AIMday
Svenska
Organisations in Transition

19 May 2026

Umeå, Sweden

Umeå University

How AIMday works

One question. One hour. One group with broad expertise.

AIMday is based on a simple concept. Organisations submit questions related to the theme for the year, researchers choose which questions they would like to discuss, and on the day of the event you meet in small discussion groups for knowledge exchange and dialogue.

There is no expectation of ready-made solutions. The day is about making connections by coming together around a question of shared interest, exploring new ways of approaching challenges, and, at best, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration.

Below is a brief step-by-step overview of how the process works.

Step 1: Organisations submit questions

If you work in the private, public or non-profit sector, you can register one or more questions a few months ahead of AIMday.

The question should

  • be linked to a challenge in your organisation
  • be something you would like new perspectives on
  • fall within the scope of this year's theme.

You can formulate the question on your own, together with colleagues, or in collaboration with other organisations. Submitting at least one question is your entry ticket to AIMday.

The deadline for submitting questions is 10 March.

Step 2: Researchers register their interest

Once the questions have been submitted, they are compiled into a list and made available to researchers at Umeå University on the AIMday website.

As a researcher, you

  • review the submitted questions
  • register which question or questions you would like to take part in discussing, based on your expertise.

Registration for researchers is open from 23 March to 24 April.

Step 3: Matching and scheduling

Based on the registrations received, we form discussion groups around each question and plan the programme for the day.

The aim is to ensure that

  • each question benefits from multiple research perspectives
  • each group has broad and relevant expertise.

If a question does not attract enough researchers, we will

  • actively seek complementary expertise
  • enter dialogue with the questioner about refining the question.

If it still proves difficult to organise a discussion, the organisation will be informed. At least one week before AIMday, all participants will receive a personal schedule.

Step 4: AIMday – the event day

During AIMday, each question is discussed for one hour.

  • Discussions take place in small groups.
  • Time is scheduled for breaks and continued dialogue.
  • You are welcome to participate only during the hour when your question is being discussed or the entire day.

During digital sessions, only registered researchers and questioners take part. If you attend in person, you are also welcome to join other workshops, as long as the question owner is okay with it. This is often highly interesting and can offer unexpected new perspectives.

Step 5: Follow-up and continued collaboration

A few weeks after AIMday, we follow up on the event. Where relevant, we can

  • support continued dialogue between participants
  • discuss possible forms of collaboration
  • provide information on seed funding and other funding opportunities.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact:

The Research Support and Collaboration Office, Umeå University.