Our University is awarded ‘HR Excellence in Research Logo’
On the 8th of September 2017, European University Cyprus was awarded the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ logo. The ‘HR Excellence in Research’ identifies the institutions and organizations, which are providers and supporters of a stimulating and favourable working environment for researchers. This recognition reflects the commitment of European University Cyprus to continuously improve its human resources policies in line with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. These two documents, addressed to researchers as well as to employers and funders in both the public and private sectors, 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.
European University Cyprus endorsed the European Charter & Code for Researchers (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter) in January 2011. The Charter & Code are compatible with the University’s aim to create and sustain a stimulating research environment for researchers at all stages of their career regardless of their contractual situation. Since the ratification of the EUC Research Policy by the University Council in November 2015, the development and adoption of a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) has been a major priority.
The HR Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) supports research institutions and funding organizations in the implementation of the Charter & Code in their policies and practices. The HR Strategy for Researchers includes five steps:
Step 1 – Internal Gap Analysis
Step 2 – HRS4R Action Plan is developed and published
Step 3 – Review and Acknowledgement by the European Commission.
Step 4 – Implementation and self-assessment
Step 5 – External evaluation
As recommended by the European Commission, the first step was to conduct an internal gap analysis, comparing the 40 principles of the Charter & Code to the current practices of the University. The main conclusion of the gap analysis was that, while the current practices were in line with many of the Charter & Code principles, a number of areas needed further development or improvement.
These areas are discussed in the Action Plan (LINK in existing site), which outlines the actions that need to be taken in order to improve the current practices and harmonize the University’s policies and procedures with the Charter & Code principles. The Action Plan includes the development and adoption of the ‘Guide on the Recruitment of Researchers’, the development of a comprehensive ‘Guide for Doctoral Studies’, the development and adoption of the ‘Career Development Strategy’, as well as the establishment of mechanisms for the representation of fixed-term researchers in decision-making bodies.
It is expected that the implementation of HRS4R and the award of the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ logo will attract and sustain a critical mass of research talent in the University, and more broadly in Cyprus.
A list of the HRS4R Acknowledged Institutions can be found at https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/hrs4r