Network
"Knowledge and development are not locked behind thick walls, but take place in an interplay between universities and the outside world." * COVID restrictions and closure have separated us from the outside world, because admittedly we have become experts in the use of online meetings, but the inspiration that arises in the physical meetings, for example around experimental activities, we lack. And that means something.
The fact that our partners can visit, see the effects of trial treatments, and we can discuss with them, means something. At the same time, it is also our opportunity to showcase the great experimental work that our staff of laboratory technicians, technicians, and experimental staff has maintained - despite the restrictions. So, this time, my editorial will be an appeal to get started on field trips and demonstrations of project activities - of course within the current restrictions and with the utmost consideration to avoid COVID infection.
Network development
Most collaborative projects with the industry are established through the researchers' personal networks and informal relationships with employees in the companies. It takes a long time to develop these relationships. Often it is people you know from educations, previous jobs, conferences, etc. - it could also be some of our own former students. It is important that you as a researcher are aware of the importance of the personal network. This applies partly in relation to strengthening already created relationships and partly in relation to continuously creating new relationships that over time can result in new collaborative projects.
The networks are often created through the informal communication - during breaks.
It is a long-term investment to develop and maintain a network. But good contacts can often provide knowledge about new initiatives and lead to new exciting projects. At the same time, networking provides an opportunity to make you and the department's activities visible.
Networks are important for all staff groups - for knowledge about the development of new instruments, machines, technology, and methods. It can also help us recruit new colleagues.
Visibility
As part of developing networks, it is important that we make ourselves and our activities visible to companies and potential partners. Researchers traditionally do this through publication - nationally and internationally, but important tools for visibility are also participation in workshops and conferences, which are lacking at the moment.
But in step with the gradual reopening, we again have the opportunity to arrange physical project meetings and receive visitors, so we can showcase our facilities and project activities - of course in terms of COVID restrictions. It might be a little more hassle to arrange and hold events, but that should not deter us from doing so.
Last year, we managed to have a field trip on June 11, three days after the assembly ban was lifted to 50 people. There was full support and guests were still in the process of inspecting and discussing the trials after the event was officially over.
In AGRO's business committee, we work with planning theme days, where the first will deal with precision agriculture.
* Quote AAU's Rector Per Michael Johansen and AAU's Innovation Director Dorte Maarbjerg Stigaard in the Althing, Debate 6 May 2021