HRS4R Label: European Human Resources Strategy for Researchers

On December 4, 2020, the University of Angers received the "HR Excellence in Research" label which recognizes the establishment's commitment to a process of continuous improvement in the recruitment, reception and support of its research staff. Since then, the UA has continued to deploy its strategy to guarantee the best working conditions for its researchers and participate in the construction of the European research area.

The “HR Excellence in Research” label is issued by Euraxess, an organization linked to the European Commission.

The initial 2020–2025 project

The 2020–2025 action plan included 40 actions and focused on four priority areas for short- and medium-term improvement:

• Recruitment
• Ethics, non-discrimination, and gender
• Staff training
• Staff support

This action plan, based on an HRS4R survey conducted within the university community in 2019, aimed to address identified weaknesses in relation to the principles of the European Charter and Code, particularly:

• Clarity of recruitment procedures for contract staff, and transparency of information provided to candidates regarding procedures, selection panels, and evaluation criteria
• Training in identifying stereotypes (gender, disability, etc.) and how to prevent them, as well as training on rights (intellectual property, copyright, etc.)
• Management training (laboratory heads, department heads, project leaders, etc.), and the structuring, coordination, and visibility of training programs
• Monitoring and support for staff

Initial file submitted to the EC: Human Resources Strategy for Research (HRS4R)

Results of the 2019 HRS4R survey

The mid-term evaluation and the revised 2023–2025 plan

HRS4R is a quality-driven approach for which the University of Angers has implemented regular monitoring. This includes a mid-term self-assessment and an update of the action plan, followed by a final evaluation at the end of the cycle.

The mid-term self-assessment, conducted in December 2022, was positively evaluated by European Commission experts, although accompanied by several recommendations that the university committed to implementing.

Mid-term self-assessment and EC recommendations

Revised action plan (Q4 2024 version)