The European Research and Education Networks

Abstract

e-Science is the future of Science. It necessitates the use of powerful computing resources, massive data sets, remote instruments, scientific/visualisation software and expertise that are distributed around the world. e-Infrastructures refer to the underlying computing technologies that facilitate e-Science. To weave these distributed resources into a cohesive entity, and thereby enabling such large-scale science to be conducted in highly distributed environments, needs the utilisation of high speed communication networks. The European Research and Education Networks provide the connectivity required to ensure Europe’s leadership in e-Science. These networks not only provide the communication resources required to conduct e-Science, but they also offer high-speed Internet access to Universities and educational institutes to facilitate teaching and learning. The objective of this book chapter is to inform the readers of the organisation of the underlying European networks that are used by millions of researchers, academics and students. The importance of these networks are highlighted by presenting six e-Science and e-Infrastructure projects that are being funded by the European Commission.