ReseaRch Quality assuRance foR the futuRe a ... - Lund University

Part 2 – Conclusions of the review
younger researchers to establish international profiles. Research in
theoretical philosophy, now covers an impressively wide scope.
21. However, the outlook is unpromising, such that it is difficult to
evaluate plans for the future. The low level of funding has permitted
very few PhD posts to be filled. About half the members of staff
appear to be employed on contracts that will terminate in the immediate
future. A number of researchers hold permanent part-time
teaching positions that are supplemented by external funding. The
current research leaders will retire in a few years time. They were
appointed prior to the recent reforms of professorial promotion.
It is questionable whether the new procedures are consistent with
appointment of the best talents. The Philosophical Institute no
longer finds its natural research partners within its traditional home
in the Faculty of Humanities. There is a serious need for a strategic
view by the University about the future of the Institute.
Languages
22. There are a few publications with high international impact, especially
in general linguistics (including generative and cognitive linguistics),
phonetics, Nordic languages, language acquisition and Romance
languages. Many publications find their most interested readership
in a predominantly Nordic or Swedish context and are published
accordingly. This said, it must be kept in mind that the Nordic context
is the primary one for Nordic languages. Quality is not only a matter
of impact, but also of originality and innovative power. Some of publications
were clearly at the leading edge of current research, excellent
in terms of innovation as well as impact, but the larger picture is one
of research that is of sound quality rather than high originality.
23. The establishment of the Centre for Languages and Literature
(SOL) in 2006 was an important and creative step in consolidating
resources and capabilities, re-profiling existing capacities and
increasing collaboration between the many languages. Such major
reorganizations require time to develop their full potential as well as
creating new cross-disciplinary networks and research profiles. This
process is now in its mid infancy and should be strongly supported.
24. The Humanities Laboratory is a valuable research resource that has
facilitated innovative cross-disciplinary research. We expect that it
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