Overview
The SIG-AI community met during TNC26 in Helsinki for a joint meeting with the SIG Research Engagement (SIG-RED).
The meeting focused on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in research and education networking and brought together experts from NRENs across Europe and beyond.
Highlights
- International participation from Europe, North America and Latin America
- Two interactive panel discussions
- Exchange of experiences on AI for Research and Agentic AI
- Strong audience participation and discussion
Panel 1 – How are NRENs Supporting AI for Research?
Moderated by Eli Shmueli (IUCC)
Panellists:
- Carlos Guzmán (CEDIA)
- Panos Louridas (GRNET)
- Neil Shewry (Jisc)
- Eli Dart (ESNET)
The discussion explored how NRENs are supporting AI-enabled research through infrastructure, services and collaboration.
Panel 2 – Agentic AI in NRENs: Assisting or Replacing Human Operators?
Moderated by Leonie Schäfer (DFN)
Panellists:
- Raimundas Tuminauskas (PCSS)
- Eugene Brin (DFN-CERT)
- Jardar Leira (Sikt)
- Dana Brunson (Internet2)
The discussion explored opportunities and challenges of agentic AI in NREN operations, including trust, governance, accountability and human oversight.
Looking Ahead
The discussions in Helsinki will continue at the next SIG-AI meeting at CERN in September 2026.