integration workflows, security, scalability.
Learn about the results of the Digital Credentials for EU (DC4EU) large scale pilot. I will demonstrate the EU digital identity wallet (EUDIW) that we have built and the use cases within higher education and research. I will first show how the wallet can be used and demo the functionality, then assist the participants to actually use the wallet themselves to give them a better understanding of how it can work and benefit them in their own future work.
This is a community hub for all Procurement related professionals in the community with the aim to organise, coordinate, and discuss various topics for a very turbulent and eventful 2025 in Procurement.
This interactive session will offer attendees an engaging opportunity to discover the GEM mentoring programme, hear firsthand experiences, and view the GEM platform in action. By connecting available mentors and mentees with new programme participants the session will support the growth of the GEM platform. The session will showcase how GEM supports professional and personal development through mentorship.
Recent changes in the Federal and R&E landscape have required organizations in the US to make adjustments to community-facing programming, particularly those programs that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a result, many institutions are crafting new opportunities for professional growth and development within our communities that comply with new restrictions but continue to align with our vision and the services, solutions, and engagement opportunities that we offer. This session will be an open discussion amongst all in attendance, collaboratively sharing how each of our organizations encourages professional growth by partnering with our communities in a manner that enables people of all identities and backgrounds to feel welcome and do their best work. Examples might include internships, mentoring programs, or scholarships for attendance at anchor events that include a cohort experience.
EaP NRENs (ASNET-AM, GRENA, AzScienceNet, URAN and RENAM) invite you to a dialogue and a thinking space about GÉANT Community as a living entity, the entity that evolves in response to the technological, financial, and socio-political changes around us.
With all the changes that impact NRENs (and their constituents) how can the GÉANT Community programme be optimised to support all NRENs?
For the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine it has become possible for URAN to attend the TNC in person. Come and meet Tetiana Preobrazhenska (URAN) to learn first-hand about the impact of the GEANT Community support for the survival and resilience R&E community in Ukraine.
The experience of the continued community support and the troublesome events in other parts of the world raised the question of creating a Humanitarian support initiative in the Community programme, capitalising on the lessons learnt in Ukraine, to ensure sustainability of community support for other at-risk NRENs and R&E communities.
Many NRENs are in the process of expanding their service portfolio with precise time transfer, or stable optical frequency distribution. As an update of its network, CESNET is currently deploying a large-scale infrastructure for time distribution. Offering coverage at more than 20 sites within its network, the rollout is heavily based on the SDN and DevOps paradigms, with SDN control of network elements and live telemetry data.
As part of the community hub demonstration, we present a functional model of the solution used for the deployment in CESNET’s network. The demo consists of a multi-span optical link which is used for simultaneous transmission of coherent optical traffic along with precise time transfer using the White Rabbit protocol. This setup, widely known as spectrum sharing, is a key enabler for cost-effective utilization of the existing fibre footprint. However, since data transmission typically employs a fiber pair, whereas the time signals benefit from bidirectional propagation through a single fiber, the optical setup is more challenging. The demonstration therefore employs a “regular” optical transmission system for data traffic, as well as spectrum filters and bidirectional, single-fiber EDFA amplifiers which are dedicated to the time transfer.
EGI, EUDAT, GÉANT, OpenAIRE and PRACE recently announced the establishment of the e-Infrastructure Assembly. By joining this collaborative effort, EGI, EUDAT, GÉANT, OpenAIRE and PRACE seek to promote e-Infrastructures in the European Research Area (ERA) and its changing landscape.
Are you working with or are you directly involved in one or more of the e-infrastructures? Are you using e-Infra’s services? We want to hear from you! This Community Hub session will provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on collaboration, innovation, community engagement, and joint advocacy activities across e-Infra’s and their communities. The session will also be a platform for eInfra’s to engage with the international Research and Education Networking community gathered at TNC25, and to promote mutual understanding and exchange between the communities.
As proactive NRENs start to play a crucial role in supporting research communities in open science, exchanging best practices and addressing their evolving needs in research data management (RDM) is essential. This showcase, organised by EUDAT, provides an informal and interactive space for NREN representatives to learn more about how they can benefit from EUDAT services, but also an opportunity to share their challenges, opportunities, and strategies for supporting open science.
The demo will focus on key aspects of research data management, including infrastructure needs, policy alignment, FAIR data principles, and supporting cross-border collaboration. Additionally, we will refer on the strategies and plans as EUDAT becomes one of the first nodes in the EOSC Federation.
