Meeting summaries

Here are meeting summaries from the Vice-Chancellor's Research Council.

 Reserach Council, 21 May 2026

Summary: The agenda included updates from Brussels, the status of excellence cluster applications, and research ethics issues related to AI.

1. Updates from Brussels

Evelina Brännvall, Grants Office, joined remotely from Brussels and informed the Council about the EU’s ongoing work on the development of Horizon Europe ahead of the next programme period. Among other developments, Japan has now become an associated partner in Horizon Europe, Pillar II.

LTU’s Brussels office is also involved in planning the Nordic University Days on 28–29 September. A new round of LTU’s Head of Subjects’ days in Brussels will take place on 18–20 November. The event will overlap with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Universities Informal Liaison Offices Network (UnILiON).

Next steps: Planning of the Head of Subjects’ days in Brussels on 18–20 November 2026 will continue.

2. Status of excellence cluster applications

Audrey Gahéry, Grants Office, provided an update on ongoing excellence cluster applications. Work is underway on three to four applications where LTU is the coordinating university, while several researchers are also participating in applications led by other universities. The application deadline has been extended to 10 June.

The Council discussed, among other things, the need for support structures in the event of successful applications.

Next steps: A new status update will be provided at a future meeting.

3. Ethical issues related to the use of AI in research

The Council discussed ethical issues related to the use of AI in research, including risks associated with careless use and the potential impact on the university’s reputation. The importance of stimulating continued discussions within research environments was emphasised, for example through lunch seminars or similar forums.

Next steps: The Deans will bring the matter to the Research Ethics Councils and return with proposals for further work.

Reserach Council, 13 April 2026

Summary: The meeting focused on strategic research issues, the external evaluation of research subjects in 2026, and coordination of production research.

1. Strategic research issues. The Council discussed the role and responsibilities of the Research Council in relation to the faculty boards and departments. The importance of addressing LTU-wide strategic research issues from a long-term and university-wide perspective was emphasized, as was the need for anchoring and collaboration across the organisation.

Issues related to resource allocation, external funding, and strategic investments in new education programmes and research areas were also discussed.

Next steps: The dialogue on the strategic role of the Research Council and prioritised development areas will continue.

2. Evaluation of research subjects 2026. A status update was provided on the pilot project for the external evaluation of research subjects. Site visits and interviews will be conducted during May, after which the external experts will submit their assessments and recommendations.

Next steps: Experiences from the pilot project will be collected from both participating research subjects and external experts as a basis for the continued development of the process.

3. Production research review and coordinating function. The Council continued its previous discussion on a coordinating function for production research. The need for increased coordination and strategic alignment was highlighted, while challenges related to funding and timing were also discussed.

The Council concluded that a coordinating function could strengthen future development, but determined that the matter will not be pursued further at this stage. Work on a proposal for a new research subject in production systems is ongoing.

Next steps: Work on the proposal for a new research subject in production systems will continue. The proposal will be considered by the Faculty Board of Science and Technology before being submitted to the Vice-Chancellor.

4. Other matters. The Council also discussed LTU’s long-term positioning as a research-intensive university, including the need for a strong research foundation in future educational initiatives.

Next steps: The issues will be followed up in future strategic research discussions.

Research Council, 27 March 2026

Summary: The agenda included the excellence cluster call, data management in doctoral education, and the ongoing review of the Grants Office and collaboration support.

1. Excellence clusters. Audrey Gahéry, Grants Office, provided an update on the upcoming joint call from Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council. The Council discussed strategic considerations for applications, including the importance of clear profiling and competitive constellations. The importance of including humanities and social sciences, as well as AI, was highlighted.

Next steps: A dialogue meeting on the call will be held on 13 April.

2. Data management in doctoral education. The University Library presented a proposal for a mandatory doctoral course in data management. The Council emphasized the importance of the issue but expressed reservations about introducing mandatory elements, both for practical and principled reasons. Instead, the need to strengthen existing initiatives and raise awareness across the organisation was highlighted.

Proposals discussed included continued investment in Data Champions, targeted training initiatives also for senior researchers, and increased use of Individual Study Plans (ISPs) to follow up doctoral students’ competence in data management.

