European Human Resources Strategy for Researchers

Changed on 05/05/2021

In May 2019, the European Union awarded Inria the "HR Excellence in Research" label, underlining the relevance of its strategy and the associated HRS4R action plan.

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The European Human Resources Strategy for Researchers, also known as HRS4R, aims to improve the practices of organisations and institutions working in the research sector regarding recruitment and the working conditions of scientists. It gave rise to the HR Excellence in Research label awarded by the European Commission to institutions participating in this approach. This label sets out to put into practice the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, to which Inria has already been a signatory since 2006.

The European Union has awarded Inria the “HR Excellence in Research” label, underlining the relevance of its strategy and the associated HRS4R action plan (with some actions implemented in 2018 and others to start in 2019).

  • To reinforce the scientific potential of the institute and also help increase its appeal, Inria intends to focus primarily on the following projects:
  • Continue the initiatives and good practices put in place to comply with the principles proposed in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
  • Clarify and improve the dissemination of information on recruitment processes and career development
  • Deploy the attractiveness component in all its dimensions: training, development, quality of life at work and career monitoring.

The label therefore recognises the approach that Inria has chosen to implement through its 38-point action plan divided into the following areas:

  • Professional and ethical responsibilities: For example, the production of a welcome booklet for scientists to make them aware of the ethical and deontological aspects of their profession, or the sharing of information on possible career paths.
  • Recruitment and selection: For example, to better inform candidates about recruitment procedures and processes using a guide or to improve the visibility of job offers for greater transparency and attractiveness.
  • Working conditions and social policy: A set of actions to better inform, raise awareness and prevent scientists on subjects such as the working environment, psycho-social risks, disability or even parity.
  • Training and supervision : Actions to improve career monitoring, support for the careers of young scientists and training for managers.

In 2021, Inria will carry out a self-assessment midway through its action plan, which will be sent to the European Union. In 2025, Inria will be audited as part of the renewal of its label.

 

Focus on the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers

Section 1: The European Charter for Researchers

The European Charter for Researchers is a set of general principles and requirements which specifies the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers as well as of employers of researchers. In this sense, the Charter constitutes a framework for researchers and employers which invites them to act responsibly and as professionals within their working environment, and to recognise each other as such.

General Principles and Requirements applicable to Researchers:

  • Research Freedom
  • Ethical principles
  • Professional responsibility
  • Professional attitude
  • Contractual and legal obligations
  • Accountability
  • Good practice in research
  • Dissemination, exploitation of results
  • Public engagement
  • Relation with supervisors
  • Supervision and managerial duties
  • Continuing Professional Development

General Principles and Requirements applicable to Employers and Funders:

  • Recognition of the profession
  • Non-discrimination
  • Research environment
  • Working conditions
  • Stability and permanence of employment
  • Funding and salaries
  • Gender balance
  • Career development
  • Value of mobility
  • Access to research training and continuous development
  • Access to career advice
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Co-authorship
  • Supervision
  • Teaching
  • Evaluation/appraisal systems
  • Complaints/appeals
  • Participation in decision-making bodies
  • Recruitment

Section 2: The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers

The code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers consists of a set of general principles and requirements that should be followed by employers when appointing or recruiting researchers. These principles are complementary to those outlined in the European Charter for Researchers.

General Principles and Requirements for the Code of Conduct:

  • Recruitement
  • Selection
  • Transparency
  • Judging merit
  • Variations in the chronological ordre of CVs
  • Recognition of mobility experience
  • Recognition of qualifications
  • Seniority
  • Postdoctoral appointments