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Future Talent Programme FAQs for NRENS

Registration for the Future Talent Programme 2026 is open!

If you have any questions please contact the GÉANT Learning and Development (GLAD) team via the online form.

  1. Why should we take part?
    The Future Talent Programme (FTP) is a successful initiative that connects bright young minds with their local NREN community, drawing talent into specialised fields. For NRENs, the programme offers valuable exposure within the research and education community, and highlights the exceptional talent at your institutions.
  2. How many candidates can you nominate?
    Up to three candidates may be nominated per NREN, with final selection subject to programme availability. There are 20 places available on the 2026 programme.
    Please note that each registration must be made from a unique email address. For questions regarding registrations contact the GLAD team.
  3. Who can participate in the Future Talent Programme?
    The programme fosters young talent in the research and education community and is suitable for early career professionals or students nominated by their GÉANT member NREN. Candidates should be studying at a university or college within your institution, or working at a GÉANT NREN.

    If you would consider someone a strong candidate for an internship at your NREN, they would be a great fit for the FTP! Candidates should have no more than five years’ work experience.

  4. What kind of topics should the student propose for a Lightning Talk?
    A Lightning Talk focuses on one key point and tells its story in five minutes! This can be an idea, a successful project, cautionary story, collaboration invitation, quick tip or demonstration. Submissions can be based on any research or innovation which addresses a technical, economic, legal, security or environmental aspect of computer networking or technology. Proposals should be easy to understand, avoid technical language and be relevant to the world of research and education networking.

  5. How does selection and recruitment take place?
    NRENs are responsible for selecting and nominating up to three candidates for the FTP. All nominated candidates who meet the programme requirements will be admitted, up to a maximum of 20 participants. If more than 20 applications are received, priority may be given to NRENs that have not previously participated in the programme.

    Acceptance of the participant's proposal for the Lightning Talk programme at TNC will be the exclusive decision of the TNC Programme Committee. Participants compete with other proposals submitted for the conference. Successful proposals are selected based on originality and clarity.

  6. How do you nominate a candidate?
    Registration for the Future Talent Programme 2026 is open! For questions regarding registrations contact the GLAD team.

    Future Talent Programme application form

  7. What is expected of an NREN host and mentor?
    As an NREN mentor, your role is to engage regularly with your candidate throughout the programme, provide encouragement, and facilitate networking opportunities within the local community to support their research. You will also review and provide guidance on the student’s Lightning Talk proposal.

    If your candidate is selected as an FTP finalist to present at TNC, we encourage you, or a nominated colleague, to attend TNC to support them and facilitate networking opportunities during the conference.

    The NREN is responsible for booking the student's travel costs to attend TNC. The NREN can reclaim these travel and expense costs from the GN5 Project (WP1 - T5), following the usual GÉANT project claimant rules and procedures.

    GLAD organises and funds the FTP finalists' hotel accommodation and conference fees for attendance at TNC.

  8. What happens if our candidate is not selected as a Future Talent Programme finalist?
    Competition for Lightning Talks is high, which means not all FTP participants will be chosen as finalists. As a valued participant of the programme, your candidate will still benefit from the opportunity to showcase their research to the research and education community. They will receive support to produce a self-recorded video of their proposed Lightning Talk. This video will be:

    • featured on a dedicated page on community.geant.org (along with a short biography),
    • published on GÉANT TV,
    • publicised across social platforms,
    • promoted during the week of TNC26.

    As an NREN mentor you can also help participants make connections in their field of research.

  9. What is the duration of the programme?
    The programme runs from March - June and includes professional presentation workshops for all participants. FTP participant training workshops run from April - May.
    Finalists complete further training to prepare their Lightning Talks for TNC.

    When selecting candidates, please note that the programme is highly rewarding but involves a significant commitment from March to June. Ensure candidates plan carefully around their study and exam schedules, and consider how their research or thesis work could align with the FTP.

  10. What is the role of the GÉANT Learning and Development team?
    GLAD is committed to providing training workshops designed to enhance participants’ public speaking skills and prepare them to present their research, whether live at TNC or via self-recorded talks. GLAD provides support to the students and NREN mentors during the programme and beyond, through the FTP alumni network.
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