The faculties are forced to take a step back for the new research establishments ESS and MAX IV. The government wants the university to pay 130 million SEK each year for the expenses. The responsibility for the payment now causes the university to fall behind compared to other universities.
They say that the new research establishments European Spallation Source and the laboratory MAX IV will put Lund University on the map. However, as a consequence the research at the other faculties will suffer. Money that would otherwise have been given to the faculties for the development of the university’s research work is swallowed by the construction project. “Our increased subventions goes directly to the establishments. So we lack the possibility, that our colleagues at other universities have, to strengthen the faculties,” says principal Per Eriksson.
Photo: Archive/Daniel Polberger.
They demand money from the government
The principal at the university, Per Eriksson, together with administration head, Margot Wallström, now demand more money from the government to help finance ESS and MAX IV – again. The last time the university asked for help from the government with the financing was just two years ago.
“The difference from the situation in 2012 is that now we are able to handle the situation but we are not able to give any money to the faculties which other universities can. All our resources and investments goes towards ESS and MAX IV. On the other hand, my colleagues at Uppsala University are able to invest in and develop different elements of the university,” says Per Eriksson.
The increasing subventions given to the university of about 90 millions a year has been completely swallowed by the expenses of the establishments. The university board now asks the government for 60 million SEK a year that will be directed specifically at the financing of ESS and MAX IV.
70 millions a year
In 2012 the university demanded that the government should contribute with financial resources so that Lund University only should have to pay 70 millions a year of the 130 millions that the construction project has been estimated to cost. The same demand stands today and the university is still prepared to pay 70 millions each year for the establishments.
The total expenses for the construction of ESS only, are about 18 billion SEK. Spain has already agreed to pay 5 % of the construction expenses and Great Britain has recently promised to contribute with 1.8 billion SEK, that is about 10 % of the expenses. Also Poland, Switzerland and Hungary have agreed to help finance the plant.
”A few more things”
Lars Leijonborg is responsible for ESS and the part of the financing that will be collected from countries outside Scandinavia.
How large is the part of the financing still needed to be collected this year?
“There are a few more things to be done and we work very hard to get those things in order. It’s a little bit too early to say that we are there yet,” says Lars Lejonborg.
He himself is not responsible for the national financing of the research establishments but says that he thinks the project will be valuable to the university in the end.
“It has been predicted that the ESS will be a big step forwards for Lund University that it is reasonable that they contribute with their own financial resources. Personally I believe that it is a good decision to make the university contribute financially. It will be worth it,” says Lars Leijonborg.
Dissatisfied principal
That other research areas at the university need to sacrifice themselves for ESS and MAX IV is not something that principal Per Eriksson is satisfied with. He wants the university’s responsibility for financing ESS should be limited.
“The new establishment is a positive thing but that also means that we can’t invest in other faculties. We have to take on the task the government has given to us. But we want a statement from the government that limits our need to contribute,” says Per Eriksson.
Text: Lisa Blidnert
Translation: Mia Söllwander
