Sharing experiences with Human Resources Strategy for Researchers

CESAER has published a white paper sharing experiences of four Member institutions with the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R).

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of European engagement and developments concerning human resources for researchers and gives practical guidance for the implementation of HRS4R. The paper furthermore provides inspiring examples from four of our Member universities which have applied for and attained the corresponding HR Excellence in Research Award.

HRS4R supports research performing and funding organisations in Europe to embed Human Resources (HR) strategy within the institution’s policies. Organisations can obtain the ‘HR Excellence in Research Award´ following a thorough analysis of their institution’s HR policies.

The key challenges of universities include - amongst others - assuring gender equality and diversity, faculty workforce planning, open - and transparent recruitment, and social inclusion. In essence, the challenges relate to ensuring universities are recognised as attractive employers able to recruit the best talent and providing faculty with the training necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

This white paper provides an overview of the HRS4R, the benefits for holders of the corresponding HR Excellence in Research Award, and essentials to get this award. It is based on the experiences of and lessons learnt by four Members implementing HRS4R and obtaining the award, i.e. Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands), Ghent University (Belgium), Politecnico di Torino (Italy) and the University of Strathclyde (Scotland). They share their experiences and best practices on their institutional approaches and on specific aspects with our Members and externals.

The publication represents the first ever white paper written ad personam by members of staff of our Members. Publishing ad personam white papers complements our positions stimulating debate, setting agendas, addressing specific (societal) challenges and providing guidance.

Read the full white paper here.

For more information and enquiries, please contact the writers of the white paper:
- Sarah Benschop (Delft University of Technology)
- Chiara Biglia (Politecnico di Torino)
- Gordon Scott (University of Strathclyde)
- Karen Vandevelde (Ghent University)