e-AGE18

Dates: 02 - 03 December 2018

Location: Amman Marriott Hotel, Jordan

The e-AGE conference has established itself as a key venue for networking among experts and scientists. In 2018, e-AGE was held in Amman, Jordan, on 2-3 December. e-AGE18 focused on demonstrated successes in using research and education e-Infrastructures, leading to increased demand for capacities at national, regional, and international levels. The main theme of the conference was “Capacity for Transformation,” with all activities centered around it.

e-AGE18 included events, workshops, and meetings focused on:

• e-AGE Annual Conference

• The 11th Event on Euro-Mediterranean e-Infrastructure

• The 8th Annual Meeting of ASREN

• EUMEDCONNECT3 Project Meeting

• AfricaConnect2 Project Meeting

• Internet2 Middle East SIG Meetings

• Workshops for e-Infrastructure users

• Technical Workshops on R&E networking

Special sessions were dedicated to specific domains, mainly focusing on experiences in connectivity and e-Infrastructure, applications, and services across various scientific domains. The importance of showing how research infrastructure creates tangible benefits to communities and collaborations was emphasized, along with demonstrating how research connectivity can promote collaboration and innovation. Discussions aimed to drive outcomes and practical steps towards developing a regional e-Infrastructure.

Impressions from Helga Spitaler, GÉANT (ASREN's European Partner): 

ASREN, GÉANT’s partner in the Arab region, hosted its flagship event – e-AGE18 – in early December in Amman, attracting over 150 participants from 35 countries. The agenda was of the highest standard, with captivating speakers and ample opportunities for discussion with a very engaged audience.

A key theme was the need to adapt to the 4th industrial revolution. Artificial intelligence, automation, ubiquitous supercomputing, and self-driving cars present exciting opportunities and potential challenges such as technological unemployment. NRENs can provide tools and act as enablers for governments, educators, and students to address challenges in educational systems.

Read the full blog here