HR Excellence in Research 

Wroclaw Medical University has received the prestigious HR Excellence in Research (HR Logo) award, granted by the European Commission to institutions conducting scientific research.

We encourage you to read the latest information regarding the HR Excellence in Research Award and the application process at our University.

What is HR Excellence in Research (HR Logo)

HR Excellence in Research is a European Commission initiative aimed at supporting research institutions in creating a supportive and friendly work environment for researchers and promoting excellence in human resources management in research. It is based on the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, which outline best practices in recruitment, training, career development, and work-life balance.

Institutions that receive the HR Excellence in Research distinction not only enhance their reputation in the scientific world but also become more competitive. This recognition is associated with a commitment to continuously monitor and improve human resources management processes, which translates into improved research results and employee satisfaction.

Thanks to HR Excellence in Research, we can not only attract the best talent but also develop their potential, which translates into higher-quality research and scientific achievements. This will also contribute to raising our university’s international standing.

For potential candidates for research and scientific research positions, this is a sign that the recruitment process is transparent and merit-based and that the future employer cares about a friendly working atmosphere.

Goals and benefits of achieving the HR Excellence in Research Award:

Goals:

  • Promoting best practices: Introducing and implementing the principles of the European Charter for Researchers which allows building a solid foundation for human resources management in research.
  • Strengthening organisational culture: Creating a friendly and open environment that fosters innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.
  • Increasing transparency: Enabling clear communication of recruitment, career development and training processes, which builds trust among employees.
  • Increasing the attractiveness of institutions: Making it easier to attract and retain talented scientists in the labour market.
  • Continuous improvement: Regularly assessing and improving HR practices, leading to lasting change and development.

Benefits:

  • Increased reputation: Obtaining the HR Excellence in Research award increases the University’s prestige nationally and internationally, attracting the attention of researchers and partners.
  • Better research quality: Attracting and developing talent translates into higher standards of research quality and innovation.
  • Increased employee satisfaction: A friendly work environment and opportunities for professional development contribute to greater employee satisfaction and engagement.
  • Access to funding and projects: Recognition can increase the chances of securing grants and external funding, as institutions with good HR practices are more credible to funders.
  • Sustainability: Promoting work-life balance and ensuring employee well-being supports the long-term success of the entire University.

The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers

The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers are key documents outlining the principles of European Human Resources Policy for researchers, the institutions employing tchem and research funding organisations. The Charter and Code were issued by the European Commission in 2005 and contain 40 principles, divided into four main thematic areas:

  • Ethical and professional aspects
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Working conditions and social security
 

Training and development

The European Charter for Researchers – describes and regulates the rights and obligations of researchers, research institutions and organisations providing funding for research

Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers – covers the general principles and requirements that employers should follow when recruiting researchers

In January 2024, the Charter and Code were replaced by an updated European Charter for Researchers, the content of which has been adapted to address current challenges, the evolving research environment and research careers. The new Charter for Researchers contains 20 principles and is an annex to  the EU Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain talent in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe – Annex II, starting on page 18 .

Due to the fact that Wroclaw Medical University has begun applying for the HR Excellence in Research distinction based on the provisions of the 2005 Charter and Code (40 principles), all planned activities will continue under the 40 principles until the current stage of evaluation is completed.

The European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers

Open, Transparent, Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R)

The development and implementation of the Human Resources Policy is one of the key activities planned as part of the HR Strategy for academic staff of the Wroclaw Medical University.

The purpose of the Human Resources Policy will be to define, design, and disseminate a human resources management model that emphasises the key role of employees at the University. The principles adopted in the Policy will apply to all university employees and will support the personal and professional development, creating a satisfying and safe work environment.

The OTM-R procedure will constitute one of the integral parts of the Policy and will refer to the recruitment process of academic teachers (competitions), which differs from the recruitment of non-teaching staff primarily in that it is to a greater extent conditioned by national regulations.

