Building on a decade of collaboration involving over 1,000 researchers across more than 50 interdisciplinary Research Themes, the 5th ACCESS Forum in Concepción in January 2026 marked a new chapter in Chile–Sweden relations. The event brought researchers together to develop interdisciplinary solutions to shared global challenges, further strengthening this binational partnership.
Lund University, a founding member and coordinator of the ACCESS platform, plays a central role in this collaboration, with Professor Stacey Sörensson serving as Chair of the ACCESS Steering Committee.
Hosted by the Universidad de Concepción, the 2026 Forum gathered researchers across 13 Research Theme workshops. The ACCESS Forum is not a traditional conference, but a strategic platform for joint knowledge production aimed at real-world impact. Central to this is interdisciplinarity: intensive four-day workshops bring together researchers from diverse fields to combine technical innovation with social, ethical, and cultural perspectives. ACCESS also remains committed to nurturing early-career scholars through a dedicated pre-Forum PhD event, ensuring doctoral students are fully integrated into binational research teams from the outset.
Beyond the workshops, the Forum served as a key platform for policy and diplomacy. A parallel programme for university and government representatives included a high-level workshop on responsible internationalisation, alongside a panel hosted by the Swedish Embassy on university–industry collaboration.
The programme was anchored by an opening plenary featuring Prof. Carlos Saavedra (Universidad de Concepción), H.E. Sofia Karlberg (Swedish Ambassador to Chile), and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lena Eskilsson (Lund University), with contributions from major funders including ANID, EURAXESS, and the Swedish Research Council (VR). A welcome dinner followed, setting the tone for the week’s collaboration.
After several days of workshops and strategic discussions, the Forum concluded with a closing plenary where each Research Theme group presented roadmaps for continued collaboration. The week ended with cultural visits to the Hualpén Nature Sanctuary and Lota Park, offering insight into the Biobío Region’s natural and industrial heritage while fostering lasting professional connections.
The Road to 2027: A New Research Framework
Following the success in Concepción, preparations are underway for the next ACCESS Forum, to be hosted by the University of Gothenburg from 14–18 June 2027.
A new Research Framework will guide this edition, structured around six Focus Areas that define the operational context for Research Themes. These areas address challenges specific to Chile and Sweden while enabling multidisciplinary approaches that integrate social, ethical, and institutional dimensions. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will remain a secondary lens, ensuring global relevance.
Further details are available on the official ACCESS website.
