Meeting summaries

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

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, LTU’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 LTU’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.

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.