University retains prestigious European Commission award

29 Feb 2016

Following an external review process, the University has retained its prestigious award from the European Commission - the HR Excellence in Research Award

The Award tells researchers that an institution is committed to supporting their careers and can give them confidence about moving to a new institution.

There are a range of benefits for institutions and its researchers that hold the Award; for example, it adds value to funding applications to demonstrate a commitment to good working conditions and career development for researchers.

The review process was led by the University’s Research Staff Development Working Group, chaired by Professor Matt Lambon-Ralph, the Associate Vice President for Research, who writes:

“Research excellence is at the heart of our University and underpins the institutional goal to be one of the top 25 research universities in the world by 2020. We value and recognise the important contribution that our research staff make to the University’s strategic goals and are committed to putting in place effective procedures and practices, both locally and institutionally, to support the career development of research staff. This commitment, expressed in specific actions in The University’s Concordat Implementation Plan, has been recognised by the European Commission in the retention of our HR Excellence in Research badge.  The external review process involved collaborative working between different parts of the University including PSS staff, Faculty Research Staff Developers, The Research Staff Association, Research Staff reps and Research Staff themselves. My thanks to all involved”

Further information

• HR Excellence in Research Award 
• Key documents that formed the basis of the Award, including the University’s Concordat Implementation Plan