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Published: 2026-09-03

New platform helps UMU researchers find collaborators across Sweden and Africa

NEWS Looking to expand your international research network and develop new collaborative projects with colleagues in Sweden and Africa? Through SASUF+, researchers at Umeå University now have access to a new AI-powered matchmaking platform connecting researchers from Sweden, South Africa, and 19 other African countries. The platform also offers a valuable opportunity to prepare for upcoming research funding calls. Register by 6 September.

Researchers at Umeå University are invited to join a new AI-powered matchmaking platform designed to connect researchers across Sweden, South Africa, and 19 additional African countries ahead of the upcoming SASUF-NRF Seed Grants for Intra-African Collaborative Research call.

The platform is part of SASUF+ (South Africa Sweden University Forum) and offers a unique opportunity to identify potential research partners, explore shared interests, and build international collaborations in preparation for future funding opportunities.

Why participate?

By creating a profile, you can:

  • Connect with researchers working in similar or complementary fields.
  • Receive AI-generated recommendations for potential collaborators based on your expertise, research interests, projects, methodologies, and thematic focus areas.
  • Explore collaboration opportunities with researchers from Sweden, South Africa, and 19 additional African countries: Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • Build interdisciplinary research teams ahead of the SASUF-NRF Seed Grants for Intra-African Collaborative Research call.
  • Schedule meetings with potential collaborators before and during the virtual SASUF+ Beyond Borders matchmaking event (30 September to 1 October).

Register on the AI Matchmaking Platform

To receive the most relevant matches, participants are encouraged to complete their profiles in as much detail as possible.

Create your researcher profile and start connecting with potential collaborators.

The deadline for registration on the matchmaking platform is 6 September.

See a recorded Information Session

For those interested in learning more, SASUF has organized three online information sessions introducing the platform, providing guidance on how to create an effective profile, sharing tips on finding relevant collaborators, and offering participants the opportunity to ask questions.

The information session was recorded and is available to watch on YouTube.

Recorded information session about the matchmaking platform and the event 

SASUF+ Beyond Borders Virtual Matchmaking Event

Save the dates: 30 September to 1 October 2026!

The virtual matchmaking event brings together researchers from across the SASUF+ network. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to meet your AI-matched contacts, discuss joint project ideas, expand your international network, and identify additional collaborators for future research funding applications.

Further information about the event was shared during the information sessions, but information is also available on the SASUF website under the section "30 September - 1 October 2026: SASUF+ Beyond Borders virtual matchmaking event for researchers."

More information about SASUF

Questions?

Please contact Umeå University's local SASUF coordinator, Jessica Bergström Grahn, International Office.