Evaluation of JTI's R&D Activities 2005–2008 - Formas

It is positive that JTI is continuing to invest in the post graduate
training of staff in the subjects: ‘Studies of the growth of
Penicillium verrucosum and the production of och ratoxin A
in cereal grain during anaerobic conditions’ and ‘the effect of
housing systems and management on the survival of parasites
in the animal environment’. Three post graduates are working
on their dissertations and it a positive indication for a successful
research cooperation and national and international recognition
of JTI through publications in peer reviewed journals.
An idea to consider for the future: should each specialist area
have one Ph.D. student?
JTI has invested a substantial sum of money in the evaluation
period in competence development and also the work
climate, as shown by analysis of long term sickness data.
Absence caused by illness is relatively low, < 2 %. On the basis
of the targets and results our conclusion is that JTI is professional
also in this area.
The problem of critical mass of JTI as a whole and in the
competences needed for the specialist working areas is of
overall importance. Considering the different primary tasks
of the organisations JTI and SLU, we conclude that the alliance
between SLU and JTI is good for the position of the institute,
for its division of tasks and specialisation.
We recommend that the competences and qualities of the
research staff should be utilized in the contacts with stake ­
holders and elaboration of the alliance with SLU departments.
2.3 International activities
Activities are carried out to improve the international visi ­
bility of JTI especially to the UN organisations. For the EU,
three project applications were submitted: MYCOREM,
(Mycotoxin removal, reduction and elimination from the
food chain, DENEREG (Sustainable Decentralised Energy
Concepts based on Regional Renewable Resources and BIO­
WAST (Managing the biodegradable fraction of municipal
solid waste). The BIOWAST proposal has been rejected.
In 2005 JTI was the main organizer of the European conferences
on Precision Agriculture and Precision Livestock
farming. Also in 2005 JTI hosted a European workshop on
the production of biogas. These activities improve the international
visibility and position of JTI. JTI takes part in the
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Evaluation of JTI’s R&D Activities 2005–2008