HR Excellence in Research HRS4R
HR Excellence in Research Award
The HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) distinction is a recognition awarded by the European Commission that certifies an institution's commitment to human resources policies aligned with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and progress towards the principles of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment.
These documents establish principles to guarantee ethical practices, adequate working conditions and open, transparent and merit-based selection processes.
Obtaining the award means that the institution has analysed its internal processes, defined an action plan and works to continuously improve the management of research staff according to European standards. This recognition makes the institution more attractive for attracting and retaining talent.
HRS4R at IR Sant Pau
IR Sant Pau began implementing the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) in 2014, with the creation of a working group that analysed the degree of compliance with the Charter & Code and defined an action plan with 19 measures to improve research, communication, training and the participation of research staff. The plan was submitted to the European Commission in February 2015 and, on 23 May of the same year, the Institute obtained the "HR Excellence in Research" award.
Since then, Sant Pau has maintained a continuous improvement process and periodically updates its human resources strategy in research.
The process of implementing and maintaining this excellence award in human resources management is as follows:
1. Initial phase
2. Implementation phase
3. Award renewal phase
The members of the HRS4R monitoring group are:
- Miriam Ors (Deputy Scientific Director and Innovation Director)
- Laura Díaz (Communication Director)
- Silvia Ribas (Legal Advisory Director)
- Marta Mitjà (Quality Assurance Unit Manager)
- Maria Rosa Ballester (Responsible Research and Innovation Unit Manager – RRI)
- Mònica Velasco (Training Plan Manager)
- Inés Perez (Occupational Risk Prevention and Biosafety Manager)
- Gisele Domenech (Manager, HR Unit)
- Mª José Bartolomé (Scientific Secretary Coordinator)
- Mercedes Camacho (R3-Researcher)
- Eduard Gallardo (R3-Researcher)
Monitoring is carried out according to the following indicator table:
C&C Principles
Ethical and professional aspects
Our institution is committed to integrity and responsibility, respect for regulations and ethics, responsible use of resources, open communication and knowledge sharing, as well as public engagement, all while promoting standards of ethical and professional excellence.
Recruitment and selection
Our institution is committed to fair and transparent selection processes, based on clear evaluation criteria, free from bias or discrimination, that value diversity of experience and guarantee equal opportunities for all candidates.
Working conditions and social environment
Our institution is committed to offering stable and attractive career paths, providing training, mentoring and guidance, recognising teaching and supervision, fostering work-life balance and well-being, and promoting social benefits and an inclusive environment for all.
Training and professional development
Our institution is committed to fostering lifelong learning, promoting professional growth opportunities, supporting mentoring and the development of transferable skills, encouraging mobility across fields and sectors, and providing specific support to junior research staff.
OTM-R
Our commitment to excellent recruitment goes beyond finding candidates: we build diverse teams where quality science and institutional values progress together.
Guided by the European OTM-R principles, we have created a selection process based on:
Publicity → Open calls that reach where talent is
Transparency → Clear communication at every step of the process
Equality → Real opportunities, without artificial barriers
Merit → Where your track record and potential make the difference
Professionalism → Fair and specialised evaluation
