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

Panel 17 – LTH | Building
Productivity: The number of original articles in refereed journals was
reported to be 98 in 2002–2007 (all 6 research units). The level is almost
constant over the years but with a small positive trend. The number of
conference papers has increased significantly over the years, and hopefully
this will increase the number of journal papers in the near future.
The evaluation materials do not allow the panel to directly distinguish
between groups or individuals, but on closer examination it seems
that the publication rate differs considerably within the department. It
might be possible to increase publication rates if all the staff participated
actively in publication. The number of PhDs in 1998–2002 was 15 and in
2003–2007 increased to 16. However, the number of PhD was 0 in 2007
and the panel finds this an alarming development. There are signs of improvement
through new announcements, but still it is a severe problem.
Relevance: Many of the topics investigated have large practical interest
for industry. The major production lies within mathematical modelling
and numerical analysis of physical problems (structures and fluids), and
the department plays an important role in Sweden in these fields.
Vitality and ability to manage research: All the different units and
subgroups in the units are quite small. There seems to be a great variability
in the different groups with respect to research. This underlines the
impression that the department has a somewhat fragmented structure.
Grade: The overall level of research quality has been very good over the
period under evaluation. However, the current situation deserves only to
be judged as good.
6.4 Collaboration
The department claims a long lasting reputation for external cooperation
with the Industry. This is somewhat contradicted by the large drop in
commissioned research, but there are signs of improvement. The collaboration
has primarily been within Sweden, and especially the EU-funding
is very low. In Lund, the department has been very active in the founding
of LUNARC (Center of Computation).
Grade: The grade for collaboration is good/very good.
494