Page Updated: 18-Oct-2006
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Extending the scope of Networking Infrastructure Grants

At its meeting in Kazakhstan on 20 June 2006, the Science Committee agreed to extend the scope of the Networking Infrastructure Grant (NIG) mechanism. In addition to promoting local and international collaboration among universities and research institutes by setting up links and networking capabilities, NIGs will also focus on the human networking dimension.

NIGs currently provide funds to Partner countries’ institutions for purchasing equipment (such as computers, modems, and limited fibre-optic cables) that improves the level and the quality of telecommunication facilities. In addition, NIGs provide professional advice and expert assistance by sending NATO consultants to assist with the implementation of the project. From now on, NIGs support will also cover distance-learning programmes and collaborative projects based on electronic communication. This will entail support for items including training in communication technologies, software for distance learning, limited travel support and access to information (for example, web-based course material and specialised online literature).

A prototype of this new type of NIG has recently been awarded for the establishment of Networking Academies in the countries participating in the Virtual Silk Highway project ( Afghanistan , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Georgia , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyz Republic , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan ) as well as in Belarus and Moldova . Through the Silk Highway , the NATO Programme for Security through Science is providing these countries with access to the internet by satellite.

The “Networking Academy Programme”, developed by Cisco Systems, will be taught in these Networking Academies. This is a comprehensive e-learning programme that provides students with internet technology skills, such as network security and JAVA programming, and delivers web-based content, online assessment, student-performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry-standard certifications.

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