Next steps: The Library will continue to develop support and training initiatives in data management and to promote the existing doctoral course.

3. Grants Office and collaboration. The Pro Vice-Chancellor informed the Council about the ongoing review of the Grants Office and collaboration support.

The Council highlighted the need for improved support in the application process, for example through access to shared background materials. Issues related to innovation support, the holding company, and funding models were also discussed.

Next steps: The review will continue.

Research Council, 4 February 2026

Summary: The agenda included supervision in doctoral education, the development of the Grants Office and collaboration support, and the handling of scholarship-funded research.

1. Supervision in doctoral education. The Council discussed the need to allow exceptions to the current guidelines for principal supervisors, particularly the 50% rule requiring supervisors to be employed at LTU at least half-time. The current regulations are, in some cases, considered to hinder collaboration and lead to research funding and doctoral candidates being placed at other universities.

There was agreement to retain the main rule but allow for exceptions. The Council emphasized the importance of clear principles, a simple and effective exemption process, and ensuring that supervisors are appointed based on scientific competence and the best interests of the doctoral candidate.

Next steps: A proposal for revised guidelines will be developed and anchored in the faculty boards.

2. Grants Office, collaboration and innovation. The organisation of the Grants Office and support for collaboration and innovation were discussed in relation to an ongoing review led by Pro Vice-Chancellor Pär Weihed. The Council highlighted the need to better connect support functions to the core activities, including ensuring appropriate organisational placement and leadership.

Benchmarking against other universities was proposed, particularly regarding administrative support and management of large research projects. Interviews with researchers were also suggested to gain a broader understanding of support needs. The role of innovation support and its link to LTU Business were also addressed.

Next steps: The Council’s proposals and recommendations will be submitted to the Pro Vice-Chancellor.

3. Scholarships and internal systems. The handling of private scholarships was discussed. The Council noted that the current system in some cases disadvantages researchers, for example through limited access to internal resources and social benefits. The need for increased transparency, improved follow-up, and a review of how scholarship-funded research is managed within the university was highlighted.

Next steps: An appropriate forum for further discussion will be identified.

Research Council, 16 December 2025

Summary: The meeting focused on the evaluation of the Head of Subject days in Brussels, the excellence cluster calls, research ethics, and the development of research subjects.

1. International collaboration and Brussels. Evelina Brännvall, Grants Office, joined remotely from Brussels and provided a report from the Head of Subject days held there. Participation and feedback from researchers were positive, particularly regarding networking opportunities and increased insight into EU research funding. The importance of continuity in these activities was emphasized.

Next steps: Planning for subject representatives’ days in Brussels in autumn 2026 will begin.

2. Excellence clusters and SFOs. Audrey Gahéry, Grants Office, provided an update on ongoing and upcoming calls for excellence clusters and SFOs. The Council emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration, early mobilisation of researchers, and clear communication in application processes.

Challenges related to funding models, requirements for collaboration, and competition between different initiatives were also discussed.

Next steps: A kick-off meeting will be planned for relevant researchers to strengthen preparations for upcoming calls.

3. Research publishing and ethical review. Karolina Parding, Research Ethics Council, raised the issue of increasing requirements for ethical review in connection with publishing. Attention was given to situations where international journals require ethical approval even when the research is not covered by Swedish ethical review legislation.

The Council considered that responsibility should primarily lie with the responsible researcher, and that there is a need for clearer support and guidance. The Research Ethics Council will develop and make available a draft cover letter that can be used to explain when and why a project does not fall under Swedish ethical review legislation.

Next steps: Information on Swedish ethical review legislation will be compiled and published on the researcher website. The Research Ethics Council will also develop a cover letter template for use by project leaders.

4. Production research review. The Council was informed about the results of the review of the university’s production research and education conducted on behalf of the Faculty Board of Science and Technology in 2025. The review shows that LTU is well positioned to take a leading role in the ongoing industrial transformation in northern Sweden and Europe. However, realizing this potential requires stronger coordination, clear leadership, and strategic alignment.

Recommendations regarding a new research subject and a coordinating function were highlighted.

