The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) will be the host of the 2027 Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD) conference to be held in Kuopio, Finland, from 22 to 25 November 2027.
Bringing together researchers, students, academic leaders, policymakers and practitioners from across Southern Africa, the Nordic countries and beyond, SANORD 2027 will provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange under the theme Agency, Equity and Inclusive Innovations in a Digital Era.
The conference will explore how digital transformation is reshaping societies and examine ways to ensure that technological and social innovations sustainably advance equity, participation and inclusion, while closing the digital divide.
“We are delighted to welcome the SANORD community to Kuopio,” says UEF Rector Tapio Määttä. “The conference aligns closely with UEF's commitment to international cooperation, multidisciplinary research and societal impact. It will provide an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and jointly address global challenges.”
The conference will hold special significance as it brings SANORD’s 20th anniversary year to a close, providing an opportunity to celebrate two decades of collaboration, partnership and impact, while looking ahead to the future of the network.
According to Jussi Pihlajamäki, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at UEF, SANORD 2027 comes at a particularly important time. “Advancing inclusive and equitable innovation requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions and regions. SANORD has long demonstrated the value of such partnerships, and we are excited to host conversations that will help shape the next phase of collaborative research and innovation.”
As SANORD enters its third decade, the Kuopio conference promises to be both a celebration of past achievements and a forward-looking forum for shaping more equitable and inclusive futures.
