The HRS4R audit is a long-term process through which Paderborn University commits to optimising the work environment of its researchers in a sustainable manner. In 2023, Paderborn University decided to participate in the audit and established a project group in charge of preparing the application documents.

After submitting a letter of endorsement, in which Paderborn University commits to complying with the principles set out in the Charter & Code of the European Commission and to implementing them as part of the HRS4R audit, the start of the process has officially been confirmed by the European Commission.

During a kick-off event, experts from academia and administration, along with additional stakeholders of the process, were informed on the project and further steps that Paderborn University will be taking in the near future.

The project group worked with experts from academia and administration to develop the necessary application documents within the span of one year. Initially, they carried out an extensive gap analysis. This analysis encompassed an evaluation of the current status with regard to the principles contained in the Charter & Code to help identify areas of action for Paderborn University. Based on these areas of action, a plan of action was developed, which will assist Paderborn University in further implementing the respective principles through its HR strategy.

The process of preparing the application documents, in which representatives from the faculties, administration, central offices and institutions, interest groups and academia were involved, was completed. Based on the findings from the topic groups and target-group workshops, as well as an analysis of previous surveys, six strategic goals for Paderborn University were identified and specific actions were developed in consultation with the responsible units.

With the submission of the application, a comprehensive package of actions was adopted to assist Paderborn University in further consolidating and advancing the implementation of the principles of the Charter & Code. The HRS4R strategy and the action plan of Paderborn University are published here.

The assessment by the European Commission has been successfully completed and Paderborn University has been awarded with the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ seal. This recognises its comprehensive commitment to working systematically on the further development of the organisation in line with the Charter and Code. In the five-year implementation phase that is now starting, Paderborn University will implement the jointly developed action plan and thus continuously improve the working and research environment of its researchers. An interim assessment is planned after two years to assess the progress of the measures and to plan further steps.