Next steps: A proposal for a new research subject will be prepared in dialogue with TVM. The issue of a coordinating function will be further addressed within the Council.

5. Theatre as a research subject. The Faculty Board of Humanities and Social Sciences is investigating the possibility of developing the theatre subject into a research subject with doctoral education. This work has identified a mismatch between current eligibility requirements for principal supervisors and the competence profile of artistic professors.

The Council supported a review of governing documents to better align requirements with the expected competence profile for supervisors in doctoral education with a strong artistic component.

Next steps: Recommendations for revising governing documents will be developed as part of the ongoing work.

6. Evaluation of research subjects 2026. The timeline for the 2026 evaluation of research subjects was presented.

Next steps: Information about the evaluation will be presented at departmental meetings in early 2026.

Research Council, 14 November 2025

Summary: The meeting addressed the transition to open access, planning for the 2026 evaluation of research subjects, and the status of excellence clusters and SFOs.

1. Open access and publishing strategies. A discussion was held together with the University Library on the transition to open access publishing. The Council highlighted challenges related to changing publishing models, including costs, merit systems, and implications for researchers.

The need for increased information to researchers and Head of Subjects was emphasized.

Next steps: The Library will carry out targeted information activities for all research subjects through subject meetings, focusing on open access, data management, and publishing issues.

2. Evaluation of research subjects 2026. An update was provided on the planning of the 2026 evaluation of research subjects, including a draft self-evaluation template. Issues related to the design of evaluation criteria and the handling of conflicts of interest in the selection of external experts were discussed.

The Council emphasized the importance of well-designed questions that support development and improvement, and that serving as an external expert should not preclude future roles as an opponent or member of an examining committee.

Next steps: Work on the self-evaluation template and the planning of the evaluation process will continue.

3. Excellence clusters and SFOs. Audrey Gahéry, Grants Office, provided an update on ongoing applications and upcoming processes related to excellence clusters and SFOs. Several applications have been submitted with support from the Grants Office, and feedback from researchers has been positive, although timelines have been experienced as demanding.

Upcoming evaluation processes and dialogues with funding agencies were highlighted.

Next steps: Information activities will continue and experiences from the application processes will be collected.

4. Other matters. The recruitment of Head of subjects was discussed, including processes and the need to consider security aspects. The importance of clear communication across all stages of application and decision-making processes was emphasized, as well as the need for an overview flowchart.

Next steps: The issues will be followed up in relevant forums.

Research Council, 10 October 2025

Summary

The Research Council met on 10 October. The meeting addressed AI initiatives, data management and open data, international activities, and the status of excellence clusters and research evaluations.

1. Vice-Chancellor’s Council within AI

The Vice-Chancellor’s Council within, Marcus Liwicki, presented his role and ongoing initiatives, including ideas for AI champions and the development of AI-related education. The need to integrate AI into education and tailor initiatives to different target groups was emphasized.

Next steps: Work on developing AI-related initiatives and educational components will continue.

2. Preparations for subject representatives’ days in Brussels and the EU research budget

Evelina Brännvall, Grants Office, informed the Council about the planning of Brussels activities for Heads of Subject. Interest is high, and the programme aims to strengthen networking and dialogue with European stakeholders. The Council was also informed about ongoing work on consultation responses related to the EU research budget and Sweden’s position in the negotiations.

Next steps: Planning of the Brussels programme will continue.

3. Data champions and open data

A continued dialogue was held with the University Library on the development of Data Champions. The Council discussed the need for long-term organisation, clear roles and responsibilities, and continued support for departments in the transition to open data.

Next steps: The work to further develop Data Champions will continue in dialogue with the departments.

4. Excellence clusters and SFOs

Audrey Gahéry, Grants Office, provided a status update on internal processes related to the research bill, including applications for excellence clusters and Strategic Research Areas (SFOs). Issues related to coordination, support structures, and the role of Heads of Department were discussed.

Next steps: Work on applications and coordination of support will continue.

5. Evaluation of research subjects

Information was provided about a pilot project for the evaluation of research subjects, inspired by the Linköping model. The focus is on development-oriented evaluation with support from external experts.

