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

are only 3 collaborating institutes with joint publications. There may be
shorter or less formal collaborations in existence but this was not evident
from the information supplied. The lack of a formal sabbatical system
is not helpful in this regard. The strong engagement with international
conferences and editorial boards of international journals provide
opportunities to develop useful international research collaborations.
There is evidence of internal collaboration with other departments within
Lund University (Biochemistry, Solid State Physics, Industrial Electronics);
these should be strengthened as a means of building critical mass in
specific research areas.
5.5 Research Activity and Teaching Excellent (5)
The department is to be commended for its very high output of research
based educational material, such as textbooks (19 from 5 staff in a 4 year
period) and course literature for advanced courses at both undergraduate
and graduate level. Although the amount of information available on the
teaching activity is limited, research work appears to contribute strongly to
advanced courses at undergraduate level, as well as to doctoral research programmes.
The contribution to teaching in the Nano-program is welcome.
5.6 Evaluation of Future Plans Poor (1)
There is a need for a mission statement and for a clearly articulated
strategic research plan or vision for the Department of Mechanical
Engineering. Although one specific area is highlighted for growth
potential (nano mechanics) and the work in thermo-mechanical fatigue is
to remain a strong focus, there is a need for an overall vision and clear targets
for future research funding, doctoral students and research outputs.
Identification of strategic research areas should be linked to future staff
recruitment plans, and should take cognizance of the research strengths
of other research groups within the Faculty.
5.7 Future Potentials and Possibilities Good (2)
In the Materials/Mechanics area the research in fatigue is of high quality
and should continue. Likewise, the recent research in nano mechanics
is promising and should be supported in the manner proposed by the
department. This research group might also consider the possibility
of initiating research activity in other material science areas, such as
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