What is the HRS4R label?
The HR Excellence in Research is a distinction awarded by the European Comission recognizing research institutions and funding organisations that have signed and implemented the “European Charter for Researchers” and the “Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”. These two documents are key elements in the European Union's policy to make research an attractive career, which is a vital feature of its strategy to stimulate economic and employment growth.
The European Charter for Researchers is a set of principles designed to foster attractive research careers and support excellence in research and innovation across Europe. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of researchers, employers, and funders, ensuring a high standard of professional and ethical conduct. The Charter is structured around four fundamental pillars:
- Ethics, Integrity, Gender, and Open Science, which emphasize responsible research practices and inclusivity
- Researchers’ Assessment, Recruitment, and Progression, which promote fair and transparent career development
- Working Conditions and Practices, which ensure a supportive and well-regulated research environment
- Research Careers and Talent Development, which focus on nurturing and advancing researchers’ professional growth
Why is this important?
Obtaining this distinction demonstrates that Rennes 2 University is dedicated to providing attractive research opportunities that prioritize transparency, ethics, assessment, working conditions, and talent development. In doing so, we position our university as a reliable research establishment that values the well-being of its researchers in every essential aspect, ensuring a supportive and thriving environment for their professional growth.
How do we proceed?
During the initial phase, we are creating a dedicated governance structure and are launching a comprehensive process that begins with a thorough self-assessment of our current practices. This will be followed by the completion of the gap analysis and the construction of an action plan monitored by indicators to track our progress.
After this first year of self-assessment and co-constructing of the action plan, we will submit the gap analysis, OTM-R Checklist, and the Initial Action Plan to the EC in order to obtain the HRS4R distinction, marking a significant step forward in our process.
In the second phase, we will begin the implementation of the action plan and its associated strategy over an initial period of 24 months. At the end of this period, we will conduct an interim evaluation to assess progress and identify areas for further improvement. This will be followed by a revised implementation phase over the next 36 months, ensuring continuous alignment with the Charter’s principles.
Finally, the third phase, known as the "renewal phase," concerns the implementation of the Improved Action Plan, the evaluation of the Improved Action Plan by experts of the European Commission followed by a site visit, and will mark our continued commitment to improving and renewing our practices to maintain the HRS4R distionction.
