https://www.staff.lu.seThu, 13 Feb 2025 13:32:10 +0000Lund University Magazine – LUMhttps://www.staff.lu.se/article/faculty-fine-and-performing-arts-mulls-co-location-heleneholmThu, 13 Feb 2025 13:32:10 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/faculty-fine-and-performing-arts-mulls-co-location-heleneholmWith Varvsstaden out of the picture, the University of Chicago’s establishment and investment in one of the US megacity’s most vulnerable areas, South Side, serve as the blueprint for the Faculty of Fine and Performing Arts’ future co-location. https://www.staff.lu.se/article/cardiothoracic-innovatorThu, 13 Feb 2025 13:30:48 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/cardiothoracic-innovatorHe has designed a transport box that keeps hearts alive outside the body and developed a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device. But during a visit to nuns in Africa, he was suspected of being a spy. Meet Stig Steen, a post-retirement professor of thoracic surgery, who is driven by an unshakeable belief that the greatest things in life are on the other side of the mountain.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/lu-scraps-plan-relocate-chemistry-and-physics-science-villageThu, 13 Feb 2025 13:23:01 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/lu-scraps-plan-relocate-chemistry-and-physics-science-villageWhat has been the main option for a long time – i.e. relocating basically all physics and chemistry to Science Village – is no longer relevant. The costs would be too high and the logistics of providing first and second-cycle education in particular would be difficult to organise.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/achieve-your-training-goals-and-get-money-back-it-worksThu, 13 Feb 2025 12:56:08 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/achieve-your-training-goals-and-get-money-back-it-worksSet a goal for your training for one to four months and pay in SEK 1,000. You get your money back if you achieve your goal. Crazy? Perhaps, but in a study by Professor of Economics Erik Wengström and his colleagues, the incentive proved to be quite effective compared with the control groups.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/research-chef-refines-recipe-semiconductorsThu, 13 Feb 2025 12:55:17 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/research-chef-refines-recipe-semiconductorsWhat is the perfect recipe for semiconductors? Vanya Darakchieva is working on the answer in her research on novel semiconductor materials. As a professor of solid state physics at the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), she is a “research chef” designing the future cookbook for sustainable and safe electronics.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/research-high-altitude-when-air-under-scrutinyThu, 13 Feb 2025 12:54:30 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/research-high-altitude-when-air-under-scrutinyInvestigating air pollution is not for researchers afraid of heights. One of the fearless is Erik Ahlberg, a combustion physicist at the Faculty of Engineering (LTH). His working days are often spent far above ground – currently on the roof of Malmö Town Hall, where the instruments that capture air particles are located.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/major-cost-differences-when-comparing-science-village-optionsFri, 13 Dec 2024 09:55:09 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/major-cost-differences-when-comparing-science-village-optionsWhere will the chemists and the physicists be located in the future? A recent report shows that it will be much more expensive to move to Science Village than if they stay on Sölvegatan. https://www.staff.lu.se/article/internationalisation-important-comprehensive-and-complexFri, 13 Dec 2024 09:28:07 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/internationalisation-important-comprehensive-and-complexInternationalisation has become more important – and more complex – in recent years. In a world where democracy and academic freedom are under threat, Lund University needs to take greater responsibility for its international collaboration, according to International Coordinator Pär Svensson.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/land-happiness-learning-lundFri, 13 Dec 2024 09:08:10 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/land-happiness-learning-lundWhen the researchers from the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) cross the border into Bhutan, the first thing that strikes them is the sense of calm and peacefulness. But it is not just the tranquillity of nature that attracts them, they are here to deepen the collaboration between Swedish engineering know-how and Bhutanese sustainability philosophy – an international exchange that has been going on for ten years.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/captivating-vrFri, 13 Dec 2024 08:39:33 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/captivating-vrYou are at the shop to buy food for the weekend. The shop’s security guard is keeping a close eye on you and you start to get nervous. He approaches you and you feel that you are starting to break out in a sweat. What the heck does he really want?https://www.staff.lu.se/article/search-shadow-invisibleFri, 13 Dec 2024 08:32:46 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/search-shadow-invisibleVisible matter in the universe represents only five per cent of everything that exists. The rest is invisible dark matter and dark energy. Particle physicist Ruth Pöttgen is one of the Lund University researchers involved in the search for the mysterious dark matter of the universe.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/risk-polarisation-lecture-hallFri, 13 Dec 2024 08:10:36 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/risk-polarisation-lecture-hallTo ensure that everyone has their say and that no one feels attacked when debating loaded and sensitive topics, it is important to establish the ground rules from the outset. This applies to society at large and in the lecture hall.