Global reach
Improved connectivity transforms the way researchers work, allowing them to participate in cutting-edge projects on a truly global scale, without having to cross multiple time zones. There is a need to move beyond regional collaboration and to bring together researchers from around the world. The challenge is that while researchers are located around the world, the facilities and technology to link them vary greatly from country to country. With its unique cost-sharing model and aim to narrow the digital divide that still exists in Europe, GÉANT2 has improved the speed and quality of existing connectivity under already-established agreements. In addition, high speed connectivity to a number of new regions has been established:
- UbuntuNet Alliance in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Ukrainian Research and Academic Network (URAN).
- The Black Sea Interconnection (BSI) project, linking the Black Sea and Southern Caucasus countries
GÉANT2 has made substantial progress towards the vision of a single global research network. Through the other related regional research networking projects, connections to other parts of the world have been established:
- Latin America through ALICE
- The Asia-Pacific region through TEIN2
- Northern Africa and the Middle East through EUMEDCONNECT
- Southern and Eastern Europe through SEEREN
- China through the ORIENT project
The global reach of GÉANT2 brings together the best minds from around the world to tackle major issues such as climate change, astronomy, agriculture and cures for diseases, as well as local issues such as flooding and natural disasters.
