Evaluation Report Publications of the Academy of Finland 1/11

Research networking and interaction
The unit has much active collaboration both nationally and internationally. The unit 
receives many contacts from a number of parties but selects the topics it wants to 
pursue through collaborations, and bases the selection on its research strategy. The 
unit was a partner in the Nordic Centre of Excellence Biosphere, Aerosol, Cloud and 
Climate Interactions (BACCI) in 2003–2008 and is presently a partner in the Finnish 
Centre of Excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Meteorology of 
Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change (2008–2013). Networking is also 
provided through the unit’s participation in five different graduate schools.
Recommendations
The unit should maintain its research activities at a high level. Negotiating special 
agreements would be beneficial in the use of specialised equipment only available 
outside the unit in order to ensure good access to such modern equipment. This applies 
in particular to the use of the FT-ICR (Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance) 
MS equipment that is only available in Eastern Finland. The unit should also be more 
proactive in sending people abroad, even if the working conditions within the unit are 
good for the researchers. Finally, the unit should continue to maintain a healthy balance 
between the number of staff members at different levels, in order to maintain the unit’s 
competence and focus on long-term fundamental research issues.

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