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/timbuktu-universitys-cultural-council-glimpse-under-bonnetFri, 25 Oct 2024 11:26:26 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/timbuktu-universitys-cultural-council-glimpse-under-bonnetThe next-door neighbour whose home you’ve never been inside. That was how Jason Diakité, also known as hip hop artist Timbuktu, felt about the University while growing up in Lund. Today, he feels differently – having been awarded an honorary doctorate and now taking his seat as one of LU’s external Cultural Council members.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/mystery-stolen-mars-globeFri, 25 Oct 2024 11:25:22 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/mystery-stolen-mars-globeIn March 2015, a valuable globe of Mars was stolen from the Astronomy Library. After disappearing without a trace for almost a decade, it suddenly turned up at an antique dealer in Stockholm. The astronomical treasure has finally been returned to Lund.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/safe-fieldwork-who-responsible-securityFri, 25 Oct 2024 11:23:03 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/safe-fieldwork-who-responsible-securityWhen researchers are working in the field, they may be faced with challenging and sometimes dangerous situations. How does Lund University prepare its doctoral students and researchers for fieldwork? When LUM asks about the faculties’ procedures, it becomes clear that the departments are primarily responsible.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/safe-fieldwork-important-plan-thoroughlyFri, 25 Oct 2024 11:22:20 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/safe-fieldwork-important-plan-thoroughlyColombia is the world’s most dangerous country for those fighting to protect the rain forest and the environment. Last year, 79 people were killed for that reason, three times as many as in the second most dangerous country, Brazil. This means planning field studies there needs to be particularly meticulous.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/rain-roof-restroomFri, 25 Oct 2024 11:13:07 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/rain-roof-restroomIt is not every day that the inauguration of a toilet draws a hundred spectators. Such a toilet would have to be pretty special – and this one is. It is special because it is flushed using rain water gathered from the roof of Kemicentrum. LUM was able to follow the rainwater’s journey from parapet to porcelain.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/steps-prevent-mental-ill-health-among-doctoral-studentsFri, 25 Oct 2024 11:11:45 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/steps-prevent-mental-ill-health-among-doctoral-studentsMore than four out of ten doctoral students experience stress, anxiety and depression. This autumn, the doctoral students’ union will redouble efforts to improve wellbeing and prevent poor mental health. https://www.staff.lu.se/article/after-palestinagard-way-forwardMon, 16 Sep 2024 17:04:10 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/after-palestinagard-way-forwardThe war in Gaza has caused conflict at universities in Sweden and abroad. Overcoming the differences between protestors and university managements and within groups of employees is likely to take time. We met with both Lund University’s Vice-Chancellor and protestors from the encampment in Lundagård. In this edition of LUM, they share their visions of how to move forward. We have also interviewed Lund University researchers with a large range of specialisations to ask for their take on the summer’s events, what the consequences might be, and what it will take to heal the wounds.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/helping-researchers-who-want-start-companies-and-develop-innovationsMon, 16 Sep 2024 14:13:48 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/helping-researchers-who-want-start-companies-and-develop-innovationsAt LU Innovation, anyone who wants to utilise and translate their research into a product or service can get help with things like funding, advice, development and marketing completely free of charge. Niclas Nilsson, head of office at LU Innovation, hopes that more researchers will discover the service.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/received-help-improve-experience-readingMon, 16 Sep 2024 14:12:52 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/received-help-improve-experience-readingProfessors of literature Torbjörn Forslid and Anders Ohlsson helped bring the concept of shared reading to Sweden. They have now received funding from LU Innovation to develop and adapt it for use in upper-secondary schools.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/scientists-new-flood-analysis-product-goes-against-flowMon, 16 Sep 2024 14:12:22 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/scientists-new-flood-analysis-product-goes-against-flowScientific researchers are not usually known for their entrepreneurship. However, at the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, there is an innovative group of experts who have developed a tool that can help stakeholders in society when flooding occurs.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/successful-commercialisation-dementia-simulatorMon, 16 Sep 2024 14:11:37 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/successful-commercialisation-dementia-simulatorWhat does it feel like to live with dementia? The answer is offered by the “dementia simulator” developed by virtual reality researchers at the Faculty of Engineering, LTH. The simulator takes the user into a virtual world to experience different aspects of life with a cognitive disorder.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/ice-stone-age-might-reveal-future-solar-stormsMon, 16 Sep 2024 14:05:37 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/ice-stone-age-might-reveal-future-solar-stormsContained within Greenland’s millennia-old ice are the traces of gigantic solar storms. Geology professor Raimund Muscheler is now undertaking a major initiative to chart the storms back through time, to improve our knowledge of potentially dangerous solar flares.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/comic-strips-and-metaphors-help-students-reflectMon, 16 Sep 2024 13:21:17 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/comic-strips-and-metaphors-help-students-reflectOne of the biggest perks of teaching at university? Supervising students and seeing them grow into their role. That is at least according to senior lecturers Olof Hallonsten and Anna Jonsson.