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

Panel 12 – science bio/geo
impressive: the publications are broad-ranging, international and at the
forefront of the area in a range of high quality journals.
The authors of the self-assessment state that INES is within the top 10%
of similar departments of this type in the world, and this is undoubtedly
correct. The research has world-leading qualities. [It is therefore surprising
that there are no significant prizes or awards (2003–2007), but
perhaps this is because the research lies within a novel discipline].
Overall assessment
Quality: Outstanding
Productivity: Excellent to outstanding
Relevance: Outstanding
Vitality: Outstanding (see Opportunities in SWOT analysis) with
reservations [see Weaknesses in SWOT analysis e.g. is
the future based on one or two key people, there is a
high dependency on short-term external funding (this
may improve with the new funding model based on the
number of teachers), Swedish funding is not promoting
multi-institute projects].
4.2 Research infrastructure
The department has strongly invested in (outstanding) infrastructure
related to quantification of atmospheric gas composition, and landatmosphere
gas fluxes. These areas are strong components of the current
research agenda. The laboratories are well equipped by the department’s
own assessment, with very good special capabilities. The advanced
computer cluster is critical for modelling activities. It is very good that
the experimental chambers have freezing capacity. The department has an
interesting seminar programme, containing international speakers.
4.3 Research quality
Terrestrial processes in the climate system
This focus (ecosystem carbon sink/storage/release at large scales) has
attracted major political attention. The research concerns the sound
scientific basis for implementation of political actions to mitigate climate
change. Another strong research theme is measurement of trace gas
fluxes, including biogenic volatile organic compounds, and their feedbacks
to climate change.
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