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

Panel 15 – LTH | product development
2.7 Future Potentials and Possibilities Very good (4)
The three research subjects are completely in line with some of the
(Swedish) societal problems of the 21st century: energy scarcity (hybrid
vehicles, distributed energy generation), waste and waste water treatment.
The integrated approach they advocate makes them eminently suited
to take a leading role, nationally but also internationally. Information
technology will have a large impact on the way future distributed local
energy sources (cogeneration) will be exploited. Interesting opportunities
exist for the Department in the field of drives for hybrid vehicles.
2.8 Gender and equal opportunity issues
With zero percent women in the academic staff, the department scores
very badly. The share of women among the doctoral students is around
25%, which is quite satisfactory.
2.9 Viability
Achievements
The IEA Department occupies a leading role, nationally as well as internationally,
through high-level research, based on an integrated approach,
in three research areas of high relevance to society: electric power systems,
waste and wastewater systems and electrical machines and drives. They
have succeeded in transferring their research knowledge to education by
writing several successful and internationally acknowledged textbooks.
Strengths
The Departments interdisciplinary and integrated approach to research
that is current and society-relevant.
Weaknesses
More a threat than a weakness is the declining number of PhD students.
There is a danger for the department to become subcritical in size. A lot
will depend here on the success of the strategic plans for recruitment of
new faculty.
Future Potential
The increasing attention for energy saving in the entire society provides
excellent opportunities for the Department to expand their activities and
serve the Swedish industry and the society at large.
430