The ORIENT project is responsible for the implementation of a direct connection between the European GEANT2 network and the Chinese research networks CERNET and CSTNET, who are represented in the project by CERNET on behalf of Chinese research networking. There is considerable European and Chinese interest in establishing such a connection to support a range of potential scientific and more general co-operations between Europe and China. Specific co-operations, which would receive immediate benefit from the connection, include those in the areas of Radio Astronomy, Grid Computing and Chinese participation in 6th Framework Programme projects.

European research work currently being undertaken in the context of the 6th Framework Programme GN2 project will benefit from Chinese input and co-operation in the areas of performance measurement and resource allocation mechanisms.

ORIENT is primarily an exercise in network procurement and promotion. The funding requested covers only the cost of the high-bandwidth connectivity, dissemination materials and third-party expenses (travel, audits etc) incurred by the proposal partners. The manpower that is necessary to meet project objectives will be provided free-of-charge by the participants.

The funding of the link will come from three sources. 50% of the project cost will be provided by CERNET and a further 25% from the European NRENs. This proposal requests the final 25% of funding from the European Commission.

The project will be carried out by members of the consortium of European NRENs, with DANTE as the coordinating partner and Chinese Research Networks, with CERNET as the coordinating partner.