HEANET CLG

Their core work

HEAnet is Ireland's National Education and Research Network (NREN), providing high-speed networking infrastructure and services to all Irish universities, institutes of technology, and research institutions. Within H2020, they contribute to the pan-European GÉANT research networking ecosystem, helping build and operate the backbone that connects millions of researchers across Europe. They also participate in projects extending research connectivity to Latin America and enabling cloud-based access to research infrastructure through the European Open Science Cloud.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), HEAnet focused on core research networking through GÉANT and international connectivity, notably the transatlantic BELLA-S1 submarine cable project linking Europe to Latin America. From 2019 onward, their work shifted toward secure multi-domain networking, cloud resource integration (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and open science infrastructure through OCRE and EOSC Future. This reflects the broader NREN evolution from pure network provision toward becoming platforms for cloud-enabled, secure research services.

HEAnet is moving from pure network operations toward integrated cloud and open science service delivery, making them relevant for projects needing research infrastructure access beyond basic connectivity.

How they like to work

HEAnet operates exclusively as a participant or third party — never as coordinator — which is typical for NRENs that contribute infrastructure expertise within large, multi-country consortia. Their 130 unique partners across 42 countries reflect the massive GÉANT consortia rather than independent partner selection. They are a reliable infrastructure contributor that brings Irish research network access and operational expertise to pan-European projects.

HEAnet's network of 130 partners across 42 countries is primarily shaped by the GÉANT consortium, which includes virtually every European NREN plus partners in Latin America and beyond. Their reach is genuinely global due to the BELLA transatlantic project.

What sets them apart

HEAnet is Ireland's sole NREN, giving them a unique national mandate and direct access to all Irish higher education and research institutions. For any consortium needing Irish research connectivity, cloud brokerage for Irish institutions, or an NREN partner with experience in both European and transatlantic networking, HEAnet is the natural and often only choice. Their progression into cloud services (OCRE) and open science (EOSC Future) positions them beyond simple network provision.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GN4-2
  Largest EC contribution to HEAnet (EUR 488,873), representing a 4-year core engagement in the GÉANT pan-European research network.
• BELLA-S1
  Ambitious transatlantic submarine cable project connecting European and Latin American research networks — rare global infrastructure scope.
• EOSC Future
  Signals HEAnet's strategic shift toward open science and cloud infrastructure, participating in Europe's flagship research data initiative.