Dear Colleagues,

Researchers are invited to join a new international collaboration initiative that will help them identify research partners from South Africa, Sweden, and 19 other African countries in preparation for the upcoming SASUF–NRF Seed Grants for Intra-African Collaborative Research. Read more about SASUF+ on its website: https://www.sasuf.org/

 As part of SASUF+ Beyond Borders, we are pleased to launch the AI-powered Matchmaking Platform a unique opportunity to connect with researchers across the network, explore common research interests, and develop international partnerships ahead of the funding call.

Why should you participate?

By creating a profile on the platform, you will be able to:

• Connect with researchers working in similar or complementary fields.
• Receive AI-powered matchmaking recommendations based on your research expertise, interests, projects, methodologies, and thematic focus areas.
• Discover collaboration opportunities with researchers from South Africa, Sweden, and 19 participating African countries.
• Build interdisciplinary research teams in preparation for the funding call.
• Arrange meetings with potential collaborators before and during the SASUF+ Beyond Borders Virtual Matchmaking Event.

Upcoming Opportunities

Register on the AI Matchmaking Platform

Complete your researcher profile and begin connecting with potential collaborators.

Register here:
https://www.b2match.com/e/sasuf-beyond-borders

Join an Information Session

Learn how to use the platform, optimise your profile, and make the most of the AI-powered matchmaking functionality.

Information Sessions

• 21 July 2026
• 28 July 2026
• 31 August 2026
• 2 September 2026

Please see the attached information sheet for session times and Zoom links.

 SASUF+ Beyond Borders Virtual Matchmaking Event

30 September – 1 October 2026

Meet with your AI-recommended matches, develop collaborative project ideas, expand your research network, and identify additional partners where needed.

SASUF–NRF Seed Grants for Intra-African Collaborative Research - https://www.sasuf.org/sasuf-nrf-seed-grants-for-intra-africa-collaborative-research-1

Funding Call:5 August – 3 November 2026

The funding call will support collaborative research projects involving:

• At least one South African university
• At least one Swedish university
• At least one university from another participating African country

Maximise Your Matchmaking Potential

The quality of your matches depends on the information you provide. We therefore encourage you to complete your profile as fully as possible, including your:

• Research expertise
• Fields of study
• Research interests
• Current and previous projects
• Future research ambitions
• Keywords and methodologies

The more complete your profile, the more accurately the AI can identify collaborators whose expertise complements your own.