EURAXESS Rights is an initiative that aims to enhance the attractiveness of a research career in Europe. It does so by supporting better employment and working conditions and better careers for researchers throughout Europe. One of the cornerstones of EURAXESS Rights is the implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers

Research institutions and funding organisations can gain recognition for promoting better research careers through the HR Excellence in Research Acknowledgement award. This is awarded by the European Commission for having made significant progress in implementing the principles of the Charter & Code.

Five reasons to gain the HR Excellence in Research Acknowledgement:

1. You support a change in working culture
2. You join a truly pan-European network consisting of researchers and research organisations
3. You stand for a stimulating and favourable working environment for researchers
4. You show that you care about your researchers/employees
5. You benefit from international visibility by using the 'HR Excellence

Five reasons to choose an employer or funder who has the HR Excellence in Research Acknowledgement:

1. Your rights as a professional are recognised and enhanced
2. Your mobility experience is valued
3. Your work-life balance is respected
4. Your recruitment will follow a transparent process
5. You join a truly pan-European network consisting of research organisations and researchers

Other important areas of focus for EURAXESS Rights are the implementation of the Scientific Visa Package (within the context of Entry conditions) and issues related to social security and pensions for (mobile) researchers.

HR Excellence in Research

The UK already has a process for improving recruitment of researchers which is similar to that specified by the European Charter and Code. This is defined according to the UK Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers (the Concordat) and the requirements relating to research degree programmes of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. Institutions and funders following these UK requirements are eligible to apply for a European HR Excellence in Research Acknowledgement. The application is coordinated by Vitae, who also provide more information and details for organisations interested in applying online, including contact details and regular submission deadlines.

There are five main steps involved in gaining and retaining the EC's HR Excellence in Research Acknowledgement award:

1. An internal analysis by the participating research institution or funding organisation, involving all key players, to compare policies and practices against the principles of the Charter and Code (or in the UK, the principles of the Concordat)
2. On the basis of this analysis, the participating institution or organisation develops its own HR strategy for researchers, which should include a concrete action plan. This document is made public
3. The analysis and action plan are then reviewed by a UK panel, which includes representation from the EC. Organisations who gain the Acknowledgement are listed on the EURAXESS Rights website and have the right to use the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo
4. After 2 years, the organisation undertakes self-assessment of progress in the implementation of the strategy and action plan
5. An external evaluation is carried out at least every 4 years.

• Information about relevant national activities (past or future) such as practice-sharing events
• Links to relevant case studies for inspiration
• Links (e.g. in side-bars) to further information on the main Euraxess site including:
  
  
• See EURAXESS UK Events for activities relevant to the HR Excellence in Research award
• EURAXESS Rights home page
• Charter and Code
• EURAXESS Rights brochure
• Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
• Organisations that have endorsed the Charter and Code
• European organisations who hold the HR Excellence in Research Award
• EURAXESS UK Local Contact Points
• Vitae for more information on how to apply for the HR Excellence in Research award