February 2012

A midway evaluation of the 2006 Linnaeus environments is taking place. The Swedish Research Council visited Lund University on 9–10 and 13 February to evaluate the Linnaeus environments at the halfway stage. Five international panels – one general panel and one for each of the fields of medicine, science, engineering and humanities/social sciences/education science – are evaluating the research quality … Continue reading →

We had a site visit on 8 February from a delegation from the European University Association (EUA). They are mapping how we follow up students and alumni and how we use the results of the follow-up in strategic development, quality enhancement, marketing and information to prospective students, and to support students during their studies. They met members of university management, … Continue reading →

A questionnaire about working at LU will be sent to all employees by email at the end of the month. The questions are about working conditions, the work situation, stress, leadership, etc. The questionnaire has been drawn up as part of the PUPA project (Personal Development and Professional Working Conditions) and the results will form the basis for our future … Continue reading →

Congratulations to all those who were presented with the medal for zealous and devoted service of the Realm on Wednesday, 9 February, followed by a dinner at AF. The event was to recognise all those who have worked for the State for 25–30 years and this year some 70 LU employees received the award. Many thanks for all your contributions … Continue reading →

The University Board meets today, 16 February, when we will take a decision on the renewed strategic plan for 2012–2016, the annual report, the total budget for 2012 and the proposed budget for 2013–2015. By raising our level of activity we have turned the financial surplus of recent years into a deficit of SEK 9 million for 2011. The deficit … Continue reading →

A hearing on student housing was held on Friday at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. As a result of the inquiry now being carried out into the issue of student housing, commissioned by Minister for Housing Stefan Attefall, we are calling on the Government to change the remit of Akademiska Hus. It should release land for student housing … Continue reading →

The news that Astra Zeneca is to axe 1 200 jobs in Södertälje has shaken Sweden. It is interesting that when Astra Zeneca decided to move its operations from Lund, the Government regarded it as a local matter for the market and stakeholders to resolve. The Minister for Research telephoned the vice-chancellor once. We are very grateful, however, to those … Continue reading →

Utbildningsradion, UR, will be filming 20-minute lectures by 23 Lund researchers on a wide range of topics. The lectures will be filmed on 29 February and 1 March in the lecture theatre at the Pufendorf Institute and will be broadcast on Kunskapskanalen. Please come along to play the audience for the recordings and take the chance to get an overview … Continue reading →

We are starting the spring’s vice-chancellor’s seminars, but in a new guise. As before, there will be discussions and lectures on current topics of interest, but this semester the seminars will be scheduled at lunchtime. The next one will be on 5 March, 11:30–13:00, starting with lunch before the seminar. The venue will be room 206 in Universitetshuset as usual. … Continue reading →

Uppsala’s winter inauguration of professors followed by dinner at the castle was held on 27 January, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Eva Åkesson. It was an elegant and rewarding occasion and it was great to meet Eva in her new role.