SURF Research Cloud is a national portal in the Netherlands where you can easily build a virtual or digital research environment (DRE). You can use pre-configured workspaces and datasets or add them yourself. Institutions, research communities, and suppliers can contribute to Research Cloud's functionality and catalogue by integrating their computing and data services. The portal abstracts access to both infrastructure, such as virtual machines running in private or public datacentres, but also "Above-the-Net" applications, such as JupyterHub or SURF Research Drive. We will showcase the current state of development, using a SUNET PoC-tenancy in the SURF Research Portal, instantiating infrastructure and applications in SUNET-operated datacentres, as well as connections to Sunet Drive.
The collaboration between SURF and SUNET was initiated as part of the GÉANT Innovation Programme in 2025 as a broader initiative to help other NRENs to discuss how national solutions like Research Cloud could be implemented for their own research communities, delivering convenient and sovereign DREs.
The EOSC Community within NRENs has continued to evolve and thrive - most recently with the EOSC procurement and EOSC EU / EOSC Node initiatives, as well as ongoing interactions by NRENs through EOSC Association membership and EOSC project participation. What more can we do together as NRENs and how can we holistically evolve our EOSC participation? This will be the focus of this community hub meet-up. It will serve as an important feedback loop ahead of the EOSC side meetings on Friday and be of interest to international colleagues who wish to find out more about the most recent EOSC developments and those who want to meet other Open Science advocates - EOSC Association representatives will also be there to answer your questions.
The GÉANT Innovation Programme highlights the need for quick and accessible seed funding to support exploratory projects, testbeds, and studies. The Vietsch Foundation operates a complementary programme for research and education networking, providing funding for proposals requesting €30,000 or less with six-month duration or less. Learn more about this funding opportunity with a representative from the Vietsch Foundation.
In this session, we learn about the six GÉANT Innovation Programme projects awarded in 2024. After the speakers share their project highlights, we move into a dynamic panel discussion to probe deeper into the impact of the Innovation Programme: Are we achieving innovation for and by the community or are we still falling short? Is this connecting to other innovation initiatives in our community like the GN5 Incubators? The audience is invited to actively participate and bring their ideas on how to improve the next iteration of the Innovation Programme.
The Innovation Programme projects include:
The Business Platform for OpenStack Clouds (BP-OSC) project is an innovative SaaS solution built to empower Cloud Service Providers using OpenStack technology. This platform is a unified toolkit, called the OpenStack Solution Kit, comprising four main components: the FlexoStack Configuration Portal, OpenStack Admin UI, OpenStack Customer UI, and the OpenStack Billing System. Each component is designed to integrate seamlessly, enabling cloud providers to manage public and private clouds effectively. This presentation will delve into the architecture and functionality of the BP-OSC..
The ZoomIn4PinkHats project aimed to promote cybersecurity among women and girls by empowering educators as mentors. Through an intensive bootcamp, teachers received hands-on training in Capture The Flag (CTF) categories, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to guide their students in small cybersecurity projects. By fostering mentorship, the initiative created a ripple effect, encouraging women to explore cybersecurity in a supportive environment. This approach not only increased awareness but also built a possible pipeline of future female cybersecurity professionals. ZoomIn4PinkHats demonstrated the power of mentorship in bridging the gender gap in cybersecurity and inspiring the next generation.
The DUxDi project aims to develop truly inclusive digital identity solutions that address the unique challenges faced by users with disabilities. By focusing on both accessibility and usability, DUxDi targets groups with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. The project emphasizes adherence to accessibility standards such as W3C WCAG and seeks to enhance key digital identity tasks, including registration, login, verification, and recovery processes. DUxDi proposes improvements in structural clarity, consistent labeling, and support for assistive technologies, ultimately ensuring that digital identities remain accessible, user-friendly, and secure for all users, guaranteeing a lasting impact.
Machine Learning (ML) adoption within large-scale networks is limited. Organisations hesitate to share data in fear of compromising end-user privacy, thus representative datasets to train accurate ML classifiers are usually not available. Moreover, black-box classifiers are not intrinsically explainable, hence engineers are reluctant to deploy them. FedXAI4DNS employs ML, Federated Learning (FL) and eXplainable AI (XAI) for collaborative and trustworthy detection of malignant DNS traffic produced by Domain Generation Algorithms (DGAs). FL enables collaborators to train classifiers without exchanging sensitive data, whereas XAI analyses black-box model operation. FedXAI4DNS aims at expediting ML adoption within collaborative environments (e.g. NRENs & GÉANT).
We will introduce a concept of satellite-airborne backhauling using multiple-laser-beam transmission, supported by a theoretical framework for its design and analysis. By leveraging multiple laser beams, this backhauling offers an innovative solution to the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and network availability. The solution could bridge connectivity gaps in underserved regions, support data-intensive global research collaboration, ensure resilience during crises, enhance network security, and promote sustainability. These capabilities align with GÉANT's mission to enable innovative, secure, and environmentally conscious networking solutions for education and research worldwide.
End-users of mobile applications hardly know which enterprises and countries are involved in their online activities, and the implied rights and risks. Researchers and regulators need actual usage data to verify data sovereignty compliance. MANANA aims at providing the former with understandable characterisations of infrastructure usage, and the latter with a monitoring system of actual mobile apps usage. The user will be enabled to choose among similar apps and report her data exposure (providing visibility to authorities). The app and the collection server are released as open-source.
This is a get-together for the members of the GEANT community, the international R&E Networks and vendors, working on quantum networking, quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication.
We will also kick-off the newly born SIG-Quantum, a special interest group that provides a forum for the community working on quantum technologies within the R&E landscape. The SIG will gather and exchange experiences, ideas and knowledge on the development, deployment, testing and standardisation of quantum solutions, leading to the development of a coherent quantum strategy across GEANT and the evaluation and testing of suitable quantum technologies.
Come join SIG-NOC to brainstorm ideas for the evolution of the SIG. The GÉANT SIG–NOC (Special Interest Group for Network Operations Centres) is a group in the GÉANT community formed by members of Network Operation Centres (NOCs) as well as network engineers involved in the integration and optimization of NOC tools and processes. It offers a forum for exchanging and promoting ideas, experience and knowledge on NOC tools, functions, workflows, procedures and best practices, facilitate inter-NOC discussions, liaise with GÉANT Operations (and other e-infrastructures), provide a breeding ground to discuss, and elaborate and disseminate early thoughts, that can evolve into projects or services.
To address GÉANT’s strategic goal of meeting user communities’ ever-growing international data transfer demands, the connectivity between GÉANT and RENs in other world regions will need to grow, adapt and remain highly resilient to disruptions.
In this Community Hub session, the GÉANT GN5-IC1 team will set out how GÉANT is approaching the various elements of our approach to securing the R&E connectivity needed between Europe and the rest of the world for the coming decade, and will provide a chance for the audience to ask questions and share their thoughts on the approach.
Fibre Sensing is one of the newest and rapidly growing area of interest for our community. One of the biggest challenges is around how data can be generated and shared in a Find-able, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) way, while at the same time keeping sensitive data secure. There are many challenges to this but one thing is understood: NRENs are a key stakeholder in each countries fibre sensing ecosystem. Come and join us as we discuss how the fibre sensing ecosystem is defined on a national and federated level, whats in it for NRENs, as well contribute to our understanding of how security and governance challenges could be addressed in each of your respective countries.
Sikt and GÉANT invite you to a live demonstration of the GEANT-Argus Dashboard, a powerful tool designed to aggregate incidents from multiple monitoring systems into a single, unified interface. Built using open-source software from our community, this dashboard enhances network monitoring and incident management.
During this demo, we will showcase the latest GÉANT NOC Dashboard, highlighting its capabilities in real-time incident aggregation. This demonstration will leverage Argus and GÉANT NOC backend services to illustrate how network operations centers (NOCs) can streamline their monitoring processes. Join us to explore how this open-source solution can enhance your network monitoring operations.
There has been exceptional interest in the GEANT Security Bootcamp training for NRENs programme. Come learn more about how your organisation can take part and also share what you need from a Security Bootcamp trainings programme so it can be further customised for the Security Community. Former Bootcamp participants will be present to share their experiences.
This session will kick off a discussion on NREN’s Mail Abusemanagement services on a European level. DFN (Germany's NREN) has such a service ("DFN-MailSupport") in place for our institutions since 2013. We see new methods and technologies arising while others are in question to keep pace with modern spam technologies. There may be potential for a collaboration on a European level, e. g. by bundling procuring aspects if there should be tools/partners that other NRENs also have in use.
There are at least 11 NRENs in Europe running a Mail Abusemanagent service (or aspects of) but there is not yet an established community group on the topic. This is an initial meet and greet to explore the possibility of coming together to share experiences on a more formal level.
Learn about how you can take part in the GÉANT Twinning Programme, designed to foster impactful collaborations between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) worldwide. Gain an updated overview of the programme's objectives, benefits, and eligibility criteria. We'll explore recent developments and discuss successful case studies from previous Twinning projects. We will also provide an opportunity for Networking & Partner Matching for NREN representatives to connect, network, and explore potential partnerships. We'll facilitate interactive discussions and group activities to identify potential collaborations based on shared interests and complementary expertise.
