NORDUNET A/S

Their core work

NordUNet operates the Nordic research and education network backbone, interconnecting the national research networks (NRENs) of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. They provide high-capacity data connectivity, network services, and infrastructure that enables Nordic researchers and universities to collaborate across borders and access shared computing resources. Within H2020, they are a core participant in the GÉANT pan-European research networking program, contributing to network architecture, multi-domain services, and international connectivity including transatlantic links to Latin America.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), NordUNet focused on foundational connectivity — transatlantic links, experimental testbed federation, and basic research networking services. From 2019 onward, their work shifted toward secure multi-domain networking, trust frameworks, and data infrastructure for open science (EOSC). This reflects a broader sector trend where research networks evolved from pure connectivity providers to trusted platforms for distributed data services and cloud-based research.

NordUNet is moving from transport-layer connectivity toward becoming a trusted data infrastructure provider for open science and EOSC services across the Nordics.

How they like to work

NordUNet never coordinates projects but is a deeply embedded participant in very large consortia — the GÉANT program alone involves dozens of European NRENs. With 177 unique partners across 43 countries, they operate as a network hub by nature of their role connecting national research networks. Working with NordUNet means joining well-established, infrastructure-scale collaborations where roles and contributions are clearly defined.

Exceptionally broad network of 177 partners across 43 countries, driven primarily by the GÉANT consortium which includes nearly every European NREN. Their reach extends beyond Europe through the BELLA project connecting to Latin American research networks.

What sets them apart

NordUNet is the only Nordic-level research networking organization, bridging five national NRENs into a unified backbone. This gives them a unique vantage point on cross-border data flows, multi-domain networking, and Nordic research infrastructure needs. For consortium builders, they offer direct access to the Nordic research community and its computing infrastructure — a region known for strong digital governance and open science adoption.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GN4-3
  Largest single project at EUR 3.7M — the third phase of the GÉANT pan-European research network, covering secure multi-domain networking for thousands of institutions.
• BELLA-S1
  Strategic intercontinental project building a dedicated submarine cable link between Europe and Latin America for research and education connectivity.
• EOSC-Nordic
  Positioned NordUNet in the European Open Science Cloud ecosystem, focusing on FAIR data principles and Nordic service integration.