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

Panel 17 – LTH | Building
2.4 Collaboration
The department has an expressed goal of exploiting its capabilities in
multi-disciplinary research and there is some evidence that this is beginning
to happen. The environmental psychology area has great potential
for creating synergistic impact when linked with other areas. However,
it is not clear how much collaboration there has been between the two
units in the department and with other departments. The international
collaboration did appear as joint publications with a number of foreign
partners; however, international joint projects were not obvious.
Grade: The background material does not indicate active and wide collaboration;
therefore, overall a grade of good is given.
2.5 Evaluation of future plans
The plans to create a holistic man-techniques-society approach to the
research by addressing major societal issues from a socio-technical
perspective, such as energy and human comfort, are well founded.
This gives some confidence that the situation can continue to improve.
However, the key remaining element is to turn these ideas and capabilities
into compelling research proposals that gain funding. There are
good opportunities especially for EU funding. A further residual issue is
the mobilization of groups that have not engaged in research directed at
journal publication.
Grade: Future plans do show some strategic thinking for the department
as a whole. However, there is an urgent need for plans to address faculty
retirements particularly replacements as well as to get more research
funding. The grade is good.
2.6 Future potentials and possibilities
There is good potential and already some evidence of success in fostering
synergistic activity between the two units. The possibilities to extend
collaboration across LTH and beyond should be exploited further.
2.7 Gender and equal opportunity issues
The department has moved towards gender balance in doctoral students
but the situation has worsened among academic staff.
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