Collaboration and a systemic approach are keys to high quality research

Researchers might get caught up in their own research, with limited attention to what goes on in the surroundings as a consequence. To look beyond one’s own work, and try to see the potential use of a more holistic perspective is a task for Joakim Lundgren, academic coordinator within f3.

Joakim Lundgren works at the Luleå University of Technology (LTU) as an assistant professor at the Division of Energy Science. As an f3 coordinator, he plays a vital role when it comes to influencing his colleagues and make them realise the value of a systems approach and broad collaborations.

– The reason for a specific research question is easily lost, and along with that, you loose understanging of what the research can be used for in a larger context. I try, in my own network, to bring the researchers attention to issues that could be illustrated better through systems research. In some groups, this is not considered as high status since the results might not be presented in well-renowned scientific publications. However, it has a potential to point out possible development options that technical basic research can’t. And, results could also be published elsewhere, it does’nt have to be in Nature or Science, Joakim says. He continues:

– f3 has now entered into a second phase after the first three years of establishment, meaning that there are lots of great examples to share. I think that you get a different view on things when the benefits of cooperation are spelled out to you. Research applications outside f3 might have a better chance of being approved thanks to the assets of the established f3 network.