In this session, we invite participants to discuss how we can characterize our https://dadosderede.rnp.br/ data repository as a disciplinary one for the computer network area. As a disciplinary repository, it should propose its own domain ontology, defining concepts and variables/metadata of the computer network area. We also intend to present the metadata defined in the datasets mentioned in the single presentation “Unlocking the Potential of Network Monitoring Data for Scientific Research”, which takes place in the Big Data Works session on Weds 11 Jun.
This session is an open meeting for anyone looking to make optimal use of their research and education (R&E) network connectivity to share experiences, challenges, success stories or problems associated with getting their applications to perform to the level required for their use cases.
Researchers, scientists, GÉANT and national research and education network (NREN) operators, and campus network staff are very welcome, be their interest large-scale data transfers, low latency real-time streaming, or other applications which put specific demands on the network. We will encourage discussion of higher-level architectures for optimal performance, such as Science DMZ, and data movement, monitoring and visualisation tools such as Globus, Rucio/FTS, perfSONAR and NetSage.
Join us at TNC25 to explore the critical role of policy in shaping the future of NRENs in a rapidly changing world. At a time of increasing geopolitical complexity, NRENs face a dynamic policy landscape. The policy challenges facing NRENs are diverse and interconnected, ranging from dealing with evolving EU regulations and country-specific public policy issues, to working with multinational organisations and understanding the impact of global events.
This session aims to lay the foundations for a collaborative network of policy experts to address these challenges. We invite all NREN participants interested in proactive and informed policy dialogue to join us. This hub will serve as a starting point for the establishment of a permanent SIG that will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing to ensure that NRENs remain flexible and resilient in the face of the changing policy landscape.
Are you curious about specific legislations, policies, the workings of the EU, and the Member States’ role therein? This is your chance to ask your questions to the EU Liaison Team!
The European Union's legal framework determines not only the future of GÉANT and the NRENs based in the European Union, but also that of the Candidate Countries and the Neighbourhood. While the European Union grapples with the current geopolitical turbulences, this affects countries outside of Europe as well.
This session provides a face-to-face opportunity to discuss any issues you may have with upcoming legislations, the inner workings of the EU, and medium/long-term strategies. We hope to answer all your questions and contextualize technical issues in the larger agenda of the European Union. At the same time, your questions are of great value to us to calibrate our focus.
We will explore the transformative role of extracurricular activities (ECAs) in higher education, focusing on how they contribute to developing economic and civic competencies among students. Based on a study conducted in Armenia and the EU, the presenters will highlight how participation in ECAs fosters essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication while promoting international cooperation. The session will also present the idea of a shared platform for addressing the challenges and best practices of ECAs, including student self-government, and how such a platform could facilitate global collaboration and idea-sharing to enhance the impact of these activities across educational systems. Ultimately, the goal is to break down educational silos and foster a more interconnected student community.
The third round of the Community Hub is now fully embedded in the TNC25 Programme and it promises to be better than ever!
The Hub is an informal space, where participants can learn more about community-led initiatives, find and exchange ideas, solutions or assistance within the community, and at the same time be connected with global peers. It aims at facilitating connections and
innovation by offering the necessary ingredients for strategic encounters, new and inspirational collaborations, and the exchange of knowledge, with just one rule: all sessions are open to everyone.
Learn and chat about the community’s newest tools and technical solutions or dive into new concepts and initiatives – this space welcomes innovation and exchange with a screen to back you up.
Here’s where ideas flow freely and participants discuss key challenges, share opportunities, or brainstorm the next big thing. No screen, just a couple chairs and good company.
A bulletin board to leave a project brochure, a flyers, or a post-it with an idea or a question. You’ll just need one copy as we encourage participants to take photos instead.
The Hub has its own dedicated space in TNC25’s main venue, the Brighton Dome.
The sessions will take place on Level 2 in the New Gallery Bar (just look for the golden horse!).
The space is informal, dynamic and open to all, therefore background noise is to be expected.
Basic AV equipment (screen and projector, microphone, but no VC equipment) will be arranged in the demo/presentation space.
Remote sessions will not be accepted. Presenters will have to be physically present at the TNC25 venue.
All Community Hub contributions can be found in the Programme
TNC, the largest and most prestigious research and education networking conference, attracts a diverse audience of over 800 participants from more than 70 countries and offers a unique collaborative experience.
Hoekenrode 3
1102 BR Amsterdam
The Netherlands
City House, 126-130 Hills Rd,
Cambridge CB2 1PQ
United Kingdom
TNC25 is co-funded by Europe’s NRENs and the European Union (EU).
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