Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)
Since September 2022, the University of Bremen holds the EU "HR Excellence in Research Award". With this award, the European Commission honors academic institutions which have formulated their individual "Human Resoruces Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)" - aiming at both excellent working conditions and an inspiring working environment for researchers.
The award and the respective HR strategies are based on the principles of the "European Charter for Researchers" and the "Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers" adopted by EU in 2005 (revised in 2023) and requires an extensive evaluation process. The principles and the respective HR strategy comprise four thematic fields: ethical and professional aspects, recruitment and selection, working conditions and social security as well as training and developtment.
By taking part in this process, the University of Bremen also emphasizes its international orientation and increases its visibility.
"Initial Phase"
In 2021, scientists at all career levels, administrative staff and interest groups jointly conducted a comprehensive status quo analysis and developed a catalog of actions based on this analysis.
The analysis and measures are based on a toolbox provided by the EU. The aim is to create an own "Human Resources Strategy for Researchers" (HRS4R) in a permanent, structured, responsible and participatory process together with scientists at all career levels, accompanied by quality management measures.
"Implementation Phase"
During the current Implementation Phase (part 1: 2022-2024, part 2: 2024-2027), the university is now implementing this action plan and fosters its own HR strategy for researchers.
The implementation is monitored by a Steering Committee with ongoing involvement of the University's Executive Board and several status groups. The current status is reported regulary to the Academic Senate. In the "Internal Review", submitted to the European Commission in September 2024, the Steering Committee reflects the current working conditions, the implementation status of the action plan and sets priorities for the continued Implementation Phase.
After the Internal Review, the actions will be re-matched with the renewed principles of the "Charter for Resrearchers" (adopted in 2023).
The results of this phase are published below together with the results of the Initial Phase.
"Renewal Phase"
During the "Renewal Phase" (from approx. beginning of 2028), the university will follow up on measures from previous phases initiate and new measures.
Downloads and links
Information by the European Commission:
- Official website by EU (EURAXESS) on HRS4R
- European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct (1st version from 2005)
- European Charter for Researchers (2nd version from 2003; Charter & Code have been merged, modernized and simplified)
Results of the University of Bremen - Implementation Phase - part 1 (2022-2024):
Results of the University of Bremen - Initial Phase (2021-2022):
