The HR Excellence in Research Award is a distinction given by the European Commission to institutions that align their human resources policies with the principles set forth in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The award promotes among international organizations and researchers the entities that provide researchers with the best opportunities for scientific activity and development, making scientific careers more attractive and transparent.
In March 2018, the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences received the distinction (formerly logo) HR Excellence in Research awarded by the European Commission. Thus, it joined the ranks of the best universities that have taken appropriate measures to increase the attractiveness of working conditions and career development of researchers.
The distinction was given as part of the University’s development of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers – HRS4R Action Plan.
Obtaining and later maintaining the distinction involves a rigorous process in which institutions must submit an action plan based on self-assessment that complies with the 40 principles of the Charter and the Code, and conduct periodic reviews to ensure continuous compliance and improvement.
Charter and Code
The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers are documents that guarantee transparent recruitment rules, freedom to conduct research, opportunities for professional development or support for employee mobility.
In introducing the principles of the Charter and the Code at the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences , we are committed to making our University an attractive and stable place of work for scientists from Poland and other countries.
The European Charter for Researchers establishes general principles and requirements that define the roles, responsibilities and rights of researchers, as well as their employers and/or organizations that provide research funding (grantors).
- The document is aimed at all researchers in the European Union at all stages of their research careers and covers all fields of research in the public and private sectors, regardless of the nature of the position and employment, the legal status of the employer or the type of organization or institution where the research is conducted.
- The document draws attention to the need to create good and stable working conditions for scientists at every stage of their career path. It encourages the creation of such professional relationships between scientists and employers or grantors that foster positive results in the creation, transfer, exchange and dissemination of knowledge and technological development.
- The document regulates such issues as principles of good practice in scientific research, intellectual property rights, dissemination of research results, funding and remuneration, gender balance or the principle of non-discrimination, among others.
- The Charter recognizes the value of all forms of mobility as a means to further the professional development of scientists.
- It provides a framework for researchers, employers and funders to act responsibly and professionally in the work environment, and to perceive one another as professionals.
- It takes into account the various functions performed by scientists who are appointed not only to conduct scientific research and/or development activities, but also perform tasks related to scientific supervision, consulting, management or administration.
- The Charter is based on the premise that the overriding obligation of both researchers and their employers and/or funders is to comply with relevant national or regional regulations.
A university applying the principles of the European Charter for Researchers can use the prestigious “HR Excellence in Research” distinction and logo.
The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers covers the general principles and requirements that employers and/or funders should follow when appointing or recruiting researchers, ensuring equal treatment for researchers hired in Europe.
- The principles and requirements set forth in the documents guarantee adherence to such values as transparency in the recruitment process and equal treatment of all candidates. The Code complements the provisions of the European Charter for Researchers.
- Institutions and employers adhering to the principles of the Code and the Charter should openly fulfill their obligation to act responsibly and respectfully, and provide researchers with fair framework conditions conducive to the development of the European Research Area.
- The principles of the Code and Charter address, among other things, the recruitment process, selection of personnel, seniority, hiring of employees with doctoral degrees, merit evaluation, and recognition of qualifications and mobility experience.
Benefits of having an HR distinction
- Creating a friendly environment for scientific work,
- Providing scientists with stable working conditions and professional development,
- Developing transparent recruitment rules,
- Increasing the attractiveness of scientific careers, the quality of research and education, and the competitiveness of universities.
Obtaining the HR Logo is a distinction for the University. It enables promotion among international organizations and scientists, as well as bonus of the University in international grant competitions (including the European Commission in the EU’s HORIZONT 2020 framework program), and bonus in national grant competitions of the NCN and NCBiR, as well as science funding programs from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
It is also an increase in the attractiveness of employment for workers.
For more on “The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers,” visit: www.euraxess.pl
Contact to Institutions, EURAXESS members providing information and support to researchers: https://www.euraxess.pl/pl/poland/kontakt
The implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers at our university is monitored by a team comprising the following staff members:
- Professor Małgorzata Słowińska-Lisowska PhD, DSc – Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation, Chairman
- Professor Marek Woźniewski PhD, DSc – Faculty of Physiotherapy, Vice-Chairman
- University professor Jarosław Fugiel PhD, DSc – Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Team Coordinator
- University professor Małgorzata Kołodziej PhD, DSc – Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Team Secretary
- Sara Wawrzyniak PhD – Faculty of Physical Education and Sports
- Maciej Lachowicz MA – doctoral student representative
- Anna Kaźmierczak MA – Head of Employee Affairs
- Krzysztof Grzegorczyk MA – Vice-Chancellor for Information Technology and University Development
- Edyta Pieniacka PhD – University Promotion Office
Contact
Plenipotentiary of the Rector for the European Charter for Researchers
dr hab. Jaroslaw Fugiel, prof. AWF
tel. 71 3473361, e-mail: jaroslaw.fugiel@awf.wroc.pl