The OTM-R Procedure objectives will include, among others:

  • defining clear and internationally comparable recruitment (competitions) for academic teachers, adapted to the type of position offered
  • ensuring the transparency of the competition process and equal treatment of all candidates,increasing the number of scientists from abroad taking up permanent or temporary employment at the Medical University of Wrocław
  • standardisation of documentation related to the competition process, including providing competition documentation in English for foreign candidates
  • supporting the professional development of academic teachers at every stage of their careers
  • recognising the value of mobility in candidates’ professional experience (geographical, inter-sectoral, inter- and transdisciplinary, between the public and private sectors)
  • building the image of Wroclaw Medical University as an attractive employer in Poland and abroad,
  • minimising the administrative burden on candidates in the competition process for the position of an academic teacher
 

HRS4R of Wroclaw Medical University

The HR Strategy for Researchers of Wroclaw Medical University was approved by the Senate of Wroclaw Medical University on 27 November 2024 and introduced by the Rector’s Order No. 274/XVI R/2024 of 17 December 2024.

 

HR Strategy for the researchers at WMU

HR Excellence step by step

Step 1. Sending a declaration of support for the principles of the Charter and Code to the European Commission

Step 2. Within 12 months of submitting the declaration:

  • Conducting a gap analysis – assessing the consistency of the rules and procedures in force in the institution with the Charter and Code
  • Preparation of an action plan – elimination of the identified deficiencies in the institution along with a description of the actions to be taken
  • Sending full documentation (analysis and plan/strategy) to the European Commission for verification and evaluation

Step 3. European Commission decision:

  • Positive – completed with the award of the HR Logo
  • Positive with a request to make corrections to the documents
  • Negative – complete rejection of documents

 Step 4. 2 years after receiving the award:

  • Reassessment of the rogres and results of implementing the principles of the Charter and Code and presentation of an action plan for the next 3 years

Step 5. Regular periodic assessments every 4 years

  • The results of analyses and periodic assessments determine the maintenance of the HR Excellence award
  • The process of applying for the HR Excellence in Research award at WMU – where are we?

 

Declaration of support for the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers

The declaration of support for the principles of the Charter and Code was submitted on 15 December 2023. The European Commission confirmed the acceptance of the declaration on 22 December 2023.

Application documents to the European Commission

  • Template 1: Process Description
  • Template 2: GAP Analysis – Overview
  • Template 3: OTMR Checklist
  • Template 4: Action Plan

Team for the implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers

  • Chairwoman of the Team
    Dominika Szachniewicz (General Director)
  • Vice-Chairwoman of the Team
    Aleksandra Królikowska (Associate Professor R3)
 

Members:

  • Kamila Środa-Pomianek (Associate Professor R3)
  • Anna Palko-Łabuz (Associate Professor R3)
  • Grzegorz Wiera (Assistant Professor R2)
  • Marek Misiak (Senior Specialist ADM)
  • Anna Suska (Senior Specialist ADM)
  • Natalia Marchut (Senior Specialist ADM)
  • Michał Olczyk (Deputy Director of the Main Library / Senior Librarian ADM)
  • Mateusz Olbromski (Assistant Professor R2)
  • Joanna Zawadzka (Director (ADM)
  • Joanna Ciapała (Senior Specialist ADM)
  • Tomasz Konopa (Attorney -at-law ADM)
  • Irena Duś – Ilnicka (Associate Professor R3)
  • Julita Kulbacka (Associate Professor R3)
  • Urszula Szwedowicz (PhD candidate R1)
  • Michał Tyliszczak (PhD candidate R1)
 

Steering Committee

  • Chairwoman
  • Vice-Rector for Academic Staff Development
  • Vice -Chairman
  • Vice-Rector for Science
 

Members:

  • Vice-Rector for Students and Teaching
  • Chairman of the Scientific Discipline Board for Medical Sciences
  • Chairman of the Scientific Discipline Board for Health Sciences
  • Chairman of the Scientific Discipline Board for Pharmacology and Pharmacy
  • Anna Oleńska – Director of the Attorney-at-law Team
  • Elżbieta Olejnik – Director of the Project Management Center,
  • Jakub Sojka – Director of the Technology Transfer Center
 

Monitoring Group

  • Chairwoman: Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz
  • Vice-chairman: Paweł Gać
 

Members

  • Dorota Diakowska,
  • Kuba Ptaszkowski
  • Marta Waliszewska-Prosół
  • Alicja Basiak-Rasała
  • Jowita Frączkiewicz
  • Małgorzata Strzelecka
  • Urszula Bąchor

Contact Info



Coordinator

Joanna Ciapała

tel. 71 784 17 75

e-mail:

joanna.ciapala@umw.edu.pl

logohr@umw.edu.pl