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

Panel 8 – medicine | clinical
and Malmö units. This relates in particulars to areas where research
within the same fields are ongoing in both places (like diabetes), but
probably even more to areas where collaboration exist or may be developed
between specialities targeting joint problems from different angles.
An example is pathology, where most research into cancer pathology is
allocated to the Malmö unit, contrasting the fact that oncology research
in general (and the oncology clinic) is located in Lund.
1.3 PhD training programs
The PhD program differs somewhat from contemporary standards in
most countries being stipulated to 4, not 3, years of duration. Among
young P1s interviewed, some expressed a concern considering the financial
issue, as many grants would cover 3 years of the period, while they
had to apply specifically for the 4 th year.
1.4 Overall conclusions
The panel finds the research activity of the Medical Faculty overall to
be very good, with some groups qualifying for the terms “excellent” or
“outstanding”. For some of the best groups, the research quality is at a
top international level. Considering major threats to successful future
development, the panel would like to point out the following issues:
• Developing a clear Research Strategic Plan for recruitments and
resource investment, which recognizes:
– a high number of leading principal investigators expected to retire
over the next years
– a need to look for better integration of scientific activities between
the two campuses
– critical assessment whether each small academic unit should be
preserved at its current status
• Considering a “Faculty Development” program aiming at securing
leading young investigators on temporary positions, who can then
apply for permanent positions in due time. This could reduce the
uncertainty now felt by many young P1s on temporary positions with
respect to the future.
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