The South African Swedish University forum (SASUF) was founded in 2017 to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The forum has grown tremendously since its inception in 2017, as it currently consists of 40 member universities from South Africa and Sweden. The forum offers researchers and students of member universities mobility (through collaborations) and funding opportunities. SASUF seeks to connect leading researchers, university executives, students, and relevant stakeholders through conversation and collaborative research projects aimed at making a meaningful contribution towards tackling critical issues highlighted by the United Nations agenda 2030, addressing sustainable development-related challenges.
SASUF is hosting its 4th research and innovation week, which starts on 27 March 2023. The research and innovation week kick starts with satellite events which will be hosted by member universities at their respective campuses. Thereafter, the main event is set to take place at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) from 29 to 31 March 2023. Here all delegates of the respective member institutions will be attending and presenting at the various workshops and poster presentations. During this period, the SASUF student network will also be hosting its student summit. The summits will be attended by student representatives of the member universities; they will focus on student-related matters while fostering an environment for the student representatives to learn from each other and work together through workshops.
UWC has been driving initiatives to enable conversations and research on sustainable development. As a university that prides itself on its history being rooted in the community, the social ills set to be addressed through the 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs) will hit home. As such UWC is excited to be hosting this year's SASUF research and innovation week not only for the thought-provoking conversations but for the opportunity to showcase to our partners that not only do our researchers contribute tremendously towards SDG-related research but that we as a university live the SDGs.
