HRS4R: Solid and Quality Implementation

In 2005, the European Commission adopted a European Charter for Researchers and a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers  with the aim of making research careers in Europe more attractive. It also promoted  the HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Research) strategy to support universities, research institutions, and organizations that fund research with the ultimate goal of contributing to the development of an attractive European labour market for researchers.

• The European Charter for Researchers is a set of general principles and requirements that define the roles, responsibilities, and rights of researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
• The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers highlights the importance of open and transparent recruitment procedures and diverse and experienced selection committees.

IQS has also committed to this strategy, and signed the declaration of commitment to the principles of the Charter and the Code and presented its plan.

With the initial evaluation that was submitted, the evaluators welcomed the care with which IQS aligned its human resource practices with those of the Charter and the principles of the Code. The comprehensive analysis and action plan presented meet all the requirements for the use of the “HR Excellence in Research” seal.

This past February, IQS presented the self-evaluation report and the response we recently received from the external evaluation team concludes that the implementation of the IQS Action Plan is ensured in a solid and systematic manner and that IQS is moving forward with the implementation of adequate and improved quality actions.

With that in mind, we are encouraged to continue and further implement the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Maintaining the “HR Excellence in Research” award requires continuing to work on the implementation and internal review of our human resources strategy. Within three years we will enter the renewal phase, which will again be evaluated by external international experts and possibly followed up by a visit to the IQS campus.

You can find more information about the implementation of the code at IQS on our website.

Dr Núria Vallmitjana

Director of IQS Tech Transfer