Kiwi Science Up to Speed

September 1 saw the launch of the Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network (KAREN) — a super high speed Internet service linking national universities and research institutions with their international counterparts. KAREN transmits data at a top speed of ten gigabytes per second, which is 10,000 times faster than a standard broadband connection. Run by Crown organisation Research and Education Advanced Network of New Zealand (REANNZ), KAREN received NZ$43 million in government funding. “The link is crucial in order to attract and retain scientists, because it allows a greater level of real time collaboration between scientists based in NZ, and their colleagues around the world,” said PM Helen Clark at the launch.