Concerned about the recruitment and working conditions of its researchers, the University of Savoie Mont Blanc applied for and obtained the HRS4R label.
This label, awarded by the European Commission, is given to higher education institutions that are committed to continuous improvement in recruitment and the research environment.
The label is based on theEuropean Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers published in 2005. The Charter and Code are structured around four themes, comprising 40 principles:
- Ethical principles and professional responsibilities
- Recruitment, mobility
- Working and safety conditions, professional environment
- Training, career development
For USMB, implementing HRS4R certification presents several challenges related to its strategy of excellence and international openness:
- Improving recruitment procedures for our researchers
- Developing the careers of our researchers
- Enhancing the University's international visibility
- Increase its attractiveness in terms of recruitment
- Obtain more funding by meeting the requirements of the European Commission
A self-assessment and co-construction approach
A candidate for the label since November 2022, the University of Savoie Mont Blanc has implemented a self-assessment and co-construction process involving the academic community. Three internal working groups have been working on the university's positioning with regard to the 40 principles of the label and on proposing courses of action.
Meetings to discuss best practices were also held with national research organizations, longstanding partners of USMB, and within the UNITA Alliance.
Ultimately, after 13 working meetings, the self-assessment led to the development of an action plan structured around four priorities, ten objectives, and 30 actions.
HRS4R Label: USMB Action Plan
This action plan has been approved by the European Commission. The USMB now has 24 months to implement it before an interim evaluation. During this implementation phase, the USMB research community will be involved and will contribute ideas to create an even more favorable research environment for USMB researchers.