HR Excellence in Research label : A new action plan for 2026-2029

Awarded in 2020, the HR Excellence in Research label promotes improved working conditions for researchers at the University of Angers. Following a staff survey conducted last year, a new plan of action has been drawn up.

A seminar held in June 2025 provided an opportunity to discuss future initiatives under the HR Excellence in Research label.

The Human Resources Strategy for Research (or HRS4R) at the University of Angers is what is known as the HR Excellence in Research label. The European Commission awards this label to recognise the quality of an institution's commitment to continuously improving the recruitment, induction and support of its research staff. "Developing the scientific potential of our research units is one of our key priorities," emphasises Françoise Grolleau, President of the University of Angers. "Providing our researchers with the resources and conditions to conduct high-quality public research is therefore a strategic priority for the coming years."

"The HR Excellence in Research label is a nationally and internationally recognised mark of quality. It is an undeniable factor in the appeal of the University of Angers," adds Éric Delabaere, Vice-President for Policy, Human Resources and Social Dialogue."It also secures access to European research funding."

The drafting of the future action plan, a prerequisite for the renewal of the accreditation for the next three years, was based on a guidance letter from Françoise Grolleau and a wide-ranging consultation with staff. This consultation took the form of a survey which was sent out in March 2025 and received 587 responses. "This survey is a true social barometer of research at the UA," says Éric Delabaere. "I would like to thank those who responded and encourage my colleagues to read the summary that has been produced. This data was analysed during a seminar in June 2025 with a representative panel of researchers, who were appointed by the research clusters and the laboratories. Thus, of the 46 actions in the future plan, ten stem from the survey. I am thinking, for example, of the introduction of tools for forward-looking management of jobs and skills that better take into account developments and research needs, or the desire to harmonise and simplify our practices to improve the quality of services we provide to researchers. ”

The HRS4R 2026–2029 action plan will be assessed by European Commission experts, first based on a report and then during an on-site visit between July and September 2026. "We are confident," concludes the Vice-President.