Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)
HUMAN RESOURCES
STRATEGY FOR
RESEARCHERS HRS4R
What is HRS4R
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is a European Commission initiative that supports research institutions in aligning their human resources policies and practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers .
Its objective is to create an open, transparent, and supportive research environment that fosters excellence, integrity, equal opportunities, and career development. Institutions that successfully implement the HRS4R and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement are awarded the HR Excellence in Research distinction.
The HRS4R framework is structured around four key pillars:
ETHICS
Ethics, integrity, gender, and open science
- — Research ethics and integrity
- — Freedom of scientific research
- — Open science
- — Gender equality
- — Embracing diversity
- — The researcher
- — Mobility
- — Sustainability of research
RECRUITMENT
Evaluation, recruitment, and career progression
- — Assessment of researchers
- — Recruitment
- — Selection
- — Career progression
INCLUSIVE WORKSPACE
Working conditions and practices
- — Working conditions, funding and salaries
- — Employment stability
- — Contractual and legal obligations
- — Dissemination and exploitation of results
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Research careers and talent development
- — Recognition of diverse research careers
- — Professional development and career guidance
- — Continuous professional development
- — Supervision and mentoring
A Journey to Excellence
The implementation of the HRS4R is an ongoing journey towards research excellence. Through a continuous process of improvement, we are aligning our policies, practices, and culture with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. This institution-wide commitment strengthens our research environment, supports talent, and promotes excellence across the entire University.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HRS4R Seal has a direct impact on the continuous improvement of researchers’ working conditions. In daily practice, it translates into:
- More transparent and fair recruitment processes
- Improved onboarding and integration of researchers
- Clearer access to professional development opportunities
- More defined policies on work–life balance and equality
- Improved international mobility and recognition of research careers
For a university such as UPC, the HRS4R Seal is important because:
- It strengthens its international reputation as a leading research institution
- It helps attract top international research talent
- It enhances participation in European projects (Horizon Europe and others)
- It demonstrates commitment to good practices in people management
- It fosters a culture based on quality, ethics, and transparency
The HRS4R Seal is not permanent. It is subject to periodic review by the European Commission:
- Interim assessments are carried out to monitor progress on the action plan
- The full renewal of the recognition is typically reviewed every 3 to 5 years, depending on institutional compliance and progress
UPC is committed to implementing an ongoing action plan focused on improving:
- Working conditions for researchers
- Transparency in recruitment processes
- Equal opportunities and non-discrimination
- Supervision and career development
- Quality of the research environment
The HRS4R strategy is led by UPC’s institutional governance and coordinated by dedicated research management and human resources teams, with the involvement of researchers from different areas.
HRS4R supports a more structured and recognised research career, offering:
- Greater transparency in merit evaluation
- Improved conditions for professional development
- Increased mobility across European institutions
- International recognition of researchers’ profiles