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

Panel 17 – LTH | Building
Networking also includes service as key-note speakers at conferences,
scientific journal board memberships and links with research projects for
which they are internationally respected, for example, a mathematical
model for beach processes. The division is also involved in an EU project.
Structural Engineering has national collaboration. Building materials
collaborates nationally and is involved in an EU network. The Division
of Building Physics is involved in two EU (Tempus) projects. Fire Safety
Engineering/Safety Systems is involved with the Swedish Rescue Services
Agency as well as UN organizations. There are many examples of links
with industry.
Grade: The level of collaboration ranges from good to very good being
best in Water Resources Engineering. The overall grade is very good.
3.5 Research activity and teaching
The department provides courses to engineering programs at the undergraduate,
postgraduate and PhD level. Some of the courses are delivered
to professionals and students outside of the University and some internationally.
The management of the teaching ensures that there is a strong
relationship between research and teaching. Students benefit greatly from
being linked to a research-active department.
3.6 Evaluation of future plans
There is a stated threat that key staff may leave/retire in the near future
and that replacement will be difficult. The drop in research activity (seen
in the statistical data) may be the first sign of a problem but it is not clear
that plans are in place to protect and enhance the areas of strength. The
department has a strategy concerning joint research fields; however, it
will be difficult to realize those plans with reduced personnel. Thus, there
appears to be a need for action.
Grade: The grade is very good because of the developed research strategy
and as the threat seems to be recognized.
3.7 Future potentials and possibilities
The divisions in the department appear to be acting on their own plans,
with some successful collaboration between the divisions. There are many
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