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

Panel 14 – chemistry
research and associated opportunities, like advanced teaching, within
the four defined units. These “Special Resources” place KILU at the very
highest level of attainment and potential.
KILU has also a good profile in the organic synthesis of biologically
active compounds and those with other specific functions. However, the
number of scientists devoted to preparative chemistry is very limited.
Thus, there is an imbalance between research performed to “measure
and calculate molecular properties”, compared to efforts carried out for
“making molecules”.
2.2 Major structural issues
We believe that KILU has a number serious problems:
Faculty age
The numbers of professors and their mean age (57 y) have increased by
20% since 2000. The Panel has been informed that the increase is due
to an internal promotion of mainly lecturers. In the same period the
numbers of lecturers and research fellows have decreased by 27% and
70%, respectively. For the lecturers and researchers the mean age is 47 y
and 39 y, respectively. The Panel is concerned over the increase in number
of professors by internal promotion and the high mean age of professors,
lectures and researchers.
Research profile
The research profile at KILU has too much focus on properties of
molecules, rather than making molecules. The basic preparative research
areas in organic, inorganic and material chemistry are under-represented.
These areas are important, not only for the department, but also for the
interaction and knowledge-transfer for KILU with industry and society.
Decreasing student numbers
The number of students at both undergraduate and graduate level has
decreased significantly. For the Ph.d. students, a reduction of 40% has
taken place. Ph.d. students and post.docs constitute a community that
constitutes vitality, enthusiasm, creativity and innovations in any department.
This reduction in the Ph.d.-population will have significant impact
on the scientific output of the department.
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