HR Excellence in Research Award for AGH University

Our university is now in the group of the best higher education and research institutions which meet high standards in terms of transparent recruitment processes and creating friendly and appealing work environment that serves the development of an academic and research career.

The award has been given in recognition of the “HR4R Strategy of the AGH University” prepared by the Team for the implementation of the principles of the European Charter of Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers at the AGH University.

The Strategy presents an analysis of the current status of implementation of the Charter’s and the Code’s provisions at the AGH University, as regards the compliance of regulations but also of actions and practices applied at the university. Conclusions from the analysis allowed for preparing an action plan (along with a schedule) for the implementation of the Charter’s and the Code’s principles at the AGH University in 2024–2025. The actions will cover four main areas: ethical and professional aspects, recruitment, working conditions and social insurance, and trainings. The planned actions engage various university units. Consistent employment of the Strategy will enable the successful implementation of the principles of the Charter and the Code, which will contribute to the improvement of researchers’ working conditions and the development of science at the AGH University.

Maintaining the HR Excellence in Research distinction is a continuous process. Institutions must undergo regular self-evaluations of the progress and the effects of the implementation of the Charter and the Code. Moreover, experts appointed by the European Commission conduct external analyses and their results condition whether an institution may keep the right to the award.

Thus far, the present award has been given to more than 100 universities and research institutions in Poland.

AGH University HR4R Strategy (.pdf file)

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The European Charter for Researchers* describes the rights and obligations of both researchers and employers. Whereas, the Code* consists of a set of general principles and requirements that should be followed by employers and/or funders when appointing or recruiting researchers. The documents are a recommendation of the European Commission for the researchers, employers, and entities financing research.

Institutions participating in projects funded from the Horizon Europe programme are obliged to follow the provisions of the Charter and the Code as regards the employment, recruitment, and professional development of researchers.  Whether an institution was awarded the HR Excellence in Research distinction is taken into consideration in grant competitions organised by the European Commission.

*Since January 2024, the European Charter and the Code have been replaced by an updated document, the “European Charter for Researchers.” The reason behind it is the adjustment of the provisions to current challenges and the ever-changing environment. Relevant changes at the websites of the European Commission and in the online system (e-tool) are going to be introduced in June 2024.

• European Charter for Researchers
• Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
• New Charter – Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe