With more than 30 events taking place in 12 cities across South Africa, the 1st South Africa –Sweden Research & Innovation Week brought together almost 1200 participants from Sweden and South Africa to discuss mutual solutions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A delegation of 132 Swedish researchers, together with representatives of university management and funding agencies, took part in activities ranging from workshops with Swedish industry, research seminars across South Africa to alumni receptions in both Pretoria and Cape Town.

The activities during the week took place in 12 different cities across South Africa. The satellite events took place in many different universities. An important factor from the South African perspective was the high level of involvement of the Historically Disadvantaged Institutions and technical universities in the country. All events had both Swedish and South African participants, but some events were organized exclusively by South African universities.

South Africa – Sweden Research Seminar – University of Pretoria

The main event of the week, the South Africa- Sweden Research seminar at the University of Pretoria featured 287 participants. The majority of the participants in the seminar were emerging researchers (no PhD or a dissertation less than 7 years ago). About a quarter of the participants were senior researchers who would be present not only to enhance their own collaborations but also to offer perspective, experience, networks and guidance for the emerging researchers.

The activities linked to the research seminar started on Tuesday evening with a reception at the residence of the Swedish Ambassador in Pretoria where participants from both countries mingled. On Wednesday morning, the research seminar was officially opened with a plenary session for all 287 participants with key notes, presentation of SASUF and the research & educational landscape in both countries as well as a panel session with funding agencies from both countries. After this initial session; the group was divided into their themes (and in some cases sub-divided) for discussions and presentations.

The group of representatives from funding agencies, university management and ministries formed a separate group and discussed via panel sessions questions regarding education, research & innovation in both countries. The following themes were discussed:

• Panel 1: Global collaboration in education and research for 2030

• Panel 2: Challenge driven research and innovation. The role of universities in society

• Panel 3: How do we construct a sustainable collaboration in research and education between Sweden and South Africa?