Which forum is the best fit?
AIMday – meet civil organisations to discuss relevant issues
AIMday is an annual event where companies and organisations submit questions they would like to discuss with researchers at Umeå University centred around a specific theme. You can register to discuss the questions that match your area of expertise and interest.
The day offers one-hour workshops on each topic, where you will discuss possible ways forward together with other researchers and organisations. This is an excellent opportunity to establish new contacts, develop ideas for collaborations and apply for seed funding to move your ideas forward.
Social Innovation i Norr – conference on social sustainability
Are you interested in learning about good examples of social innovations from Västerbotten and Norrbotten, highlight real-world impact of research and meet others who are interested in addressing society’s challenges in new ways? Then Social Innovation i Norr is for you.
The conference is arranged by Mötesplats Social Innovation at Umeå University and Luleå University of Technology, together with Coompanion and the municipalities of Umeå, Skellefteå and Luleå.
Additional information about Social Innovation i Norr
Partnership Days – meet major regional collaboration partners
Umeå University has long-term collaborations, known as strategic partnerships, with the municipalities of Umeå, Skellefteå and Örnsköldsvik, Region Västerbotten and Volvo Trucks.
Partnership Days are an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the relevant challenges facing these organisations and the initiatives they are taking, to establish new contacts and to sow the seeds for future collaborations. You can also usually apply for seed money to explore promising research ideas to study in collaboration with organisations.
Find out more about the University’s strategic partnerships
Look around you
Sometimes opportunities are closer at hand than you think. Many educational programmes collaborate with companies, associations and other organisations in the form of guest lectures, industry councils, student placements and degree projects. Your department’s network might already have a potential collaboration partner.
How to pitch to a potential partner
Do you want to spark interest in your research? Keep your presentation short and focused.
Start by describing what your project is about and highlight what is new and exciting. Show examples of benefits from collaboration, such as increased visibility, access to expertise, new networks and innovation opportunities.
Be clear about how the partner can contribute: what role they can take and what tasks might be relevant. Also explain when and how you think they can become involved in the project.
Finish by showing who can benefit from the results in the long term and how you intend to disseminate your findings.
Would you like suggestions or a sounding board for your ideas?
Contact the Research Support and Collaboration Office by email at fos@umu.se.
