Key Themes and Work Packages of SASUF+
SASUF+ advances interdisciplinary research in four key thematic areas: Sustainable Health, Green Transition, Migration and Urbanisation, as well as Democracy, Social Justice and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The themes play a key role in the six Work Packages (WP) throughout SASUF+.
WP 1: Academia, Industry, Society — Dialogues for Impact
WP 1 introduces virtual Academic Industry Meeting Day, AIMday, fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry. SASUF+ embodies a sustainable and innovative mindset, introducing virtual engagement prior to mobility in order to enhance the quality of in-person meetings. Further, SASUF+ strives to contribute to all societal levels. To achieve this, promoting multisectoral partnerships beyond academia is key within the funding period. This allows SASUF+ to target contemporary global grand challenges and play a pivotal role in addressing these.
Co-leads WP 1:
June-Rose Ngcobo
University of Pretoria
june-rose.ngcobo@up.ac.za
AnnaCarin Larsson
Luleå University of Technology
Jeandri Robertson
Luleå University of Technology
WP 2: SASUF+ Beyond Borders
SASUF+ also involves further expansion with new African institutions participating in SASUF+ activities. WP 2 is centered around priority themes which ensure both region-specific and broadly applicable relevance across the African continent. Thereby, the new participating institutions will play a vital part in the further reach of the project in addressing shared regional and global challenges.
Co-leads WP 2:
Kirwan Adams
Stellenbosch University
Nico Elema
Stellenbosch University
Kristin Rådesjö
University of Gothenburg
WP 3: Students as Gamechangers
During SASUF+, opportunities will expand for South African and Swedish Master’s and PhD students to participate in international research. WP 3 promotes early career development through student engagement, a sustainable leadership model, and interdisciplinary hackathons addressing real-world challenges. WP 3 also offers stipends for fieldwork abroad, providing hands-on experience. Additionally, SASUF+ supports long-term mobility for PhD and postdoctoral researchers, strengthening cross-border knowledge and networks.
Co-leads WP 3:
Caiphus Motadi
Tshwane University of Technology
Sarah Mitchell
Linköping University
WP 4: Science and Education Policy — From Policy to Action
SASUF+ continuously aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. WP 4 focuses on identifying AU-EU opportunities to better align funding priorities and develop actionable strategies for implementation. By aligning AU-EU priorities, SASUF+ will help navigate complex policy landscapes and contribute to strong long-term partnerships.
Co-leads WP 4:
Anisa Khan
University of Johannesburg
Johanna Wiklund
Stockholm University
johanna.wiklund@su.se
Stefan Helgesson
Stockholm University
stefan.helgesson@english.su.se
WP 5: Communication and Dissemination
WP 5 ensures establishment of a comprehensive communication plan which determines target audiences, key messaging, communication channels, such as online platforms, social media, academic publications and events. The plan guides the outreach during SASUF+ and enables efficient dissemination of results, increases visibility and enhances stakeholder engagement.
Co-leads WP 5:
Mbali Mkhize
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Zama Sishi
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Aletta Millen
University of the Witwatersrand
Aletta.Millen@wits.ac.za
Sooraj Baijnath
University of the Witwatersrand
WP 6: Coordination and Management
Involving more partner universities will contribute to decentralisation of project governance and help achieve clarity in decision-making processes and monitoring progress. While Uppsala University takes on a coordinating role, facilitating communication between partner universities, WP 6 decentralises co-ownership through the initiation of work package leads for each WP. This structure ensures active implementation of key themes and WPs, while also enabling all voices to be heard in the network. The WP leads work in close collaboration with university coordinators and the Steering Committee, which is composed of Vice-Chancellors, local coordinators and student representatives.
The purpose of STINT’s Strategic Grants is to support pioneering efforts that enhance integrated internationalisation. NRF’s primary mandate is to contribute to national development by supporting research, human capacity development, and the maintenance of research infrastructure. The funding decisions were announced on the 23rd of June 2025.
Co-leads WP 6:
Helin Bäckman Kartal and Ulrica Ouline
SASUF Project Management Team
Uppsala University