HR Excellence in Research
In 2019, IGTP received the "HR Excellence in Research" award from EURAXESS, allowing the institute to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The award reflects the commitment of IGTP to continuously improve its human resources policies in line with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, notably its commitment to fair and transparent recruitment procedures.
European Commission Strategy for Human Resources in Research (HRS4R)
The European Commission Strategy for Human Resources in Research (HRS4R) has the main objective of ensuring that research centres of excellence implement and respect the requirements of the European Charter for researchers and the Code of Conduct for hiring researchers (from here on referred to as the Charter and Code) within their human resources policies.
This EC initiative aims to promote training, professional development and mobility for all European scientists. Adoption of the charter and code by European research centres will make movement in the European research zone easy and allow researchers to follow their careers within a European professional career structure.
The HRS4R Award and IGTP
The process for the HR Excellence in Research distinction began on 11 December 2017, when IGTP formally committed to implementing the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers within its human resources policies, to the extent permitted by the applicable legal framework. During 2018, the institute established an HRS4R Committee, developed its Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) policy, and prepared the corresponding Action Plan. Following its assessment by the European Commission, the Action Plan was accepted and IGTP was awarded the distinction on 22 August 2019.
The EC HRS4R award is a dynamic certification system with five clear phases representing progress to quality over 12 years. IGTP is currently undergoing the renewal process for the award. The internal evaluation pathway and progress of the renewal process have followed the stages below:
- Step 1 (9 January 2026): Internal Review for Renewal Assessment: Design. The first internal review of the renewal action plan design was submitted.
- Step 3 (3 March 2026): Internal Review for Renewal Assessment: Design. The revised design was resubmitted, incorporating the adjustments identified during the initial internal review.
- Step 4 (17 March 2026): Internal Review for Renewal Assessment: Administrative Eligibility. At this stage, the administrative eligibility of the application was assessed and the outcome was "accepted", allowing the process to move forward.
- Step 5 (17 May 2026): Renewal Assessment: Assign to Experts. The process entered the stage in which external experts are assigned to evaluate the renewal application. The current status is "pending".
This workflow reflects the progress of the HR Excellence in Research Award renewal process, from the initial internal reviews through to preparation for evaluation by external experts.
Over the implementation period, IGTP has successfully completed a substantial proportion of its HRS4R Action Plan, leading to significant improvements in recruitment, career development, training, governance and working conditions for researchers. Key achievements include the full integration of OTM-R principles through the implementation of a dedicated recruitment and applicant management software, enabling transparent, standardised and traceable selection procedures across the institution. Additional milestones include the strengthening of researcher career development and mentoring schemes, the expansion of training opportunities, and the enhancement of equality, diversity and inclusion policies. These actions have contributed to a more attractive, transparent and supportive research environment, reinforcing IGTP's alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and supporting its long-term institutional development.
Documentation
OTM-R Staff Recruitment Protocol
