The Vice-Chancellor has approved a review of what needs for research and collaboration support the University's teaching and researching staff, departments and the University Management have. The review, which will kick off immediately, will also cover potential changes to the support currently offered. The proposed measures will be reported to the Vice-Chancellor in early May.
The University Management prioritises to increase the quality of research and scientific output, as well as the University's competitiveness in grant applications. Also, the ongoing societal transformation in northern Sweden opens up for expectations and opportunities for the University to contribute by providing talent acquisition through education and new knowledge through research.
"There are plenty of exciting and important issues in research that motivate a review of various parts of the support we provide to research and researchers. Some changes are already underway. One example is the strategic work to recruit supportive functions in the research domain, but also the research analysis support that has been established at the Umeå University Library," says Vice-Chancellor Hans Adolfsson.
There is also an express demand from faculty leaderships, heads of department and researchers to access more suitable research support. This has resulted in an external review taking place, starting in February. The review will be led by Maryam Hansson Edalat, head of the Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services at Stockholm University, and Peter Värbrand, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for collaboration. Together, they will interview representatives of the University to capture what needs the University has for research and collaboration support.
The assignment also includes reviewing the Research Support and Collaboration Office to analyse if the current support organisation can meet the needs derived from the interviews.
"We need to increase competitiveness when it comes to research both on a national and international scale. This is one of many measures to build upon and strengthen the quality of research and collaboration," says Vice-Chancellor Hans Adolfsson.
Several changes to improve research support have already been implemented, not least has the responsibility for management support when it comes to research infrastructure been gathered at the Planning Office, and a cohesive research analysis function has been established at the University Library.
Do You have questions?
Contact Daniel Andersson, Academy clerk.