HR Excellence in Research is a certificate awarded by the European Commission to institutions that implement the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. The principles contained in the Charter for Researchers aim to ensure a friendly and development-friendly working environment for researchers, in particular by guaranteeing transparency in the recruitment process, work-life balance, and support for the creation, transfer, exchange, and dissemination of knowledge and technological development.
“I am extremely proud that the Wroclaw Medical University has received the HR Excellence in Research certificate,” says the Rector of the Wroclaw Medical University, Professor Piotr Ponikowski. “This distinction underscores its importance and provides further proof that the Wroclaw Medical University is one of the best universities and the best medical school in the country. I congratulate and sincerely thank all our employees. Thanks to their work and commitment, we have achieved this prestigious distinction,” adds Professor Piotr Ponikowski.
Institutions that receive the HR Excellence in Research designation not only raise their profile in the scientific world but also become more competitive. This recognition is associated with a commitment to continuous monitoring and process improvement, not only in the area of human resources management but also in other areas of the university’s activities related to research and teaching, which allows for a more favorable working environment and increased employee satisfaction.
“Thanks to HR Excellence in Research, the university will be able to not only attract the best talent but also develop their potential, which will translate into improved research quality and scientific achievements, as well as raise the WMU’s international standing,” explains Dominika Szachniewicz, Director General of WMU. “For potential candidates for research and teaching positions, this is a sign that the recruitment process is transparent, and that the Wrocław Medical University, as an employer, cares about a friendly working atmosphere and supports the development of young scientists,” adds Director Szachniewicz.
Institutions with good HR practices are more credible to funding agencies, and the HR Excellence in Research logo can increase the chances of obtaining grants and external funding.
The Wroclaw Medical University began the application process for the HR Excellence in Research logo in December 2023. The European Commission’s decision to award the certificate to our university was made in early July.
One of the tangible actions accompanying the certification is the implementation of an intranet – a platform dedicated to employees and young researchers, facilitating access to key documents and current information regarding research support, applicable regulations, internal processes and procedures, ongoing activities, etc. Work is currently underway on the Code of Ethics; information on subsequent activities will be provided on an ongoing basis.
Obtaining the HR Excellence in Research logo would not have been possible without the commitment of many people – employees and researchers of the Wroclaw Medical University. The work to obtain the certificate was led by three closely collaborating groups:
• The Team for the Implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, chaired by Dominika Szachniewicz, Director General of the Wroclaw Medical University. This team plays a key role in preparing the institution to obtain the HR logo and in maintaining and developing standards consistent with the principles of the Charter and Code;
• Steering Committee responsible for strategic supervision of the implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, chaired by Prof. Dr. hab. Agnieszka Hałoń, Vice-Rector for Academic Staff Development;
• Monitoring Group, performing the function of operational supervision over the implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code, chaired by Dr. hab. Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz, prof. WMU.
“I’m very pleased that we managed to obtain the HR Excellence in Research logo,” says project coordinator Joanna Ciapała. “This is a great achievement, but also a commitment to implement and maintain the highest possible standards, consistent with the principles of the Researchers’ Charter. We have two years until the next assessment by the European Commission – I hope that, together, we will be able to implement the assumptions included in our HR Strategy for Researchers. I also very much hope for the involvement of researchers in processes related to the HRS4R strategy,” adds Joanna Ciapała.
More information about the HR Excellence in Research certificate HERE
