NRNA

The Bulgarian National Research Network Association (NRN Association or NRNA) is registered under the Bulgarian Law as a non-for-profit legal entity carrying out activities to public benefit. Among its founding members are the biggest universities in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Transport and Communications and ICT Development Agency. At present the organization comprises 25 academic members, comprising around 65% of the higher education students and around 80% of the research capacity of the country.

The Association achieves its objectives by the following means: Building up and maintenance of virtual spaces (Internet portals) for idea and information exchange among the users of the research networks, as well as between broad social groups that use the new information and communication technologies; Support and participation in projects and initiatives for the development of the information technologies in Bulgaria and abroad; Organization of information workshops and trainings for different social groups, including distance learning; Supporting the education and qualification of pupils, students and specialists, working in the field of the information technologies; Technological, administrative and financial optimization of the connections of Bulgarian organizations and persons of the scientific, information and cultural spheres to the research networks; Provision of support to schools and educational institutions that offer ICT training; Organization of educational seminars, conferences, symposiums, exhibitions and other public events dedicated on the promotion of advanced information technologies and multimedia information services; Consulting on technological solutions on ICT Projects, as well as participation in national and international initiatives aiming at the ICT development in the European countries.

The Association works closely with secondary schools as well, helping the Ministry of Education for implementing national campaigns such as connecting schools, helping teachers for their home internet connectivity, organizing nationwide streaming educational sessions on various topics etc.

NRNA will act as National Coordinator of the rural school community in Bulgaria and will sign bilateral agreements with the projects that will receive funding through the call for proposals (to be involved in WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5, WP6 and WP7).