The ‘European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers’ (2005) (pdf) set out general principles affecting the role, responsibilities and rights of researchers as well as their employers/funders. The Charter and Code (C&C) were developed by the European Commission as manifestos geared to achieving a transparent and open labour market for researchers in the European Research Area (ERA), with the aim increasing the attractiveness of a research career in Europe and thereby attracting &/or retaining the best research talent in Europe. This is particularly important in Greece nowadays i.e. to train, attract and keep a critical mass of research talent.

The need for specific actions to promote implementation of the Charter and Code (C&C) principles in research institutions led to the development by the EC of the ‘Human Resources Strategy for Researchers Incorporating the Charter & Code’ (HRS4R). The HRS4R addresses a range of practical issues including health and safety; social security and supplementary pension needs; employment and working conditions; and measures to enhance the training, skills and experience of researchers.

 For further information see https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter 

HRS4R at University of Crete

The University of Crete (UoC) was the first Greek University to sign the Charter & Code (271st Senate Assembly 17/12/2009) and acted as a multiplier in successfully proposing adoption of the C&C by the Greek University Rectors Council (June 2010). In 2012 the UoC joined the group of European institutions entitled to use the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ logo in recognition of our commitment to implementing the Charter and Code principles through the HRS4R process.  

The University recently re-affirmed its endorsement of the Charter and Code principles and our continued commitment to the HRS4R process and is currently applying for renewal of certification. To date, the HRS4R process at UoC has involved the following stages:

1. An initial assessment and ‘gap analysis’ of the situation at our University in relation to the principles of the Charter & Code [summary]
2. The University’s first action plan
3. Internal Assessment of progress made in implementation
4. The University’s second Action Plan
5. Internal Assessment of progress for renewal of certification 
6. The University’s 2022-25 Action Plan 

This formal process has been complemented by a survey of the UoC research community (March-April 2022) to assess awareness of the HRS4R process and perceptions of how well the principles of the Charter and Code were being met at UoC.   The survey included students and staff at all research career stages, from doctoral students through to faculty members, and provided a ‘reality check’ in evaluating progress to date and critical input to determining priorities for the new Action Plan.