HR Excellence in Research & Uninsubria

The HRS4R strategy is a tool launched by the European Commission to support universities, research institutions and organizations that fund research in the application of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which aim to contribute to the development of a European labor market attractive for researchers.

• The European Charter for Researchers identifies a set of general principles and requirements that define the roles, responsibilities and rights of researchers, employers and / or funding bodies. It is a framework for all researchers and invites them to act responsibly and professionally within their work environment and recognize themselves as such.
• The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers does not differ too much from the usual competition rules and comparative procedures, but further stresses the importance of guaranteeing open and transparent procedures and involving experienced and external recruiters.

"HR Excellence in Research”Award is a quality seal awarded by the European Commission that identifies universities and institutions that generate and support the existence of a stimulating and encouraging research environment. 

HRS4R is a voluntary, progress-oriented and peer-learning process which entails 4 main steps along 6 years:

1. The institution launches its HRS4R implementation process by sending a letter to RTD-CHARTER@ec.europa.eu, signed by the highest autorithy. With this letter the institution endorses the principles of C&C and commits to start the HRS4R process. 
2. An internal Gap analysis by the participating research institution or funding organisation, involving all key players, to compare policies and practices against the Charter & Code principles; on the basis of the results of this analysis, the participating institution or organisation develops its own HR strategy for researchers, which should include a concrete action plan. Time lapse between validation of the endorsement by EC and gap analysis+action plan submission must be no longer than 1 year. The analysis and action plan are then reviewed and acknowledged by the European Commission. The acknowledgement implies the right to use the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo
3. Achievements and Progress in the implementation of the strategy and action plan is subjected to a self-assessment after 2 years
4. An external evaluation is carried out at least every 3 years

Starting from 2017, three groups were set up within our University to ensure the smooth running and follow-up of its HRS4R:

• Steering Board (members appointed by the Rector, on Academic Senate advice; PDF) 
• Working group (members appointed by the General Manager; PDF) 
• Researchers Focus Group (to be soon extended through a new internal call for self-candidatures; PDF)

University of Insubria formally launched its commitment to the implementation of HRS4R in August 2017 by sending the letter of endorsement and has been included in the list of institutions that have adopted the Charter and the Code since October 25th 2017.

SURVEY ADDRESS TO ALL OUR RESEARCHERS 

From 29 November 2017 to 16 February 2018, all professors, researchers, post-doc and doctoral students had the opportunity to express their opinion on the implementation of the principles of the Charter and the Code within our University, by completing an online questionnaire in English.

GAP ANALYSIS: TO WHAT EXTENT HAVE WE IMPLEMENTED THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARTER AND THE CODE WITHIN OUR UNIVERSITY? IDENTIFY AREAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED

March/May 2018: the Gap Analysis has being developed, based on the results of the questionnaire addressed to all our researchers and integrated with a mapping of the initiatives already undertaken within our University. Before delineating the final proposal to be submitted to the Academic Senate, it was considered important to organize a moment of dissemination and discussion with the entire academic community and with an expert in the HRS4R process.

On April 19th 2018, an Info-day on the HRS4R European certification was held in Varese: the morning session was open to all University professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD students and saw the participation of Barbara Unkovic, Local Contact Point Euraxess for the University of Pula (Croatia), who has already experienced the HRS4R certification, both as a member of the internal group for the accreditation of her University, and as an external evaluator for other institutions. The afternoon was focused on the comparison of specific issues and best practices between B. Unkovic and the internal groups that are dealing with the drafting of the gap analysis.

October 24th 2018 : Gap analysis and Action Plan Application submitted

February 25th, 2019: University of Insubria awarded the HRS4R label