Paderborn University Starts HRS4R Audit Process and Aims to Receive the “HR Excellence in Research Award”
Attractive framework conditions in academia are an important component to strengthening the universities’ future potential. These framework conditions include an outstanding working and research environment, support and perspectives in the development of academic careers, fairness and transparency in staff selection and recruitment processes, as well as ensuring compliance with ethical standards and principles of good scientific practice. All of these aspects are foci of the “Human Resources Strategy for Researchers” audit (HRS4R), which is a process set up by the European Commission to strengthen the European Research Area and to improve working conditions for academics.
The HRS4R audit is based on the European Commission’s principles formulated in the “European Charter for Researchers” and the “Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers” addressing researchers, as well as their employers and their funders. Participating institutions that are committed to implementing these principles and are successful in establishing and promoting them in their HR strategy receive the “HR Excellence in Research Award” after being assessed by the European Commission.
Prof. Dr. Johannes Blömer, Vice-President for Research and Junior Academics, who holds strategic responsibility over the HRS4R audit at Paderborn University, views this long-term process as a great opportunity for the University’s further development: “As the coordinating University of the COLOURS Alliance, which was founded as part of the ‘European Universities’ initiative, Paderborn is assuming a special responsibility – a new role it is actively pursuing to shape. HRS4R can make an important contribution towards the implementation of international standards and thus sustainably strengthen both Paderborn University’s future potential and its visibility even beyond national borders.”
In order to facilitate the operational implementation of the HRS4R process, a project group was set up to work on audit-related topics in close cooperation with selected experts from academia and administration.
The audit process is now entering the initial phase, which will last for the next twelve months and includes a comprehensive analysis of the status quo, concerning the various topics of the audit. Based on this analysis, areas of action as well as concrete measures of improvement will be developed.
For more information on the audit and on its specific process at Paderborn University, please visit the HRS4R audit website.
