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Panel 2 – religious studies
networks and exchanges, and high publishing activity. One of the articles
from this field is especially praised by the Dean. Though this field should
be more ambitious in their publishing policy, we follow the Dean´s report
in ranking this as one of the most successful areas.
8.6 General considerations
Individualism and larger research groups
We have the impression that there is, in CTR research, a situation
comparable to many other theological faculties at European universities;
that humanities and theology research has been an endeavor of individuals.
But, as with sciences and technology, humanities and theology have
to face the conditions of funding and national and international research
policies that target long term projects with groups of scholars. Humanities
and theology should be successful in both fields: in individually
based research that still remains the base of our activities as well as in
research groups.
As to strong long term projects in the humanities, we have to face the
reality that critical editions and translations have the only real chances of
being funded. Is there a possibility for editing and translation in the fields
of Islam and Indic Religious Studies? In the current circumstances at
Lund University (as at other universities), the management of CTR/HT
cannot avoid making a (short term and long term) research policy choices,
which imply a painful focusing of areas of research, recruitment of
staff, PhD policy (in what research field should a PhD student work?) and
publication policy. Much effort should be given to gaining the support of
as many staff members as possible for change. The ideal situation would
be o coordinate individual motivation (and skill) and department policy.
Research policy
Research policy requires choices. Doing everything often means doing
nothing well. We offer CTR the following advice: try to find out where
you are or want to be excellent and what kind of issues you want to deal
with. There are 17 universities/colleges in Sweden where religious studies/
theology is currently studied. They all have to face the same problem
as in Lund. Negotiate with them concerning focus areas of research.
Lund University (and even the Swedish government) should promote
and support these negotiations. Even if the negotiations fail, making
choices is necessary. Making choices in research areas is important for the
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