Linnaeus University Centres (Lnuc)

An Lnuc must stand out as one of Linnaeus University’s most prominent research environments, being at the national cutting edge, and of international renown. The research area of the centre should be well-defined and clearly delineated, so that the main research focus is clear. The area should be well-represented in terms of both quality and breadth, through the expertise of the participating researchers. Different individual competencies should be utilised in collaboration and complement each other in a way that is relevant to the proposed research area.

Nationally and internationally distinguished research

• The research environment is a national leader and internationally excellent.
• The central research area is well-defined, clearly delineated, and highly relevant from an international perspective.
• The individual researchers hold a very strong to excellent standing and reputation within the international research community.
• The researchers' combined research output is excellent and relevant from an international perspective, in terms of both quantity and quality.
• The research environment demonstrates synergies, and the researchers' competencies overlap effectively, enabling stronger research collaborations within the centre.
• The research environment produces publications of excellent quality with clear research impact; is successful in securing external funding; and shows positive development.

Optimal conditions for conducting research

• There is a clear organisational structure with strong leadership that enables positive development within the centre.
• All researchers within the environment have access to the resources needed to conduct high-quality research (e.g., professional development, infrastructure, etc.).
• The research environment operates in a resource-efficient manner that ensures the achievement of the goal of high quality.
• The research environment organises activities such as conferences and workshops that foster collaboration with other academic actors both nationally and internationally.
• The Lnuc creates an open and equal academic space that safeguards academic freedom.
• The Lnuc attracts researchers at various stages of their academic careers – doctoral students, postdocs, associate professors, and full professors – thus contributing to strengthening academic careers.

A complete academic environment

• The research environment constitutes a complete academic environment where frontier research is linked to education at the master’s and doctoral levels, and collaboration ensures quality and relevance.

The relevance of the research to society

• The research is significant and contributes value to societal development.
• Third-stream activities are made visible.
• Research results are communicated beyond academia.

The establishment of new Lnuc takes place following an announcement initiated by the vice-chancellor. The announcement and budget material for a new Lnuc are confirmed with the University Management Group before the University Board makes decisions on budget changes (in December), and the vice-chancellor decides on the announcement. The Executive Office assists the vice-chancellor in the preparatory work. The announcement and details of the application process are determined in a separate decision by the vice-chancellor.

The process for establishing an Lnuc involves both the faculty and the Senior Management Team. A formal application for an Lnuc is submitted to the vice-chancellor by the dean(s) of the relevant faculty or faculties. The formal application must be accompanied by a description of how the faculty or faculties support the proposed centre, including faculty funding. The application must adhere to the principles and objectives outlined in this governing document, as well as to the instructions in the vice-chancellor’s decision on the announcement.

The application is evaluated by an external assessment panel appointed by the vice-chancellor. The Lnuc is assessed against the objectives and criteria for an Lnuc.

Based on the assessment panel’s statement and discussions with the relevant heads of faculty and the Senior Management Team, the vice-chancellor decides whether the environment should be established as an Lnuc. The specifics of the application process are described in more detail in the announcement.

An external evaluation of how the Lnuc has succeeded in achieving its goals during the past period, as well as of the plans for the coming five years, is conducted every five years. The vice-chancellor has the primary responsibility for the evaluation. The evaluation process is prepared and coordinated by the Executive Office in consultation with the vice-chancellor, the heads of faculty, and the Lnuc leadership. The evaluation should be a quality-driving quality assurance process in which strengths and areas for development are identified. Strengths should be preserved and developed, and areas for development should be addressed.

The evaluation is conducted by external assessors. The assessment panel should normally consist of three external experts, with diverse backgrounds and at different stages of their careers, though at least at the level of senior lecturer/associate professor. The experts are appointed by the vice-chancellor. The primary basis for the external review includes a self-assessment and the plans for the coming five years, but also certain key figures related to publications and external funding, along with interviews with the assessment panel.