Next steps:The pilot project will be carried out and further planning will continue.

Research Council, 16 September 2025

Summary

The Research Council convened on 16 September 2025. The agenda included discussions on the launch of new strategic research areas, the university’s collaboration with external partners, initiatives related to research data management, and planning connected to the Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

1. Meeting Introduction

The Chair was unable to attend. The group agreed to share the chairing responsibilities for this meeting.

2. Vice-Chancellor’s Council on Collaboration

Pär-Erik Martinsson presented his new role as the Vice-Chancellor’s Council on Collaboration and outlined ongoing initiatives, including the university’s plans for the new funding for battery technology and the development of internal processes linked to strategic research areas.

Next step: Martinsson is invited to share his presentation with the management groups of the departments and with the faculty boards.

3. Update from the University’s Representative in Brussels

Evelina Brännvall, Grants Office, joined remotely from Brussels and provided updates on the ongoing Research & Innovation Days as well as the Researchers’ Week for Heads of Subject in Brussels, taking place on 26–27 November.

Next step: Departments will follow up on experiences from the meeting in Brussels.

4. Update on the Data Champions Project

Representatives from the University Library reported on the Data Champions initiative and requested support for its continuation in 2026.

Next step: The Council’s input will be considered, and the library will get back on the matter.

5. Goals and Indicators for the Focus Area: Groundbreaking Research in the Strategic Plan 2026–2030

A draft of three proposed indicators for the focus area Groundbreaking Research was discussed in preparation for the Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Council.

Next step: The proposal will be further developed following discussions within the Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Council.

6. VSS Operational Planning Linked to the Focus Area: Societal Impact

Mia Oldenburg, Head of Communications, invited suggestions for priority measures for VSS within the focus area Societal Impact in the Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

Next step: Heads of Department will bring the matter to their management groups and provide any proposals to the Head of Communications.

Research Council, 19 August 2025

Summary

The Research Council met on 19 August 2025. The agenda included planning for the autumn meetings, information from the Grants Office, the University’s work in relation to the national research bill, the quality assurance system for research, and the forthcoming pilot for the external evaluation of research subjects in 2026. Proposals for new indicators linked to the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 were also discussed.

1. Autumn Research Council Meetings
A plan for the autumn meetings and dialogues was presented. Meeting notes will henceforth be published in a shortened version on the web and also produced in Ppt format for wider dissemination.
The discussion on system support for monitoring external funding applications was initiated, with a decision to return to the matter at a later stage.

2. Grants Office (GO)
The Grants Office is now fully staffed with two new research advisers, both with PhDs from LTU. Priorities include strengthening support for EU applications, promoting the Research Week in Brussels in November, and clarifying the support GO can offer researchers across different fields. The need for qualified project support for large-scale research projects was discussed, as well as the issue of insurance cover in major project agreements.

Next step: GO will present its activities to Heads of Subject and offer individual meetings.

3. National Research Bill
The university is establishing structures to manage upcoming VR and Vinnova calls. LTU has also received new targeted allocations for electrification/battery technology and for critical and strategic metals and minerals (CAMM-CRM). For new Strategic Research Areas (SFOs), the importance of collaboration with other universities was emphasized.

Next step: Status report at the next meeting.

4. Research Quality Assurance System
The Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) has approved the University’s updated quality system for education and research. The timetable for upcoming evaluations was discussed, with the decision that no changes will be made – final reports from the evaluation of research subjects will be adopted by the faculty boards in September 2026, as previously decided.

Next step: In spring 2026, all research subjects will be evaluated. The faculty boards will prepare a self-assessment template to be distributed to all Heads of Subject before the end of the year.

5. External Evaluation of Research Subjects 2026
A pilot involving ten research subjects is being prepared. Heads of department and Heads of Subject are responsible for proposing external experts. The evaluation, including site visits, will take place in May 2026.

Next step: Further information will be provided to those concerned before the end of the year.

6. Other Matters
The Chair presented draft proposals for new indicators linked to the strategic focus area Groundbreaking Research in the university’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030. The Council responded positively but highlighted challenges concerning measurability.

Next step: The proposed indicators will be further developed ahead of the Vice-Chancellor’s decision.