SESAME has officially integrated eduroam – the secure, worldwide Wi-Fi roaming service for research and education – into its digital ecosystem, marking a significant leap in digital infrastructure for the region and the global research community.
The initiative forms part of a broader regional effort to strengthen research connectivity across the Middle East. It was made possible through collaboration between GÉANT, Europe’s leading research and education network, and the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN).
“Behind the scenes, GÉANT and ASREN work together to ensure that data flows smoothly and securely between countries and institutions”, explained Nisreen Al Kouz, the International Cooperation Officer at ASREN. She continued: “They manage the powerful network links, secure authentication systems, and federated access frameworks that make eduroam's 'just connect and go' experience possible."
With a record 8.4 billion authentications in 2024, Eduroam allows students, researchers, and staff to connect to the internet in thousands of locations across more than 100 territories worldwide, using their home institution's login credentials.
Now, any researcher with an eduroam login visiting the SESAME laboratory in Jordan can automatically connect to the internet using the same login credentials as at their home institution. Conversely, SESAME staff traveling abroad will enjoy the same secure, convenient access at partner institutions worldwide.
Salman Matalgah, Senior Computing and Network Administrator at SESAME, said that the integration of eduroam is a strategic move for SESAME, highlighting its commitment to strengthening the facility’s digital ecosystem. He added, “Through this integration with eduroam, SESAME continues to enhance its digital infrastructure, ensuring secure, convenient, and uninterrupted access to research resources and networks worldwide for the entire scientific community.”
The implementation of eduroam marks a major step forward in SESAME’s connectivity services—streamlining collaboration, removing digital barriers, and reinforcing the laboratory’s position as a premier hub for international scientific cooperation.