The HR Excellence in Research Award (HR Award) is a distinguished recognition granted by the European Commission to institutions that demonstrate a strong, strategic commitment to creating an attractive, fair, and supportive environment for researchers. It is a core instrument of the European Research Area (ERA), promoting high-quality working conditions, transparent recruitment, and a culture of research excellence.

Institutions achieving the HR Award must align their policies and practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (OTM-R). These principles cover ethical and professional responsibilities, fair and merit-based recruitment, career development, gender equality, and the provision of a stable, inclusive, and stimulating research environment.

For PHAETHON CoE, the HRS4R framework serves as a roadmap for establishing a world-class research ecosystem—one that attracts global talent, fosters excellence and integrity, and supports researchers at every stage of their careers. The Charter and Code provide the structural foundation for a coherent and transparent HR culture, while OTM-R principles ensure that recruitment processes remain open, competitive, and merit-based.

Benefits of Implementing HRS4R at PHAETHON CoE

• Strengthens the CoE’s ability to attract and retain high-calibre researchers through fair, inclusive, and supportive working conditions.
• Enhances research quality and productivity by promoting professional development, skills growth, and high-standard supervision.
• Establishes clear career pathways and training opportunities that foster continuous talent development.
• Promotes collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and researcher mobility within Europe and internationally.
• Supports a healthy, flexible, and sustainable working environment that improves well-being and performance.
• Ensures a strong ethical, transparent, and open-science culture aligned with European standards.
• Advances diversity, equality, and inclusive recruitment practices across all research activities.
• Improves strategic HR management, aligning staffing and skills with institutional priorities.
• Strengthens institutional reputation and increases competitiveness for European funding and partnerships.
• Contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of PHAETHON CoE as a leading research institution.

Strategic documents