In January, staff from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences visited the University of Zambia in Lusaka (UNZA) to work on a joint program proposal for a Sida-funded collaboration between Swedish universities and UNZA. Aimed at strengthening international partnership, the proposal consists of two subprogrammes: thematic research and research management and support
Vice-Chancellor of University of Zambia, Prof. Mundia Muya (right), welcomes Dr. Katarina Börling (left), SLU Global. Photo: Kristin Persson.
In January, staff from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) visited the University of Zambia (UNZA) in Lusaka to work on a joint program proposal for a Sida-funded collaboration between Swedish universities and UNZA.
To strengthen international partnership and build on complementary expertise, staff from SLU Global, the Unit for Educational Development (EPU) and the Department of Soil and Environment at SLU, worked intensively for one week together with UNZA colleagues to advance the proposal for a joint research programme. The collaboration focuses on two main components: a thematic research subprogramme on climate change and a research support subprogramme on supervision and mentorship.
In addition to SLU, the proposed Sida-funded program brings together several other Swedish universities: University of Gothenburg, Stockholm University, Dalarna University, and Luleå University of Technology.
The Programme Proposal consists of the following subprogrammes:
Research-focused thematic subprogrammes
- Climate Change: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PI Prof. Jennie Barron
- Renewable Energy: Dalarna University: PI Prof. André Augusto and Luleå University of Technology, PI Prof. Michael Försth
- Sustainable Mining: Luleå University of Technology, PI Prof. Lena Alakangas
Research management and support subprogramme
- Establishment of a Grants Office: University of Gothenburg, PI Assoc. Prof. Gunnar Köhlin
- Development and implementation of Supervisor Training and Mentorship Programme and PhD Courses: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PI Dr. Cecilia Almlöv
- Design and implementation of an Integrated Research Information Management System: Stockholm University, PI Assoc. Prof. Caroline Wamala Larsson
During the visit, SLU staff engaged in productive discussions with UNZA colleagues and finalised key parts of the proposal. The team experienced strong support from UNZA’s leadership. The program was also presented at the Swedish Embassy in Lusaka, where discussions were held on potential synergies with ongoing activities in Zambia.
SLU expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation and looks forward to future collaboration and a long-lasting partnership with UNZA.