Evaluation of individual research units - Norges forskningsråd

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24 Evaluation of biology, medicine and health research in Norway (2011) General evaluation & recommendations The unit is small and highly specialised. The majority of its publications focus on brood parasitism, the evolution of ornamentation, and the reproductive ecology of a variety of organisms, particularly fish. Although the individual researchers are certainly productive, it was unclear to us why this group is separate from the Centre for Conservation Biology, which appears to be much larger, yet has scientists with research programs that overlap those in this unit. Some members of the panel felt the absence of a clear delineation of areas of focus might confuse potential new staff during the recruitment process. Recruitment is not trivial given the age structure of the unit. Furthermore, the existing structure may impede collaboration among units. Societal impact Understanding the behaviour and life history of organisms can increase the probability of successful management and conservation, and several members of the unit contribute more or less explicitly to management objectives. For example, some research addresses conservation of African mammals, the bushmeat trade, and salmonids. Marine Science Grading of scientific quality Good to Very Good Description of unit The unit includes five professors, five researchers, 15 PhD students and more than 40 MSc students. It is based in two locations, at Trondheim Biological Station and at the NTNU centre of Fisheries and Agriculture. The group’s activities are diverse and range from academic studies to technological applications of basic science. There is a strong emphasis on thematic ‘areas’ that are designed to strengthen interdisciplinary research. The unit has good research facilities that include a research ship and an aquaculture facility. The unit works closely with SINTEF as its main external research partner. General evaluation & recommendations The unit is well established and external interactions are extensive, both in Norway (with SINTEF, for example) and abroad (Vietnam, China, Spain, Belgium). The unit’s age structure is weighted toward the senior level, with some staff retired but still active. Two professors are retiring in 2011. A succession plan would be very helpful. Postdoctoral appointments would maintain creativity and diversify the age structure. Publications were mostly of international significance in journals such as Aquaculture. The number of publications seemed moderate. Quality of research is good and staff have national or international reputations. Societal Impacts Effects of changes in land use and climate in coastal zones have high societal relevance. The unit’s interactions with SINTEF increase the practical value of its work. Patent activity is noteworthy.
Plant Ecology & Physiology Grading of scientific quality Good Evaluation of biology, medicine and health research in Norway (2011) Description of unit Since the 2000 evaluation, the Plant Ecology & Physiology unit moved from the Department of Botany to the Department of Biology. Five of the eight academic members of staff with permanent positions in 2000 have since left the group, and one has a part-time advisory role (professor II). Two associate professors and two postdoctoral fellows have joined the group. As a result, there has been limited time for collaboration and cohesion to develop within the unit. The unit now contains one professor, three associate professors, two externally funded researchers, and one professor II. General evaluation & recommendations The unit has strengths in the ecology of bryophytes and lichens and in plant responses to climate change. The national and international network of those who participate in research on climate change and on the phylogeography of African bryophytes is strong. Similarly, some researchers are members of a network of European plant ecologists studying herbaceous species in forests. The group has two technicians who appear to spend the majority of their time teaching and thus have limited capacity to contribute to research. The self-assessment notes that “We are not really certain about how the institution’s policy for recruitment [of PhD students and postdoctoral fellows] is.” Communication between the unit and central administration with respect to recruitment could be improved. Societal impact As the self-assessment points out, outreach can be challenging because five of the seven research staff are not native Norwegians and so their communication skills within Norway are limited. Research that addresses the response of tree growth and distribution to climate change may have application to frozen and dried preservation of foods, drugs, cells, and tissues. The group participates in collaborative research on restoring a former military area and on Svalbard, and in the red-list process for bryophytes in Europe, Asia, and Réunion. 25
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