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/nobel-prize-having-new-jobThu, 30 May 2024 22:24:43 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/nobel-prize-having-new-jobHer diary is full for the rest of the year, and new invitations to events around the globe pour in every day. Receiving the Nobel Prize does not just mean a gala dinner with the King, it also means a different everyday life. “It almost feels like I’ve got a new job,” says Anne L’Huillier.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/theme-research-times-war-and-troubleThu, 30 May 2024 21:40:00 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/theme-research-times-war-and-troubleWar and troubled times in the wider world, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at state authorities – these things all affect the University in various ways. LUM has spoken to researchers at the Psychological Defence Research Institute in Helsingborg, the School of Aviation in Ljungbyhed and the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) in Lund. How their work is affected, and to what extent, varies. See links to the articles below.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/psychological-defence-research-institute-we-could-be-ten-times-size-we-areThu, 30 May 2024 21:30:20 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/psychological-defence-research-institute-we-could-be-ten-times-size-we-areIn an ideal world, perhaps the Psychological Defence Research Institute in Helsingborg would not even exist. But the global situation has brought attention, increased research funding and significant interest in collaboration from wider society.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/preparedness-more-stockpiling-pantry-provisionsThu, 30 May 2024 21:13:32 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/preparedness-more-stockpiling-pantry-provisionsWhen planning for food in times of crisis – what foodstuffs do we imagine? Many think of tin cans and freeze-dried food, but the fact is that if a crisis occurs, it is not stockpiled cans that will save us. https://www.staff.lu.se/article/higher-level-drone-pilot-trainingThu, 30 May 2024 15:36:46 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/higher-level-drone-pilot-trainingAt the School of Aviation in Ljungbyhed, any direct consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine are yet to be felt. However, Head of Department Johan Bergström says that it may only be a matter of time.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/flair-dramaticThu, 30 May 2024 15:21:47 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/flair-dramaticWhat happens when people meet? How do they interact? How do they react? Annika Nyman, lecturer at Malmö Theatre Academy, regards helping students to understand these things as the most important aspect of her teaching duties.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/star-studded-tomes-astronomy-library-move-new-homeThu, 30 May 2024 14:49:35 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/star-studded-tomes-astronomy-library-move-new-homeAround 100 select astronomy books dating from 1545 to 1799 have been relocated from the Astronomy Library to the University Library. LUM was there as the books were packed away, and again, several months later, after they had been quarantined and it was time to catalogue, encapsulate and put them in storage. Next year, the rarest volumes will be digitalised and perhaps even be displayed.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/concern-when-departments-are-mergedThu, 30 May 2024 13:48:28 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/concern-when-departments-are-mergedSeveral faculties have merged different departments or are about to do so. The Faculty of Engineering (LTH) merged two departments at the turn of the year, the Facult of Social Sciences has decided on one merger and is on the way to a second, while the Faculty of Science will make a decision after the summer.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/co-funding-increasingly-difficult-challengeTue, 02 Apr 2024 15:04:54 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/co-funding-increasingly-difficult-challengeLund University’s researchers are good at applying for and obtaining external research grants. But many funding bodies require faculties and departments to co-fund research projects, something that is becoming a major financial challenge for the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) and others. “Of course there is a limit to what we can do,” says Magnus Genrup, head of the Department of Energy Sciences.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/poorer-learning-if-teaching-anglicisedTue, 02 Apr 2024 14:24:38 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/poorer-learning-if-teaching-anglicised“English is like a membrane between us and reality”. The quote comes from a teacher at a Swedish higher education institution and describes their experience of teaching Swedish students in English. “Today, there are often no educational reasons why a particular course in the first-cycle is taught in English,” says Peter Svensson, senior lecturer in Business Administration at the School of Economics and Management.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/exploring-tomb-wine-loving-queenTue, 02 Apr 2024 13:56:39 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/exploring-tomb-wine-loving-queenMeret-Neith was perhaps the first female ruler of ancient Egypt and one of the most powerful women in the world during her lifetime some 5,000 years ago. Researcher Amber Hood is part of an international research team investigating the royal tomb in the desert outside Abydos.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/her-research-was-plagiarisedTue, 02 Apr 2024 13:43:48 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/her-research-was-plagiarisedLinguist Sara Farshchi's research was plagiarised by three Ukrainian researchers who published it as their own.