ASNET-AM, the Armenian NREN, has been one of the participants in the pilot of the new GÉANT NREN Twinning Programme. The collaborative initiative that paired the Armenian organisation with MAREN, the Malawi Research and Education Network, kicked off in October 2023. The project, coordinated by GÉANT and funded by the European Union, aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between emerging and established NRENs worldwide.
ASNET-AM visit to Malawi
The inaugural event took place at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), marking the beginning of a series of workshops focusing on crucial areas of interest such as High-Performance Computing (HPC), Big Data Analytics, Communication and Marketing.
Hrachya Astsatryan, ASNET-AM CEO, represented the Armenian delegation together with Naira Kocharyan, the NREN’s communications manager. Dr Astsatryan delivered a series of intensive training sessions for over 20 ICT staff members from MAREN’s member institutions. His expertise in HPC and Big Data Analytics, which underpin the advancement of research and education networks, was very beneficial to participants.
Naira Kocharyan shared her insights, expertise and skills in a workshop on NREN communication, marketing and project management. Her contribution aimed to enhance MAREN’s outreach, visibility and strategic planning.
Solomon Dindi MAREN CEO, speaking on behalf of MAREN, expressed heartfelt gratitude to ASNET-AM for embracing the twinning initiative. He emphasised the programme’s critical role in facilitating skills and information sharing in the country’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. The European Union and GEANT’s sponsorship and coordination were also acknowledged as essential components of this collaborative endeavour.
The Malawian Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, hailed the twinning project and encouraged MAREN to explore further partnerships under this programme. Her endorsement reflects the Malawian government’s commitment to fostering international collaborations that contribute to the advancement of ICT skills and knowledge within the education sector.
Hrachya Astsatryan comments: “This visit to Malawi demonstrates the spirit of cooperation, knowledge transfer and capacity building that defines the Programme. It’s a testament to how global networks can come together to empower education and research across borders. I look forward to cementing this relationship and I am excited by future possibilities”.
For further information about the Twinning Programme and the inaugural event held in Malawi, you can read the following articles on MAREN’s website:
https://maren.ac.mw/nrens-require-effective-marketing-for-enhanced-visibility/
