KACST Launches Academic Roaming Service To Enhance Global Research Connectivity For Institutions

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has introduced the Academic Roaming Service. This service allows members of participating institutions to access the internet securely at educational and research facilities globally. It uses institutional identity providers (IdPs) in over 100 countries. The launch coincided with International Internet Day, highlighting KACST's role in digital transformation.

The service is part of KACST’s Saudi Research and Innovation Network, known as the Maeen Network. This network connects Saudi Arabia’s scientific community to the world through advanced digital infrastructure. It aims to enhance communication, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support research, development, and innovation in the Kingdom.

The Academic Roaming Service aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by empowering research, development, and innovation ecosystems. It promotes digital transformation and provides an integrated technology environment. Additionally, it supports building a digital economy led by national talents.

According to KACST's press release, the service helps researchers, faculty members, and scholarship students stay connected to digital resources. It ensures secure access to research tools and educational platforms with high reliability. The service also strengthens collaboration among local and international educational institutions.

KACST organized an event on World Internet Day to celebrate this launch. The event marked a milestone in human history with the emergence of the internet. It showcased KACST's efforts in supporting research and academic sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Visitors at the event included school and university students, community members, and technology enthusiasts. They attended workshops and explored exhibitions featuring over ten entities from public and private sectors. These activities highlighted digital innovations, artificial intelligence applications, and emerging internet technologies like the Internet of Things.

Membership Accreditation

During the event's conclusion, Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki, President of KACST, awarded membership accreditation certificates to 24 entities joining the Maeen Network for Identity Federation. These institutions met required criteria and protocols for membership.

The accredited entities include Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, King Saud University, Qassim University, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Najran University, University of Tabuk, Jouf University, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Jazan University, King Khalid University, Taif University, Al-Baha University.

Expanding Global Access

This membership enables institutions to enjoy unified research access to global information networks and resources. Other accredited entities are King Faisal University, Prince Sultan University, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University among others.

The Academic Roaming Service reduces technical burdens on host institutions while protecting data during international collaborations. It facilitates access to academic resources worldwide while supporting international research partnerships.

This initiative underscores KACST's commitment to fostering a robust digital infrastructure that enhances knowledge sharing across borders. By connecting researchers globally through secure networks like Maeen Network they aim to drive forward scientific progress within Saudi Arabia’s academic landscape.

With inputs from SPA