News from the management

In my new role as deputy dean I am the vice-chair of the faculty board, have responsibility for research infrastructure and to a smaller extent responsibility for external collaboration.

Workshops and faculty board decisions

Research infrastructure is crucial for our faculty, enabling high-quality research, education and innovation. Over the past year, we have made significant and active efforts in improving research infrastructure at the faculty. For example, we organized workshops that brought together many participants and provided a platform to showcase our existing infrastructure, engage with coordinators, and discuss ways to further enhance these facilities. A workshop is being planned for Lönnstorp this year.

Last year the faculty board also introduced a small grant call for minor equipment, which received a positive response. A key decision by the faculty board was also to establish a clear and transparent prioritisation and funding model for research infrastructure.

A major priority is improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of research infrastructure through transparent cost models for users. Last year, we worked closely with the Garden Lab to identify improvement opportunities, leading to revised rental models for users. This year, our focus will shift to Lönnstorp where we will explore possibilities for improvements.

Research infrastructure focus at SLU Central

At the SLU central level, the Council for research infrastructure (Fir) is a forum for discussing research infrastructure among faculties. A discussion on closer collaboration between the research infrastructure at SLU was taken up at Fir which resulted in the vice-chancellor reaffirming the importance of research infrastructure by designating certain facilities as SLU infrastructures of special importance. This designation ensures that these infrastructures have a strategic importance for SLU. Among these, from our faculty we have the Biotron, the Garden Lab, Landscape lab and Lönnstorp. A meeting was held in the autumn previous year led by the Vice-Chancellor with coordinators of all these infrastructures and the SLU Fir group to discuss current challenges and future opportunities.

New initiative at the faculty

A new initiative this year allows department heads to propose infrastructures they consider suitable for faculty co-financing. This ensures that the infrastructure that is co-financed by the faculty is of high relevance for research and education. The head of departments (HoDs) are expected to send in their proposals at the latest by the end of May. We expect that the departments to discuss various ideas thoroughly both internally and with other departments.

One of the requirements for receiving co-funding is that the proposed infrastructure is of relevance for at least two departments. It can either be an existing infrastructure or a completely new one. This process is being communicated to the HoDs, and we look forward to receiving strong proposals. The faculty board will decide on these proposals in the autumn, ensuring an open, transparent, and dialogue-based approach to infrastructure funding.

By increasing transparency and inclusiveness in decision-making at the faculty, we aim to create a more robust and sustainable research environment for all.

We appreciate your engagement and look forward to continued collaboration and innovation throughout the year.