LiRE25 is a comprehensive evaluation of research at Linköping University, commissioned by Vice-Chancellor Jan-Ingvar Jönsson. The evaluation’s core focus is the quality of research, but it also addresses the research culture and conditions for research. The aim is to provide a basis for how the university as a whole, as well as the many research environments, should enhance future quality work and achieve research excellence.
This report is an important milestone in our ongoing work for research quality. It is the first time we are conducting such a large evaluation, and the objective has been to foster a culture of reflection, learning, and continuous improvement,” says Jan-Ingvar Jönsson.
LiRE25 primarily focuses on the evaluated units, which in most cases correspond to departments within LiU’s twelve faculties, and also includes Malmstens at Campus Lidingö as an evaluated unit. The evaluation was carried out in two steps: a self-evaluation conducted by each unit during autumn 2024, followed by an external review by expert panels in spring 2025.
Looking inward
Researchers in the various research environments have conducted so-called SWOT analyses (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) as part of their self-evaluations. Common strengths highlighted include strong interdisciplinarity, a high publication rate, and good collaborations with industry and society. The challenges often mentioned are a lack of long-term funding and difficulties in recruiting top international researchers.
“Through the SWOT analysis, we were able to identify both our collaborative strengths and areas where we need to strengthen our internal research culture,” is one comment in the report.
“We are convinced that LiRE25 has already had positive effects, for example linked to the self-evaluation work that took place in autumn 2024. The self-evaluations stimulated many units to work more systematically with research quality and research culture, which will be highly beneficial moving forward,” says Matts Karlsson, Vice-rector for Research.
Receiving external feedback
“The panel’s recommendations have been invaluable in giving us an external perspective on our processes and results,” writes one evaluated unit in its feedback.
The panels often emphasise the importance of working more systematically with strategic recruitment, career paths for early-career researchers, and increased gender equality. Their reports contain recommendations such as the need for more strategic thinking regarding future research directions, recruitment, and scientific publishing. Several panels have also identified support for young researchers as an area for development, as well as researcher mobility within LiU. The panels further highlight the importance of increased international engagement, including research collaborations, co-publication, and better utilisation of opportunities for EU funding. At the university-wide level, the panels raise questions about LiU’s organisation and how strategic work can have greater impact at the departmental level.
“The panels’ reports will provide valuable guidance for our future work and offer each department a valuable opportunity for critical self-reflection,” says Matts Karlsson.
Continuing the work
According to the panels, LiRE25 has already initiated a more strategic approach to research. Continued quality development will be driven within the research environments, in close collaboration with faculties and university management. A follow-up process has already been decided, where recommendations from both the self-evaluations and panel reports will be put into practice.
“By openly reviewing our methods and results, we can learn from each other, share good examples, and support one another in striving for even higher quality. I encourage all evaluated units, departments, and faculties, as well as the university’s central functions, to make use of the insights from this report and translate them into tangible actions,” says Jan-Ingvar Jönsson.