A highlight in February for AARNet, Australia's national research and education network, was hosting CEOs from national research and education networks around the world in Sydney for the Global NREN CEO Forum.

The group included delegates from AARNet (Australia), REANNZ (New Zealand), CERNET (China), SINET/NII (Japan), CANARIE (Canada), Internet2 (USA), RNP (Brazil), REDClara (Latin America), GÉANT (Europe), DFN (Germany), SURF(Netherlands), NORDUnet (European Nordics), SANReN (South Africa) and Ubuntunet Alliance (Eastern and Southern Africa).

The program kicked off with an Aboriginal cultural performance and traditional smoking ceremony by Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo company. It was an inspiring performance in a glorious setting, with Sydney Harbour and the Bridge as a backdrop, and gave delegates a glimpse at the rich heritage of our country.

During the week, delegates discussed wide-ranging topics affecting R&E networks globally, including people and culture, AI, cyber security and more. The overarching goal is to strengthen the diversity and resilience and ensure the sustainability of the global network of research and education networks, critical infrastructure that underpins education, research and discovery in many countries.

The group also held an inaugural discussion regarding the detailed planning and collaboration required for the data movement process of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The SKA is a global project to build the world's largest and most capable radio telescope co-located in outback Western Australia and South Africa. This discussion involved presentations from the Australian SKA Office and will ultimately lead to the development of a suitable model for network and data transfer from South Africa and Australia to all scientists across the globe.

In addition, the group spent time focused on enhancing the security its global network, with routing security its top priority.

More information about R&E Networks

Read stories about people and projects enabled by research and education networks globally on the InTheFieldStories blog.

Featured image: The global CEO forum delegates in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photo: Good Thanks Media.