Strategic Alignment in Action: HEAnet Advances National Research Priorities through infrastructure and Engagement
Driving Research Forward: HEAnet Aligns Strategy with National and European Open Science Goals
HEAnet reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ireland’s research ecosystem through targeted initiatives, infrastructure development, and pan-European collaboration.
HEAnet’s strategic focus on research has entered a new phase, following the launch of its 2025–2030 Strategy, which identifies research as one of five key priority areas. The Research Engagement team, comprising Roberto Sabatino and Jenny O’Neill, continues to lead the delivery of this agenda, aligning policy with practical, high-impact outcomes for Ireland’s research community.
From Policy to Practice: Building a National Research Ecosystem
HEAnet’s strategic direction is fully aligned with the National Action Plan for Open Research 2022–2030 and Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy. Central to this alignment is the support of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices and the advancement of Open Science.
These guiding policies underscore the importance of robust infrastructure to facilitate a cultural transformation within the Irish research system. HEAnet has responded by developing services and participating in collaborative initiatives that empower researchers and research support professionals across the country.
Supporting Innovation: Key Strategic Deliverables
A significant outcome of this work was HEAnet’s leadership of Action 6 under the 2022 Open Research Fund, which delivered the IRLDAT shared data storage pilot, based on the EUDAT B2Drop service. This service enabled secure data sharing across Research Performing Organisations . A national production version is now being prepared for launch.
In parallel, HEAnet has played a foundational role in the Sonraí Irish Data Stewardship Network. Transitioning from a funded project to a self-sustaining structure, Sonraí now supports data stewardship expertise nationally. HEAnet continues its contribution through Committee participation and by supporting the development of a micro-credential training programme.
Advancing Data Infrastructure: IRL-DataSpace and EOSC Engagement
Looking to the future, HEAnet and the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) are jointly developing IRL-DataSpace, a federated ecosystem of data systems and services designed to support cross-sector collaboration in data-driven research. This initiative will be overseen by a dedicated Data Space Support Centre (IRL-DSSC).
HEAnet is also progressing a national Research Data Management (RDM) tender endorsed by the Irish Universities Association (IUA), in collaboration with HEAnet’s Brokerage team and national subject matter experts.
At the European level, HEAnet represents Ireland as the mandated organisation within the EOSC Association, nominated by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. HEAnet’s representatives hold influential roles:
- Roberto Sabatino – Member, EOSC Steering Board
- Jenny O’Neill – Co-Chair, EOSC Long-Term Data Retention Task Force
To guide national EOSC engagement, HEAnet has developed a position paper outlining a proposed roadmap for Ireland’s technical infrastructure and operations. Currently open for consultation, this paper advocates for a Coordination and Support Action to ensure Ireland’s EOSC node is in place by the end of 2026.
Scaling Up: Digital Research Environments and Community Engagement
In summer 2025, HEAnet will collaborate with European NREN partners GÉANT and SURF on a proof-of-concept for a Digital Research Environment (DRE). Based on the SURF Research Cloud model, this initiative will integrate services such as cloud computing, storage, and lab notebooks into a single, researcher-focused platform. It is envisioned as a stepping stone toward Ireland’s EOSC node.
Meanwhile, HEAnet continues to engage in broader research service initiatives, including:
- Membership of the National Persistent Identifier (PID) Task Force, contributing to the National PID Roadmap and Strategy
- Participation in the Open Access Monitor Advisory Group, funded by NORF
RESIN: A National Platform for Research Support Professionals
HEAnet has also established the National Forum for Research Services and Infrastructure (RESIN), bringing together IT, library, and research office staff from across the research support ecosystem. RESIN has produced national guidance documents and continues to host monthly InfoShare webinars on topics such as:
- Quantum computing
- The CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance
- Ireland’s CERN membership and its implications for institutional research support
Stay Connected
To receive updates on HEAnet’s research engagement activities, new services, and upcoming events, please email us to join the mailing list: research@heanet.ie.
