Pro-M Zrt. participated in the TNC25 conference, held in Brighton, United Kingdom, from 10 to 12 June 2025, attracting an exceptional level of interest from the global research and education networking community. Organized by GÉANT and supported by the UK’s Jisc NREN (National Research and Education Network), the event brought together more than 900 participants from 72 countries to share insights, exchange best practices, and discuss the future of digital transformation in research and education.
The conference theme, “Brighter Together,” highlighted the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Prominent topics included the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education and network management, as well as the growing importance of cybersecurity, with a strong focus on the human factor and countering increasingly sophisticated manipulation and fraud techniques. Sessions also explored emerging developments in optical networks, submarine cables, VPN solutions, authentication systems, digital identity federations, and sustainable infrastructures.
During the NREN representatives’ forum, participants emphasized the strategic role of NRENs in preserving national and research data sovereignty, reducing dependency on commercial cloud providers, and enabling cross-border AI collaboration. Beyond traditional network services, NRENs are increasingly focusing on supporting open science, digital education, cybersecurity, and AI infrastructure, while also developing more flexible operational and partnership models.
Hungary’s research and education community was represented by János Mohácsi and Péter Molnár from Pro-M Zrt.
- János Mohácsi contributed to the GÉANT General Assembly, participated in the NREN Forum, and took part in discussions related to eduroam and the TNC Community Exchange.
- Péter Molnár represented Hungary at the 50th REFEDS meeting and reported on the development of educational platforms operated by NRENs.
Among the conference’s keynote sessions, Jess Auerbach Jahajeeah (University of Cape Town) and Tetiana Preobrazhenska (URAN Network, Ukraine) delivered compelling presentations. Auerbach Jahajeeah discussed networks as social and environmental metaphors, examining issues of digital inequality, justice, and algorithmic bias, while Preobrazhenska reflected on the crucial support GÉANT provided to Ukrainian research networks during the war.
Two prestigious awards were also presented at the event: the GÉANT Community Award went to Ronan Byrne, CEO of HEAnet (Ireland), and the Vietsch Medal of Honour was awarded to Cathrin Stöver for her decades-long contribution to developing Latin American and African NRENs.
Pro-M Zrt.’s participation in TNC25 reaffirmed its commitment to international professional dialogue, the development of secure and sustainable networks, and the domestic implementation of forward-looking digital technologies. The insights and professional guidance gained at the conference directly support the continued enhancement of Hungary’s research, education, and public administration network services.
For more information and access to conference presentations, visit: https://tnc25.geant.org/programme
