The European Commission has adopted a European Charter for Researchers and a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

These two documents, addressed to researchers as well as to employers and funders in both the public and private sectors, are key elements in the European Union's policy to make research an attractive career, which is a vital feature of its strategy to stimulate economic and employment growth.

Since the adoption of the Commission Recommendation on the Charter & Code in 2005, over 1 200 institutions from 35 countries in Europe and abroad (and European/international organisations) have expressed their explicit support for the Charter & Code.

The "HR Strategy for Researchers" supports research institutions and funding organisations in the implementation of the Charter & Code in their policies and practices. The logo "HR Excellence in Research" will identify the institutions and organisations as providers and supporters of a stimulating and favourable working environment.

The "Human Resources Strategy for Researchers" is articulated in five main steps:

1. An internal analysis by the participating research institution or funding organisation, involving all key players, to compare policies and practices against the Charter & Code principles;
2. On the basis of the results of this analysis, the participating institution or organisation develops its own HR strategy for researchers which should include a concrete action plan. This document is made public;
3. The analysis and action plan are then reviewed and acknowledged by the European Commission. The acknowledgement implies the right to use the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo;
4. Progress in the implementation of the strategy and action plan is subjected to a self-assessment after 2 years;
5. An external evaluation is carried out at least every 4 years.

These AcademicTransfer member organizations have acquired the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo:

Academic Medical Center
Delft University of Technology
Erasmus MC
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Leiden University
Maastricht University
Radboud University Nijmegen
Tilburg University
University of Amsterdam
University of Groningen
University Medical Centre Groningen
Utrecht University
Wageningen University

All the other Research Intensive Universities are working hard on obtaining it, so this page will continue to be updated.

Source: ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/rights/index