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

Panel 17 – LTH | Building
6.5 Research activity and teaching
The teaching load is rather large and has been increasing over the years
(with a peak in 2006). The department seems to be very well organized to
conduct its teaching activities. However, it seems to have been more difficult
to attract PhD students. This can also be due to financial problems.
6.6 Evaluation of future plans
The future plans for the department do not seem to be very concrete. It
is expected that some of the current projects will continue and develop
further (Glass and Timber related), and that cross-disciplinarily interaction
will play an increased role. The panel do not agree in the opposition
between rational based methods for design of structures and regulations
and codes. A more fruitful cooperation with Structural Engineering
could lead to better design methods which can be incorporated in
regulations and codes.
Grade: Future plans do not show clear strategic thinking. The grade is
good.
6.7 Future potentials and possibilities
The department has good potentials in different fields which could be
exploited if the department concentrated and focused its resources more.
One example is Acoustics (Fluid-Structure interaction) which has great
importance in many areas. Also, Material Mechanics could be seen in
a broader context; finally the Finite Element Programs has additional
potential for educational purposes.
6.8 Gender and equal opportunity issues
The percentage of female researchers is low compared to the other departments
under Panel 17. Viewing the numbers in one way, a little positive
trend can be seen in the figures from 2003 and 2007. The management is
aware of the problem, and some new recent appointments have addressed
the problem. However, the problem seems to remain unresolved since the
percentage of female PhD students has declined over the years.
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