What is the HR Excellence in Research?

In March 2021, WUT received the HR Excellence in Research award. By accepting this distinction, we committed ourselves to continuously raising standards in the area of human capital management and to undergoing evaluation by international experts appointed by the European Commission. In accordance with the principles of the Charter for Researchers, recruitment at Warsaw University of Technology is carried out in line with the principles of openness, transparency, and merit-based selection (OTM-R).

The European Charter for Researchers was established in 2015, but in 2023 it underwent a significant reformulation. The previous set of 40 principles was organized in groups of responsibilities (researcher, university, grant provider) and the Code of Conduct for Recruitment functioned as a separate document. The updated version introduces a set of 20 principles arranged into four pillars—common to all—guiding the conduct and organization of research work:

Pillar 1: Ethics, Integrity, Gender Perspective and Open Science – refers to the foundations of research work: freedom of scientific research, research integrity, and open science (including data managed according to the FAIR principles). It also includes promoting gender equality and diversity, recognizing the professional conduct of researchers, and supporting the talent mobility. A new principle is the sustainability of research, meaning the consideration of the objectives of the EU Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Pillar 2: Evaluation, Recruitment and Career Progression of Researchers – concerns, among other things, transparent recruitment processes (OTM-R: open, transparent, merit-based) as well as clear systems for evaluating research performance that take into account the diversity of activities, their value, and their impact on society.

Pillar 3: Working Conditions and Practices – focuses on creating a stimulating working environment that supports mental well-being and a healthy work–life balance. It covers issues such as employment stability, fair remuneration, protection of intellectual property, and responsibility for the dissemination and societal use of research results.

Pillar 4: Research Careers and Talent Development – emphasizes continuous professional development, lifelong learning, and access to career guidance and mentoring. This pillar also addresses the validation of skills acquired during mobility, support for researchers in their teaching activities, and the assurance of high standards of research supervision.

Read more  -> https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward

Why is it important?

HR Excellence in Research is a prestigious distinction awarded to research institutions that ensures acting upon European standards for conducting scientific and research and development (R&D) activities.

An important benefit of this award is that it provides a framework for improving internal processes within the University, including institutional changes and developments in organizational culture.

HR Excellence in Research signifies joining a community of research institutions that view the improvement of HR practices as closely linked to the quality of research work. A university that provides a supportive research environment is not only a good employer, but also increases the attractiveness of an academic career as a worthwhile professional path.

Pragmatic value of the award: As a confirmation of European standards, it simplifies the description of internal procedures used in international European Commission grant competitions. As an international award, it also enhances the University’s visibility beyond national borders, thereby facilitating engagement in cooperation with partners operating according to European standards.

The impact of HR Excellence in Research on recruitment includes, among other things, the organization and clarification of rules governing the recruitment process for candidates applying for positions at Warsaw University of Technology. The Code of Conduct for Recruitment and Selection Committees in the Recruitment Process of Employees at Warsaw University of Technology (Rector’s Ordinance No. 71/2025) builds on earlier internal regulations, for example those concerning the composition of selection committees (Rector’s Ordinances No. 111/2021 and 112/2021). The University also operates an IT system for submitting applications for open positions (eRecruiter), and further work is underway on the continued digitalization of processes, including documentation.

The impact of HR Excellence in Research on research career development includes supporting research excellence through transparent career paths, recognizing the value of mobility and intersectoral cooperation, fostering professional relationships with research supervisors, providing professional support from specialists in research activities, managing intellectual assets, and ensuring access to continuous professional development while taking into account equality, diversity, and work–life balance.

In parallel with HR Excellence in Research activities, Warsaw University of Technology undertakes measures to strengthen equal and fair treatment, including:

• Gender Equality Plan → link to the website
• Activities of the Confidential Advisors → link to the website
• Research Ethics Committee → link to the website