Africa has become an increasingly important geopolitical partner for Europe. This development has significant implications for universities’ international engagement, not least because many of the global challenges that universities contribute to addressing can only be tackled through close, knowledge-based collaboration with partners in Africa.
This growing focus is reflected in increased national and EU attention to strategic university partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation, as well as in a rising interdisciplinary interest across Aarhus University’s faculties and professional environments in strengthening research collaboration with and in Africa.
This event brings together researchers and colleagues from across Aarhus University to explore current experiences, opportunities, and strategic perspectives related to AU’s engagement with and in Africa.
The afternoon will provide space for networking and exchange across faculties and disciplines, with a particular focus on sharing insights from research projects, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. It will also offer an overview of funding opportunities as well as Aarhus University’s current strategic reflections and future direction in this area.
Time: Tuesday 23 June 2026, at 12-00 - 16:15
| 12.00 - 12.45 | Lunch and informal networking |
| 12.45 - 13.00 | Welcome remarks by:
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| 13.00 - 13.30 | Introduction to the strategic focus on Africa at the European Union and coming funding calls by Sean Rowlands, Senior Policy Officer at the Guild |
| 13.30 - 14.00 | The perspective on the Africa/Denmark research collaboration from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Tove Degnbold, Head of Department for Evaluation, Learning and Quality at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador at the Danish Embassy in Ghana |
| 14.00 - 14.20 | Introduction to the Danida Fellowship Centre and strategic fund raising |
| 14.20 - 14.40 | Coffee break and networking |
| 14.40 - 16.00 | Researchers from across Aarhus University will share their experiences, projects and perspective. Prof. Per Kallestrup (HEALTH) - the new hub in Rwanda and the twin-Ph.d. concept |
| 16.00 - 16.15 | Closing remarks and perspectives on next steps by Andreas Roepstorff, AIAS Director, and Michelle Williams, Vice-Dean for Talent Development and Internationalization at the Faculty of Technical Sciences |
Participation in the workshop is free of charge, but participants will need to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Registration link can be found here
The event is organised by the Cross Faculty Working Group for Africa Collaboration at AU
