A time of waiting

By the end of December, the government will present its research and innovation bill. We have already seen the updated Life Science strategy and naturally hope it will be followed by funding to enable us to fulfil the ambitious goals. A clear focus on national collaboration for research infrastructures in precision health would be more than welcome, as would increased core funding for basic medical and pharmaceutical science and clinical research.

Evaluation of Uppsala Comprehensive Cancer Centre

Uppsala University Hospital and Medfarm are also awaiting feedback from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) on our application for accreditation as a Comprehensive Cancer Centre (UCCC). During the two-day audit conducted in mid-October, we received many positive comments as well as suggestions for improvement.

We will receive the written evaluation by 19 December, after which we will begin drafting an improvement plan to be completed by the end of February. We have also had our first visit from the UCCC's international scientific advisory board, and their written comments are also expected before Christmas.

Evaluation of the Disciplinary Domain

The Medfarm KoF24 panel has recently submitted its written report. It is currently being analysed by the domain management and the departments, and early next year, we will meet with the panel chair for oral feedback. We have received many excellent suggestions that will help us develop our Disciplinary Domain, and we will continue working on these in the spring.

Among other things, we have received feedback on our resource allocation, particularly regarding our performance allocation to the departments. This was identified as a priority development area in our Vision:Medfarm work, and we are now establishing a working group to review the performance funding model for the 2026 operational plan.

Evaluation of basic science research

As if KoF24 was not enough, basic medical and pharmaceutical research has come under scrutiny as well. The Swedish Research Council's evaluation has involved many in our Disciplinary Domain. Articles have been selected, and cases describing societal benefits have been compiled. It will take some time before we receive the evaluation, but I am impressed by everyone who has volunteered their time and wisdom.

After an intense autumn, I hope we will all find time for rest and relaxation during the coming holidays. Thank you for a fantastic 2024, and Merry Christmas!

Eva Tiensuu Janson, Deputy Vice-Rector