University cooperation must be intensified
(18.09.12)
At the start of September 2012, Marja Makarow took on her role of Vice President for Research at the Academy of Finland. As an influential scientist with international experience, Makarow ensures that Finnish science policies meet a high European standard, and that the processes of the Academy of Finland are exemplary. Makarow believes that the future of Finnish universities lies in intensified cooperation and profiling.
Universities seek models for mutual and international cooperation
Along with the introduction of the new Universities Act in 2010, the field currently finds itself at a turning point. According to Makarow, the primary goal of the reform, ie. the development of a synergetic and quality university network in Finland, is still in the beginning stages. She also anticipates that diminishing resources will drive the universities to pursue even closer cooperation.
“Regional, even cross-border networks of European universities and research institutions are functional, since they have come about in response to a genuine need for research. Within this type of cooperation, the researchers find one another, the universities serve as promoters and the private sector is also involved. The best type of partnership is cooperation in which everyone can learn something new from one another.” As an example of this type of cross-border cooperation, Makarow refers to the BioValley Life Sciences network founded by French, German and Swiss universities and companies in the upper Rhine region.
Makarow feels that, in addition to increased cooperation, Finnish universities should also set about to profile themselves more actively.
“A sound, efficient and quality research ecosystem will require the profiling and differentiation of Finnish universities, thereby ensuring that the competition between the universities is beneficial and constructive. If a university is Finland’s best within a specific field, it will interest new students from all over the country,” reasons Makarow.
More efficient use of international infrastructure projects
By virtue of state-level treaties, Finland is involved in many international infrastructure projects, of which the best known are, perhaps, that of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). “The Academy of Finland pays annual membership fees to these research institutions,” Makarow explains.
She wonders, however, whether or not we take full advantage of the possibilities offered by this cooperation.
Makarow feels that it would be worthwhile to clarify the quality of the cooperation. “The benefits of membership are based, after all, on the amount and quality of the collaboration between its members. If both of these conditions are met, then it is advantageous to be a part of such international projects and to exploit their membership to the fullest extent,” adds Makarow.
Efforts to develop infrastructures must be undertaken in Finland as well, and this represents an important new task for the Academy of Finland. Last spring, the Academy appointed an expert group on national research infrastructures and assigned it with the task of surveying and developing research infrastructures in Finland.
“The development of infrastructures within all fields of science is rapid. Modern equipment is a prerequisite for quality research and also serves to attract international researchers,” states Makarow.
The draw of top research teamed with continued European funding
Makarow feels that Finnish researchers have stepped up in terms of successful applications for funding from the European Research Council (ERC).
“It is important to encourage young researchers, in particular, to apply for ERC funding, and more experienced researchers have an obligation to mentor their younger colleagues. Top researchers should create a culture of excellence around themselves, a culture that challenges young researchers to strive to gain ERC Starting Grant funding. Nobel prizes have often been awarded to research communities that have a strongly unified top research culture,” states Makarow.
Finnish researchers could derive a great deal more benefit from the funding provided by European Framework Programmes.
“Finland should be getting more from the EU Framework Programmes: our research level is high enough to attract more of the available funding,” says Makarow.
Grand challenges – a shared objective for the Academy of Finland and researchers
The Board of the Academy of Finland has outlined six research themes, the so-called grand challenges, which are in line with the research themes specified for the next Framework Programme of the European Commission, Horizon 2020. All of the challenges listed are international in nature.
“International cooperation will gain Finnish researchers access to international infrastructures and funding. The grand challenges also involve a social aspect. Research is utilised to gain impact on and find solutions to global social issues,” explains Makarow.
“Prior to the start of the next Framework Programme, the Academy of Finland could open up targeted calls for the grand challenge areas, so that our researchers would be better prepared for the process of applying for Framework Programme funding. A recent survey indicated that many of our researchers are already working independently within the research areas outlined by the Board,” states Makarow.
The processes of the Academy serve as models for European funding agencies
“In the course of my international tasks, I have noted that the Academy of Finland has an impeccable reputation. The quality, transparency and ethics involved in our operational processes are highly valued. Additionally, our almost entirely international evaluation panels are in a class of their own. The successful practices of the Academy have been articulated by the panellists who have participated in the evaluations, as well as by the Academy’s sister organisations,” Makarow adds.