Initiator of innovation in higher education and research

SURF unites Dutch research universities, universities of applied sciences, and research institutions. All of these collaborate on innovative projects to improve the quality of higher education and research.

Within the parent organisation, SURF, the emphasis is on administrative coordination and initiating ICT-driven innovation. SURF consists of four organisations, each responsible for its own field:

The eScience Centre is a joint initiative of SURF and NWO.

FOCUS AREAS

Cloud computing

It is important for higher education institutions to give careful consideration to just how they utilise the power of cloud computing. Working together in the context of SURF means they can reap the benefits on a much greater scale.

Collaboration infrastructure

Students, researchers, and staff at educational institutions are increasingly using the Internet to exchange information and to collaborate. SURFnet provides a variety of services for online collaboration in the higher education and research sector.

Digital Rights

Innovations in e-Learning and e-Science are frequently hampered by digital rights issues. SURF provides advice and support for higher education and research regarding digital rights.

Green ICT

The increase in the number of ICT applications consumes energy and produces CO2 emissions. SURF is working with the higher education institutions to find ways of reducing ICT-related energy consumption in the sector.

Innovation in Education

Together with institutions in the field, SURF encourages innovation in higher education through the use of ICT. We do so by financing projects, knowledge-sharing and professional development and much more.

Network infrastructure

SURFnet’s hybrid network is one of the fastest and most innovative networks in the world. It offers both Internet via IP and fixed and dynamic lightpaths.

Organising with ICT

For education and research to be as effective as possible, high-quality support processes are necessary. SURF therefore focuses on providing support for process design and organisation at higher education institutions.

Scholarly Communication

SURF strives for innovation in scholarly communication, using the latest developments in ICT. These offer opportunities that go much further than traditional ways of creating and sharing knowledge.

Security and privacy

Educational institutions wish to protect their information and applications against unauthorised access, but they also need to ensure that these can be accessed by students. SURF and SURFnet put a great deal of effort into security.

SURF signs open letter to EC Commissioners on text and data mining policy
3/19/2013

OER Trend Report for 2013: breakthrough for open education
3/11/2013

PRESS RELEASE: Merger of SURF Foundation and SARA Foundation
12/20/2012

SURF magazine: the favour of the online student and developing apps with shared educational data
12/3/2012

Scientists show added value of ICT for research
11/29/2012

Initiator of innovation in higher education and research

FOCUS AREAS

NEWS