Workshop in Uppsala 3-5 June
What grew around 24 seed-funded projects
Researchers from previously funded SASUF–NRF projects met at Uppsala University from 3 to 5 June 2026 to share findings and reflect on what had grown around their collaborations. The projects came from the second SASUF phase (2022-2024) and covered subjects ranging from digital health to biodiversity and social participation.
New research collaborations formed across departments and institutions.
Master's and PhD students entered the work.
Teams produced joint publications and developed further funding applications.
Several relationships continued beyond the period covered by the first grant.
The workshop also allowed researchers, SASUF and the NRF to discuss where international projects become stuck. Those reflections are feeding into the design of new calls and activities in SASUF+.
Six projects and what they produced
Children’s digital health. “Implementing Person-Centred Care in Paediatric Healthcare”, led by Stefan Nilsson at the University of Gothenburg and Ensa Johnson at the University of South Africa, built on a collaboration dating to 2012. The work developed the PicPecc app to help children communicate symptoms and experiences, and adapted a Swedish online adult-care course into face-to-face training for paediatric healthcare professionals in South Africa. Co-design with staff helped address local working conditions, including load shedding.
Microplastics and water. Rajni Hatti Kaul at Lund University and Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann at the University of Pretoria led “Profiling of Microplastics in Surface Waters”. Researchers sampled five sites along the Hennops River in wet and dry seasons, while Swedish colleagues investigated plastic-degrading microorganisms and enzymes. The collaboration produced baseline pollution data, supported postgraduate research and secured follow-on funding from South Africa’s Water Research Commission to extend the work to other rivers.
A battery charged by light. “Producing Sustainable Pre-Prototype Photorechargeable Perovskite Battery” was led by Gunnar Svensson at Stockholm University and Natasha Ross at the University of the Western Cape. The team produced an early proof-of-concept device combining light absorption and energy storage in one material. Initial tests showed that it could be charged by light. Efficiency and long-term stability still need improvement before commercial use can be considered.
AI and livestock. “Improving Livestock Health and Welfare Through Collaborative AI”, led by Salman Toor at Uppsala University and Annelin Molotsi at Stellenbosch University, developed a federated machine-learning framework. This allows teams to train models locally and combine what they learn without transferring their datasets. Work with dairy sensor data distinguished normal from abnormal animal behaviour and showed how incomplete data can affect predictions. Two master’s students graduated through research linked to the collaboration.
Children’s participation in care decisions. Linda Mossberg at University West and Ulene Schiller at the University of Fort Hare led “Analysis of Policy Frameworks for Children in Care in South Africa and Sweden”. Both countries recognise children’s right to participate in decisions affecting them, but the researchers found limited practical guidance for professionals. Policy analysis and workshops with practitioners produced joint publications and identified the need for clearer guidance. Direct engagement with children is planned for a subsequent phase.
AI for wildlife conservation. “Wildlife Conservation and Machine Learning – Replicating Smart Savannah”, led by Fredrik Gustafsson at Linköping University and Terence van Zyl at the University of Johannesburg, deployed AI-assisted camera systems at SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary and expanded to additional sites. The systems distinguish animals, people and vehicles to support monitoring. The collaboration produced three jointly authored peer-reviewed publications and involved students in fieldwork and research exchanges. Rangers’ ecological knowledge helped guide camera placement and use.
Read more about previously funded research projects here
Written by: Beth Amato, University of the Witwatersrand