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/more-knowledge-needed-about-plagiarismTue, 02 Apr 2024 13:30:27 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/more-knowledge-needed-about-plagiarismInternational text theft is difficult to deal with, especially for individual researchers. The University should take the lead, and find out how plagiarism issues are dealt with in different countries and what authorities exist there. So says Haro de Grauw, the doctoral student ombudsman.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/internal-combustion-engine-will-remain-importantTue, 02 Apr 2024 13:13:44 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/internal-combustion-engine-will-remain-importantThe internal combustion engine is a subject that has been described as nasty and outdated. In fact, it is not outdated at all – but an area of cutting-edge research that is an important part of a sustainable energy transition.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/finally-housing-first-model-adopted-national-strategyTue, 02 Apr 2024 12:53:40 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/finally-housing-first-model-adopted-national-strategyAfter 15 years, hundreds of meetings, conferences, opinion pieces, interviews and trips to Stockholm, it happened – the Government adopted the Housing First model as a national strategy for tackling homelessness. https://www.staff.lu.se/article/dick-harrison-brandFri, 16 Feb 2024 15:54:53 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/dick-harrison-brandDick Harrison is 57 years old and has written 105 books. He lectures all over the country, is a regular expert on TV and radio, runs a podcast, and writes articles for magazines and two columns a week in one of Sweden’s largest newspapers. “Teaching is my calling, though, the thing closest to my identity.”https://www.staff.lu.se/article/new-term-deansFri, 16 Feb 2024 15:20:53 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/new-term-deansA new three-year term of office has begun for the University’s eight deans. Five are new in the role, while three have been around for some time. LUM has put a few questions to each of them. https://www.staff.lu.se/article/new-beginning-kings-houseFri, 16 Feb 2024 14:50:12 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/new-beginning-kings-houseThe packing crates are emptied, new furniture is in place, the art is hung, and the tech is working. The Offices of the Vice-Chancellor and staff have moved into the King’s House. https://www.staff.lu.se/article/will-your-next-boss-be-artificially-intelligentFri, 16 Feb 2024 14:13:51 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/will-your-next-boss-be-artificially-intelligentIn just a few years, artificial intelligence has gone from horror film bogie man to a tool integrated into every phone and computer. From spell check to shopping recommendations – and now to allocating tasks at work and measuring performance. LUM met with organisational researcher Sverre Spoelstra to talk about algorithmic leadership.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/new-initiative-raise-status-teachingFri, 16 Feb 2024 13:49:49 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/new-initiative-raise-status-teachingTeaching is to be as highly valued as research when it comes to appointments and promotions. Despite this ambition, it has rarely worked that way in practice. A recently completed project provides a new framework which will help faculty managements, as well as individual teaching staff members, to evaluate and develop educational qualifications.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/energy-efficiency-key-future-6g-technologyFri, 16 Feb 2024 11:54:45 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/energy-efficiency-key-future-6g-technologyEveryone is familiar with the frustration that comes when otherwise excellent mobile phone reception suddenly drops out. The moment when all mobile communication becomes impossible. But why does this happen and what is really behind the numbers 3G, 4G, 5G, and the 6G to come?https://www.staff.lu.se/article/halftime-vice-chancellor-erik-renstromFri, 15 Dec 2023 09:09:23 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/halftime-vice-chancellor-erik-renstromIt is halftime for Vice-chancellor Erik Renström and his team. Three years of his term of office have passed, and three remain. Here in LUM, he sums up the first-half performance, looks ahead and explains how he approaches a job in which everyone wants a bit of his time.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/chase-vikingsFri, 15 Dec 2023 08:17:49 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/chase-vikingsArchaeologist Greer Jarrett’s research focuses on reconstructing Viking sailing routes and cartography. To do so, he learnt to sail boats similar to those sailed by the Vikings and set off out to sea. He likens the sailors of that time to today’s extreme athletes.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/when-studies-depend-interpretationFri, 15 Dec 2023 07:53:42 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/when-studies-depend-interpretationLund University sociology student Julia Grahn is among those who receive learning support. She is deaf and is provided with sign-language interpretation during her studies. Cilla Riber Alm is one of the sign-language interpreters who work with deaf students at the University. LUM has spoken to both of them.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/significant-increase-students-need-learning-supportThu, 14 Dec 2023 17:50:55 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/significant-increase-students-need-learning-supportThe number of students with some form of impairment at Lund University has increased by almost 300 per cent in the last ten years. “My staff have more to do every year,” says Kia Olsson, head of office for Student Support and Advising Services.https://www.staff.lu.se/article/unfair-lifeThu, 14 Dec 2023 17:21:07 +0000https://www.staff.lu.se/article/unfair-lifeThat life is not fair is hardly news. But that inequalities are at risk of increasing as we seek to improve the health of the population is perhaps unexpected. Health economics is a way of evaluating the potential health benefits of different interventions, setting them against the economic cost and their impact on society.