National Research Network Association, Bulgaria (NRNA)

The Bulgarian National Research Network Association (NRNA) is registered under the Bulgarian Law as a non-for-profit legal entity carrying out activities to public benefit. Among its founding members are the biggest universities in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Transport and Communications and ICT Development Agency. At present the organization comprises 25 academic members, as well as the Ministry of Education and Science, where is registered the official address of operation and associations’ headquarters. The Association achieves its objectives by the following means: Building up and maintenance of virtual spaces (Internet portals) for idea and information exchange among the users of the research networks, as well as between broad social groups that use the new information and communication technologies; Support and participation in projects and initiatives for the development of the information technologies in Bulgaria and abroad; Organization of information workshops and trainings for different social groups, including distance learning; Supporting the education and qualification of pupils, students and specialists, working in the field of the information technologies; Technological, administrative and financial optimization of the connections of Bulgarian organizations and persons of the scientific, information and cultural spheres to the research networks; Provision of support to schools and educational institutions that offer ICT training; Organization of educational seminars, conferences, symposiums, exhibitions and other public events dedicated on the promotion of advanced information technologies and multimedia information services; Consulting on technological solutions on ICT Projects, as well as participation in national and international initiatives aiming at the ICT development in the European countries. NRNA has no permanent staff, although it relies on temporary basis on more than 50 highly skilled professionals all across the country – the whole Management Board (consisting of nine distinguished members of different institutions and academic organizations) has no salary and works on volunteer basis while all consultants and project team members are hired on Civil contract basis for different national and EU projects and have other primary job (working for different NRNA member organisations).