On 27–28 September, Computer Science at Karlstad University organised a workshop to gain external input on the research group. Staff presented the research environment to an International Advisory Board (IAB) that gave feedback for further development.
It was clear that the Computer Science research group has developed significantly on many fronts since been designated an excellent research environment in 2014. The number of externally funded projects has for example increased, and more senior researchers and doctoral students have been recruited, thereby reinforcing staffing levels. The group has also improved its publication output, producing more publications of a better quality as regards presentation and publication venues.
Members of the IAB listened to a speech by vice-chancellor Johan Sterte and presentations on ongoing research, and were introduced to the doctoral students’ research in a poster session.
“The IAB workshop is a very good opportunity for all researchers and PhD students at the computer science subject to meet and learn about each other’s research and the development of the research environment,” says Anna Brunström, professor of Computer Science at Karlstad University and director of the excellent research group. “Looking back at the development over time, I am very happy to see the progression in our activities.”
Ample time for feedback
The workshop included discussions in smaller groups, divided according to the different focus areas of the research group: computer networking, privacy and security, and software engineering. The members of the IAB had the opportunity to present their thoughts about the research environment and its continued development both during the group session and during a feedback session.
“We are very happy to have such an esteemed international advisory board connected to our research environment. It is very useful to get an outside view on our activities and suggestions for improvement. This year it was also very nice to hear the IAB confirm the very good development of the research environment,” says Anna Brunström.
In 2014, Computer Science was established as one of the two excellent research groups at Karlstad University. In connection with this, an International Advisory Board (IAB) was created for the excellent research groups. The external advisors on development and internationalisation are:
- Hans Einsiedler, Deutsche Telekom, Germany
- Kristin Fuglerud, professor at the University College of Southeast Norway and the Norwegian Computing Center
- Maritta Heisel, professor at Duisburg University, Germany
- Jukka Manner, professor at Aalto University, Finland
- Christian Schaefer, Ericsson Research, Sweden
- Angela Sasse, professor at University College London, UK, and Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
