Three factors, all related to research, are of particular significance for LU, according to Daniel J. Guhr: publications, citations and reputation. This is where the University should put its focus in order to continue being ranked as one of the best in the world. If more publications appear in highly regarded journals with major academic impact, this will have a positive effect on our ranking.
The reputation must be cherished
The same applies to citations and scientific impact. Daniel J. Guhr argues that the University must look at how it reports the data the ranking institutions use. Presumably we can climb on the lists if improvements are made to the reporting.
The third point he emphasises is reputation, which he states is one of the University’s biggest strengths and something that must be cherished.
“Internationally, we have a strong reputation, but it has fallen among employers, unfortunately,” he says.
A project on ranking
The University recently presented its final report from the Coordinating Ranking and Analysis project. In it, emphasis is placed, among other things, on the importance of publications and citations and that researchers aim for the best possible dissemination of their work in reputable publication channels. Furthermore, it recommends that researchers optimise keywords and their presence in databases covering researchers and research. The University is to continuously review the data that is reported to the ranking institutions and public sources from which the ranking bodies collect information.
The final report also underscores the importance of making the University’s strengths visible to the general public, decision-makers, the media and the business community. This can strengthen LU’s attractiveness and brand, in Sweden and abroad.
