The National Research and Education Network (NREN) is an essential collective of infrastructure, tools, and people that bolsters Canadian leadership in research, education, and innovation. CANARIE and twelve provincial and territorial partners form Canada’s NREN. We connect Canada’s researchers, educators, and innovators to each other and to data, technology, and colleagues around the world.
As the Ontario partner in Canada’s NREN, ORION connects 1.7 million of Ontario’s students, educators, and researchers to their peers nationally and around the world.
How to Connect to Canada’s National Research and Education Network
If you are connected to ORION’s research and education network in Ontario, you’re already connected to the NREN. If you’d like to connect, talk to one of our account representatives to customize a solution for you at 416.507.9860 or communitydev@orion.on.ca.
NREN Partners
Thirteen provincial, territorial, and federal partners form Canada’s NREN. More information on each partner, along with a link to their website, can be found below.
ACORN-NL | Atlantic Canada Organization of Research Networks
ACORN-NL is dedicated to the implementation and formalization of a regional advanced network in Newfoundland and Labrador that will link post-secondary institutions, their major research centres, and the K-12 system.
ACORN-NS | Atlantic Canada Organization of Research Networks, Nova Scotia
ACORN-NS’s objectives are to refine, implement and maintain a resilient, secure, advanced research and education network architecture; reliably operate Nova Scotia’s advanced research and education network including the CANARIE GigaPoP; promote the value and innovation created by the advanced research and education network; and maintain a sustainable model for ACORN-NS.
Aurora College
Aurora College provides advanced-network services for the Northwest Territories. They deliver programs and courses as close to the communities as possible. This is achieved through a network of three regional campuses as well as Community Learning Centres in most of their communities.
BCNET | Shared IT services for higher education and research in British Columbia
BCNET is a not-for-profit, shared information technology services organization that represents the interests of our members — colleges, universities, and research institutions in British Columbia. We continuously engage with our members to explore, evaluate, and develop solutions that meet their unique needs. Our aim is to build value through collaboration, drive down costs, maximize efficiencies, and further the mission of our members.
CANARIE
CANARIE is the federal partner in Canada’s National Research and Education Network, providing inter-provincial and international connectivity. Beyond the network, CANARIE funds and promotes reusable research software tools and national research data management initiatives to accelerate discovery, provides identity management services to the academic community, and offers advanced networking and cloud resources to boost commercialization in Canada’s technology sector.
Cybera
Cybera is a not-for-profit technology-neutral organization responsible for driving Alberta’s economic growth through the use of digital technology. Its core role is to oversee the development and operations of Alberta’s cyber-infrastructure — the advanced system of networks and computers that keeps government, educational institutions, not-for-profits, and the business incubators at the forefront of technological change.
MRnet
MRnet is Manitoba’s Regional Advanced Research and Education Network. MRnet provides a very-high-speed, fiber optic network linking its research and education members to the world’s R&E networks. The MRnet network supports research, education, and advanced application development among Manitoba’s research, education, and industry organizations.
NB PEI Educational Computer Network (ECN)
The New Brunswick – Prince Edward Island Educational Computer Network (ECN) provides a sustainable, economical, and reliable high-speed network platform to educational and research organizations throughout the region. It connects them to research and innovation networks across Canada and around the world. The ECN is a model of collaboration and shared services across this geographically, economically, and linguistically diverse region.
Nunavut Arctic College (NAC)
Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) will represent Nunavut on the NREN and will work with partners to create a research and education network in Nunavut. NAC is a public agency of the Government of Nunavut and services the largest post-secondary service region in Canada. NAC’s mission is to strengthen the people and the communities of Nunavut by providing life-long learning opportunities for adult Nunavummiut by delivering high quality adult education programs developed with input from our partners throughout the Arctic and Canada, and by making the benefits of Inuit traditional knowledge and southern science more accessible.
ORION
ORION is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Ontario researchers, educators, and innovators. The organization’s community includes more than two million users at over one hundred universities, colleges, hospitals, research institutions, and the majority of Ontario’s school boards. ORION enables ground-breaking discoveries and cutting-edge education through its network, providing vital digital tools and expert support.
RISQ | Quebec Scientific Information Network
As a not-for-profit organization, the Quebec Scientific Information Network (RISQ) is a private telecommunications network that has served the education sector in Quebec since 1989. RISQ’s network covers approximately 6,000 km and reaches about 750,000 students, teachers, and staff. It provides members with shared resources and services, and also acts as an information, coordination, and expertise forum.
SRnet | Saskatchewan Research Network
SRnet (Saskatchewan Research Network Inc.) is a not-for-profit research and education network, the Saskatchewan member of Canada’s advanced network alliance. SRnet provides dedicated institutions and companies across Saskatchewan that use it for their research and education activities.
Yukon College
Yukon University provides a vital link between students and researchers in the Yukon, and national and international education and research networks. The Yukon Research Centre at Yukon University facilitates education opportunities for communities, encourages collaboration with First Nations, and expands opportunities for northern innovation. Yukon University also enables Yukoners to share their diverse cultural and environmental research with the world.
Learn more about the NREN and the role it plays in supporting Canadian research and innovation >
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