NEWS In May 2026, there will be two different AIMday events for researchers at Umeå University to take part in – one with a local focus on campus and one international event organised as part of the South Africa–Sweden University Forum (SASUF+). Both events follow the same discussion format but differ in terms of theme, participants and where it takes place.
AIMday is a day for exploratory discussions. Brought together by a shared question, researchers and organisations meet in small groups to share knowledge, perspectives and experiences. This often leads to new insights, valuable contacts – and sometimes collaborations that continue long after AIMday itself, with the potential for further funding and joint development.
On 19 May, Umeå University is hosting the local AIMday, where companies and organisations set the agenda by submitting practical questions to the university’s researchers. This year’s theme is Organisations in transition, with questions covering topics such as skills supply, the working environment, digital transformation, sustainability and resource challenges.
AIMday is a simple and informal meeting format: one question, one hour, one curious conversation. In small groups, researchers and external stakeholders come together to share perspectives, experiences and ideas. These conversations often lead to new insights and contacts – and sometimes to collaborations that continue beyond the event, with the opportunity to apply for further funding.
As a researcher, you choose which topics you wish to contribute to, based on your expertise and research focus. AIMday “Organisations in Transition” takes place in person at Umeå University in Vardagsrummet, Humanities building. Some of the topics are discussed in Swedish and some in English.
Register to attend as a researcher by 29 April
Find out more about AIMday: Organisations in Transition
On 26 May, a digital AIMday will be held as part of SASUF+, with researchers and organisations from both Sweden and South Africa taking part. This AIMday - A Virtual Dialogue for Impact - will be conducted in English and has a broader thematic focus than the local AIMday.
The themes for SASUF+ AIMday are:
Here too, the format is based on one question per hour, with researchers and organisations coming together for structured discussions on societal challenges of mutual interest. AIMday within SASUF+ is specifically designed to initiate international collaborations, which may subsequently lead to joint projects and applications for seed funding.
Register no later than 24 April to participate as a researcher in SASUF+ AIMday
Find out more about AIMday A Virtual Dialogue for Impact (SASUF+)
Questions?
For questions about AIMday 19 May: Katarina Henriksson
For questions about AIMday 26 May (SASUF+): Ewa Lantz