RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL NETWORKING ASSOCIATION OF MOLDOVA

Their core work

RENAM is Moldova's national research and education network (NREN), responsible for building and operating the high-speed communication infrastructure that connects Moldovan universities and research institutions to each other and to the pan-European GÉANT network. They manage network connectivity, provide e-infrastructure services, and support open science adoption across Moldova. Their work ensures that Moldovan researchers can access shared computing resources, collaborate with international peers, and participate in European data-sharing initiatives.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), RENAM's work was broader and more application-oriented — supporting virtual research environments for specific scientific domains like life sciences, climatology, and cultural heritage through VI-SEEM, alongside basic GÉANT connectivity. From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward network infrastructure itself (multi-domain networking, secure communications, trust frameworks) and toward open science policy and governance via NI4OS-Europe. This reflects a maturation from being a passive connectivity consumer to actively shaping Moldova's research infrastructure strategy and EOSC readiness.

RENAM is moving from basic connectivity provision toward becoming Moldova's gateway to the European Open Science Cloud, making them increasingly relevant for projects requiring Eastern European EOSC integration.

How they like to work

RENAM operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for smaller NRENs that join large infrastructure consortia led by established Western European organizations. With 62 unique partners across 41 countries, they maintain an exceptionally wide network relative to their size, driven primarily by the large GÉANT consortia. They are a reliable, low-maintenance partner that provides geographic coverage and national-level infrastructure access rather than scientific leadership.

With 62 partners across 41 countries, RENAM has one of the broadest collaboration networks possible — largely inherited from the massive GÉANT consortium which includes nearly every European NREN. Their geographic reach extends to Latin America through the BELLA project and Southeast Europe/Eastern Mediterranean through VI-SEEM.

What sets them apart

RENAM is Moldova's only NREN and the sole entry point for connecting Moldovan research institutions to European e-infrastructure. For any consortium that needs to demonstrate geographic inclusiveness in Eastern Partnership countries, or that requires network connectivity and open science services reaching Moldova, RENAM is the necessary partner. Their consistent GÉANT participation since 2015 proves institutional stability despite being a small organization in a non-EU country.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GN4-3
  Largest single funding allocation (EUR 439,883) — represents RENAM's growing importance within the GÉANT network as responsibilities and budget share increased over successive phases.
• NI4OS-Europe
  Signals RENAM's strategic pivot toward open science policy and EOSC integration, positioning Moldova within the European Open Science Cloud governance framework.
• BELLA-S1
  Unusual global scope — connecting Europe to Latin America via submarine cable, showing RENAM's involvement in intercontinental research connectivity beyond its regional footprint.