Debate
Allan Eriksson
FACTS Web of Science: Interdisciplinary citation database that indexes the content of more than 21,000 peer-reviewed scientific journals, but increasingly also books and conferences. The database has good coverage in terms of medicine and science, but not as good for the humanities and social sciences, although more subjects in these areas have been indexed in recent years. The poorer coverage means that the database is less suitable for citation analyses of the humanities and social sciences. The database’s focus on English-language publications also means that, for example, Swedish-language publications receive poorer coverage.
Increases of publications in Web of Science 2010–2019 University of Gothenburg Stockholm University Uppsala University Lund University Umeå University Average
115% 97% 71% 69% 54% 82%
Increase in research resources 2010-2019 Uppsala university Lunds university Stockholm University University of Gothenburg Resources measured in ”research and teaching staff with a doctoral degree”. Source: Lars Kullman, University Library
36% 31% 25% 25%
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government have been partly distributed according to publication and citation data. Several of our faculties have had similar incentive schemes, which may have been a catalyst. The fact that more resources for research generate more research is to be expected, Göran Landberg thinks. – A large number of publications usually generate more external grants, which also contribute to increased activity. But counting publications is relatively easy. It is more difficult to draw definitive conclusions from publication and citation data.
GU should take a leading role in the work against climate change TOGETHER WITH several other Swedish universities, The University of Gothenburg has signed the Climate Framework. The purpose of the framework is to reduce the universities’ climate impact in line with the Paris agreement. As a university, GU plays an important role as a role model in the work against climate change – not just when it comes to science and education, but also when it comes to GU’s own climate impact. The GU climate framework work-group has recently proposed several measures, amongst others a progressive proposal for the reduction of air-travel at the university. This proposal suggest a kind of “internal taxation” on air travel that will be channeled back to the institutions and their climate work. This proposal has met resistance from some parts of the university. With this call, we want to show that there is a wide support for GU’s progressive climate work from rikthe university staff. Surely, the proposal will make it more expensive for the departments to participate in international conferences and events. However, that is indeed its very purpose! Climate work demands that we change our behaviors, for example by choosing climate neutral transportation or develop digital solutions for
international cooperation. We who have signed this call are teachers, administrators, and researchers from all parts of the University of Gothenburg. We argue that the universities have an important role to play in the work against climate change, and we want GU to take this role seriously. The climate crisis needs to be met forcefully and swiftly, by all sectors in society. It is not enough to sign agreements. As a university, we also have to act, and make real changes that reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. The proposed carbon dioxide budget is a step in the right direction. WE WANT TO WORK at a univer-
sity that take the work against climate change seriously. Therefore, we urge GU to take a leadership role in the work against climate change!
Do you agree? Sign our petition! GU behöver ta ledande roll i klimatarbetet - Skrivunder.com https://www.skrivunder.com/ gu_behover_ta_ledande_roll_i_klimatarbetet Initiators: Andréas Litsegård, School of Global Studies, Erik Mägi, Department of Law, Maria Norbäck, Department of Business Administration, Maria Jose Zapata Campos, f Department of Business Administration Patrik Zapata, Förvaltningshögskolan, School of Public Administration.
GUJOURNAL MAY 2021
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