The purpose of a research centre is to foster academic growth by creating an environment of knowledge where researchers and external actors can work together to promote research, education, and innovation within a specific research area that is relevant to university operations.
The Benefits of a Research Centre
The research centre provides a platform on which researchers can conduct high-quality research in collaboration with both national and international actors, which serves to improve research quality and increase social relevance. A centre serves as a shared place of knowledge for researchers, which strengthens research-related teaching and education, and promotes collaboration and innovation. The organisation in a research centre also provides better opportunity to attract external funding, which is crucial when it comes to expanding research activities.
University Goals - Research Centres
For Dalarna University, the establishment of a research centre is a strategic investment that allows for the development of specific research areas. With its research groups, Dalarna University wants to:
- strengthen its research.
- create long-term collaboration with external parties.
- raise the quality of both research and teaching.
- make research findings and innovations more available and increase their utilisation.
How is a research centre formed?
A research centre is initiated by one or more of the university schools and must receive the approval of the Vice-Chancellor. To form a centre, a clear application is required that describes the purpose, goals, and research focus of the centre as well as the way it will contribute to multi- or interdisciplinary research and collaboration. There must also be a clear plan for its organisation and financing, as well as documented collaboration with external actors. The head of the centre, who is appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, is responsible for heading activities and following up on results.
Communication and Webpages for Research Centres
Research centres at Dalarna University use webpages as their central platform to make their research visible, to communicate goals, and to build a network of external contacts. These webpages have several purposes:
- Unified structure and presentation: The research centres are central to the University and therefore need to be presented in a uniform way. To this end, a basic template and structure are available. It also makes it easier for others, such as those in management, at the University to talk about our research centres.
The website about the research centre is for external target groups; the information should not contain information that is important to only the members of the research centre. - Communicate the expertise and focus of the research centre: A clear description of the centre’s research focus, projects, and results makes it easier for external target groups to understand the contributions the research centre makes to its field.
- Attract collaborative partners and research funding bodies: A well-structured website makes it easier for potential partners to find relevant information about the research centre, its researchers, and current projects. It is an important tool for creating new collaboration opportunities.
- Strengthen the University's research areas: By showcasing the research centre's successes and activities in a uniform manner, the webpage helps strengthen the University’s position in specific research fields.
Considerations - Research Centre Webpage
- Content and responsibility: The head of the research centre is responsible for ensuring that the website is correct and kept up-to-date. The information should reflect the latest research results, current projects, and relevant collaboration. The design of the webpage must be in line with the University's graphic profile and guidelines for communication.
- Active sharing: The fact there is a website is not enough: research centre members need to actively share information about it with external target groups – for example, via conferences, meetings, and collaboration. The website functions as a hub, yet it is through active communication that new relationships are established.
- Clarity and simplicity: The webpage should be easy to navigate and provide clear information about the research centre's activities, researchers, and projects. It should be easy for external visitors to understand what the centre does and how to get in touch with its members for potential collaboration.
By keeping the website up-to-date and active, the research centre can effectively share its research and attract new opportunities for development and collaboration.