Paderborn University has been honoured with the "HR Excellence in Research Award". With this award, the European Commission recognises universities and research institutions that systematically work to improve the working conditions of their researchers. The seal is the first milestone in a long-term audit process aimed at implementing the requirements set out by the European Commission in the "European Charter for Researchers".
The successful assessment was preceded by an intensive work process in which the university focussed on various topics, including the working and research environment, compliance with ethical standards and principles of good scientific practice, as well as academic career development and personnel selection and recruitment processes. With the involvement of various stakeholders from academia, administration and interest groups, an action plan was developed on the basis of a comprehensive analysis in order to reduce identified weaknesses and further develop existing strengths. In the process, the university has defined six strategic fields of action, each with specific measures and objectives. These include promoting career development for academics, improving the support and leadership culture, professionalising staff selection and onboarding processes, improving the academic support environment, promoting supportive working conditions and improving organisational knowledge management and internal communication.
Following the successful review, the HRS4R process (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) is now entering its five-year implementation phase. After two years, the university is called upon to assess the progress of the measures as part of an interim evaluation and to plan further steps.
Prof Dr Johannes Bl?mer, Vice President for Research and Early Career Researchers, is delighted with the award: "The findings from the HRS4R process have provided valuable insights that now need to be translated into concrete and sustainable changes. The audit is an important step towards strengthening our future viability and further developing the entire organisation." It also increases competitiveness when applying for funding at European and national level, Bl?mer continues.
HRS4R coordinator Dr Johanna Flore is overseeing the implementation phase and is responsible for realising the package of measures adopted together with the relevant stakeholders from the university. An advisory board, which primarily brings the perspective of academics into the process, provides feedback and monitors compliance with the objectives and thus continuous progress.
Further information on the HRS4R audit at Paderborn University can be found here.
This text was translated automatically.
