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

Panel 13 – PHYSICS / MATHEMATICS
The group has a long record of achievements, particularly in microreactors,
application to microdispensing of methods based on ink-jet
technology, low-volume high-sensitivity mass-spectrometry bioanalysis
and proteomics research, ultrasonic standing-wave cell separation in
blood washing and fractionation and in stem cell separation. The group
does front line work on lab-on-a-chip mass spectrometry, where two staff
members are international leaders
6.2.1 Quality
It is pleasing to note that the Lund Nanobiotechnology Group was given
top ranking in the Swedish Research Council’s 2003 Biotechnology Evaluation.
Lund’s expertise in ink-jet technology is the basis of the Group’s
high-quality research into microdispensing and related devices. There is
also internationally-leading research into lab-on-a-chip mass spectrometry.
6.2.2 Productivity
The group is not large (8 academics and 7 students), so it would not be
realistic to expect productivity to be high except in the research areas in
which the Group is specialised. However, judged on the number of publications,
invitations for lectures and conferences, the group does very well.
6.2.3 Relevance
“Nanobiotechnology” is a highly topical subject. Practically every major
university has initiatives in this area, many of which have involved very
substantial investments. In this context, the Lund nanobiotechnology
activity is rather small (see, for example, the London Centre for Nanotechnology
– a joint venture of Imperial College London and University
College London – www.london-nano.com – which occupies a large
purpose-built facility and which accommodates a wide range of biotechnology
research). Potentially, nanobiotechnology will have considerable
scientific, social and socioeconomic significance and it might be sensible
for the activities not only at Lund but also in all the Swedish universities
to be combined into a virtual centre in order to coordinate the national
effort so as to be internationally competitive.
6.2.4 Vitality and ability to manage research
It is apparent that the morale of the Group is adversely affected by
recruitment difficulties and an underlying sense of insecurity caused by
the impossibility of long-term planning and the perceived failure of politicians
to appreciate the strategic significance of their work. Despite this,
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