The Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD)
The Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD) is a network comprising 55 member universities in the Nordic region and Southern Africa. Uppsala University was one of the founding members of SANORD in 2007, with the ambition to strengthen collaboration and foster connections between higher education institutions in Southern Africa and the Nordic countries. The network serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in research, education, and societal engagement.
Through partnerships between universities, SANORD aims to address both regional and global challenges related to innovation, development, and sustainability. One of the central activities within SANORD is its annual conference, which provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students from member institutions to meet, exchange ideas, and establish new collaborations.
Purpose of the Network
SANORD aims to enhance cooperation between its member universities by creating a platform for dialogue, research collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The network serves several key purposes:
- Promote collaboration in research and education to address both local and global challenges.
- Support member universities in meeting societal needs through joint initiatives and academic exchange.
- Act as a forum for academics and higher education leaders to engage in discussions on key issues.
- Facilitate the development of joint projects and research partnerships across disciplines.
- Serve as a resource for information and best practices within international academic cooperation.
- Provide a space for addressing contemporary societal challenges, including sustainability, equity, and innovation.
Member countries
SANORD consists of universities from Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. By bringing together institutions from these regions, SANORD provides opportunities for collaboration that strengthen both academic and societal development.
Staff opportunities
Annual Research Conference
SANORD organizes an annual research conference focused on various themes. Researchers from member universities can participate through presentations, symposia, roundtable discussions, panel debates, and workshops, offering perspectives from different disciplines.
The next conference will be hosted by the University of Namibia (UNAM) in September 2026.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
PhD students can partake in Uppsala University's local Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition and win a spot in the SANORD 3MT competition. Read more about the SANORD 3MT 2025
If you wish to participate in the local competition, contact Ellen Sjöholm.
More information
More information about SANORD on SANORD's official website.