II.10. Macedonian Academic Scientific Research Network II.10.1. Status The information and communication infrastructure for scientific and research activity in the Republic of Macedonia is inadequate and cannot satisfy the needs of scientific and research institutions and of the personnel involved in scientific and research activity. In the Republic of Macedonia there are still higher education institutions which conduct scientific and research work, but have no access to internet at all. Improvement of electronic network for the science, research and education and connection to the European network is an imperative without which it is not possible to expect relevant results in the field of science. Development of the communication and information infrastructure for science and research and integration in GEANT35 has a priority importance. II.10.2 MARNet Macedonian Academic and Research Network (MARNet) has been established with the support by the Ministry of Science of the Republic of Macedonia in 1994, as an organisational unit of the Working Community of the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje. Following the example of similar academic network organisations – NREN (National Research and Educational Network) in Europe and in the region, the mission and primary functions of MARNet were more widely defined, covering an organisation of unique academic and research network in the country (NREN for Macedonia). Goals, mission, organisational structure, as well as the financing of MARNet have been regulated by the MARNet By-Law, which among other issues, covers the following: • managing the top Macedonian domain on the internet network (ISO 3166 code MK) • planning, development, organisation and management with the communication infrastructure to the MARNet users • establishing communication relations with networks of the same kind in other states and international networks • development, organisation and maintenance of network services • projecting and supply of computer and communication equipment • participation in projects important for the academic community, and performance of education and consultant activities for its users • cooperation and membership in international organisations and associations of academic research networks and alike; 35 http://www.geant2.net/ Page 30 of 40