NATO SCIENCE PROGRAMME

PRIORITY AREA ON COMPUTER NETWORKING

INTRODUCTION

As a result of political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the science decision makers and the scientific and technological communities in these countries are faced with new and challenging problems. Under these circumstances the need for close ties between NATO and Cooperation Partner (CP) countries is essential. Within the framework of the Workplan for Dialogue, Partnership and Cooperation established by the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC), the NATO Science Committee has introduced a number of priority areas of concern to both NATO and its Cooperation Partners.

OBJECTIVES AND AREAS OF INTEREST

The Priority Area on Computer Networking is intended to provide support for the enhancement of the communication infrastructure available to scientists rather than to support fundamental and applied research in the field. The initiative encompasses a two-pronged strategy for improving computer communication between scientists in NATO countries and Cooperation Partners:

firstly, a top-down approach, with the organization of workshops to help Cooperation Partners elaborate their computer networking policies, and to promote the development of computer networks to link together increasing numbers of institutions; and
secondly, a bottom-up approach, with the provision of support to facilitate electronic communication to selected projects.

Activities eligible for support must be related not only to infrastructure enhancement, but also to setting policy for Computer Networking and to training network managers.

The research topics of the projects for which equipment is purchased, or services acquired, should be primarily, but not exclusively, in the priority areas designated by the Science Committee.

IMPLEMENTATION

The activities supported in this field have essentially a catalytic role and are complementary to, rather than conflicting or competing with, activities of parallel national or international programmes. These activities take advantage of the special bilateral and multilateral relationship which NATO membership makes possible.

SUPPORT MECHANISMS

Support in this Priority Area is provided through a variety of mechanisms to be pursued in collaboration between scientists from NATO countries and Cooperation Partner countries. The mechanisms are:

ADVANCED NETWORKING WORKSHOPS : With respect to networking policy, NATO can support workshops aimed at increasing the level of homogeneity among the various network policies at national and international levels. These workshops provide a strong base from which can be laid down a better coordinated collaboration between Cooperation Partners and NATO countries. They provide unique fora for users and policy makers in which those responsible for the scientific infrastructure acquire a better understanding of the need for coordination in the planning and development of research networks. Among expected concrete outcomes of such workshops are sets of recommendations for follow-up activities and policies.

Workshops can also be the forum for advanced level, extensive discussion among qualified network managers from various countries. They may equally be a unique opportunity for the transfer of knowledge and the exchange of experiences between managers coming from different environments and backgrounds.

COMPUTER NETWORKING SUPPLEMENT TO LINKAGE GRANTS : NATO supports, through Linkage Grants, reciprocal visits of research teams conducting common research. In order to improve the communication between the teams, Linkage Grant holders are invited to consider whether the upgrading of the CP participants' networking equipment could facilitate the quality and the quantity of the exchanges. A Supplement for Computer Networking is available for purchasing small equipment that can enhance the communication level between the collaborating teams. Typical grants cover the cost of modems, software, leased line service fees and subscriptions.

NETWORKING INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS : The Network Infrastructure Grant is expected to promote local and international collaboration through the setting up of links and networking capabilities. A key aspect of the economics of international connectivity is the promotion of collaborative local infrastructures. A Networking Infrastructure Grant provides assistance to the CP country institutions primarily for purchasing equipment that will improve the level and the quality of the telecommunication facilities. The grant is intended to fund infrastructure only and not the research project itself.

Networking Infrastructure Grants are of two types:

the first category is aimed at improving the general connectivity of a whole community in a specific geographical region; it builds upon existing infrastructure and proposes ways to improve the quality of the network by increasing the bandwidth between major sites and by distributing access to larger communities; and
the second category is aimed at fostering strong, lasting scientific links between teams already involved in joint research projects funded by other sources. These common collaborative projects must involve at least one institute in CP countries and one institute in NATO countries.

OTHER MECHANISMS : Other mechanisms such as Linkage Grants and Expert Visits are additional tools available to the Panel. Both may be used as the initial phase to more complex and larger collaborating projects.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications for support of one of the above mechanisms are evaluated by the Advisory Panel on Computer Networking, and by experts in the other relevant priority area. In order to be considered by the Advisory Panel an application must:

involve genuine collaboration between NATO and Cooperation Partner scientists
not duplicate similar efforts elsewhere
be prepared on specific application forms.

The Advisory Panel normally meets three times a year. Deadlines for receipt of applications, as well as application forms and guideline Notes for Applicants are available from the address below.

Scientific Affairs Division
NATO
B-1110 Brussels
Belgium

Tel: (32-2) 728 4520
Fax: (32-2) 728 4232
E-mail: nadreau@hq.nato.int

PLEASE NOTE that application forms and guidelines can only be provided by mail, and any requests for forms must include a full mailing address.

June 1995

NATO countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.

Cooperation Partner (CP) countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovak Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

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NATO INTEGRATED DATA SERVICE (NIDS)

Editor NATOSCI - Enid Austin
E-MAIL: haaaj01@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be
haaaj01@blekul11.bitnet

Moderator NATODATA & NATOSCI - Chris Scheurweghs
E-MAIL: Scheurweghs@hq.nato.int
Scheurweghs@shape.nato.int

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