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

Panel 15 – LTH | product development
3. Department of Energy Sciences
3.1 Overall Assessment Very good (4)
The department of Energy Sciences is one of the oldest (1963) and one
of the biggest in the College of Engineering. It seems to be a very active
Department that does not hesitate to change to keep in tune with its local
and international environment. Over the period 2003–2007, the academic
staff remained stable (21) as well as the number of doctoral students
(36 vs.35) but the other personnel declined (24 to 14) which is probably
linked to the decline of the revenues of the department. Dependence
on external funding is a problematic issue since almost 75% of income
is from external funding. It is therefore a major problem to plan future
activity and maintain every-day operation as well as temporary staff. In
spite of this the governance of the department seems clear and helps the
department to reach its objectives and to evolve. The Department is excellent
for PhD education but the level of involvement in undergraduate
teaching is low. Since undergraduate education is a strategic issue, which
is essential for future development, and a source for revenues, it should be
actively pursued.
3.2 Research Infrastructure Very good (4)
The governance of the department of Energy Sciences seems clear. The
department has 5 research groups (each with a professor as the scientific
leader) with a common administration. The groups are responsible for
creating financial support for their research activities and to define their
research subjects that are pursued for PhD education. There are collaborations
between groups and common resources are handled and controlled
at the department level.
The department seems well equipped with good laboratories for combustion
research, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. A new laboratory
for combustion engines is planned and the laboratories for heat transfer
research will be renovated. The advanced laser based instrumentation
for fluid flow and the thermographical equipment for heat transfer
measurements are appropriate for research in these areas. The facilities
for numerical modelling are also good. But in these research areas, it is
necessary to maintain, develop and update research infrastructure that,
again, puts pressure on the funding question. It is not clear what financial
arrangements are in place for depreciation and equipment renewal.
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