HR Excellence in
Research Award

The certification process is based on a participatory approach. Through a gap analysis, we will look at what is already working well and identify areas where there is room for further development and improvement. The aim is to develop concrete and feasible measures that make a meaningful difference to your day-to-day work.

Following a successful kick-off, the process is now entering its next phase: working in thematic discussion groups, each focusing on one of the following areas:

• Working Conditions

• Recruitment and Assessment of Researchers

• Gender Equality and Diversity

• Research Integrity

• Research Careers and Talent Development

Within these discussion groups, participants will conduct a joint gap analysis, identify areas for development and develop proposals for concrete measures.

The discussion groups are expected to meet online two to three times between September and November, with each meeting lasting around 90 minutes. Between meetings, participants can also share ideas and suggestions asynchronously via the files in the Unibox.

Different perspectives are essential for a thorough analysis. We therefore welcome researchers at all career stages to take part.

How you can get involved:

• Join our project course in Stud.IP and the discussion group(s) you would like to contribute to

• Please feel free to share this call with interested colleagues and networks to ensure that as many different perspectives as possible are included in the process

The more diverse the composition of the discussion groups, the better we can take into account the different working realities at the University of Rostock and develop effective and workable measures.

The HR Excellence in Research Award process starts with the submission of a Letter of Endorsement to the European Commission. By doing so, the University of Rostock formally commits to implementing the principles of the European Charter for Researchers European Charter for Researchers.

This is followed by a 12-month period during which, with the involvement of all stakeholder groups within the university, a gap analysis is conducted to assess the current situation. On this basis, a joint action plan is developed. 

Once the assessment phase has been completed, the “HR Excellence in Research Award” is awarded. The subsequent implementation phase, as well as the renewal phases, are characterized by a continuous improvement process in which action plans are regularly reviewed, updated and implemented.