In 2005, the European Commission published its European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
A current version, called the «European Charter for Researchers», was adopted in 2023 and is structured in four pillars with 20 principles: ethics, integrity, gender, and open science (8 principles); researchers' assessment, recruitment and progression (4 principles); working conditions and practices (4 principles); research careers and talent development (4 principles).
In agreeing to abide by the recommendations of the Charter and Code, research institutions (both private and public) undertake to improve recruitment procedures and to provide the best possible working conditions. Those institutions that prove their intent and progression towards implementing the Charter are awarded with «HR Excellence in Research» label. Possessing this label has become a requirement for obtaining certain types of European funding, particularly under the Horizon program.
To qualify for the «HR Excellence in Research» label, institutions must adopt the comprehensive Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R). This strategy provides clear guidelines for implementing sound recruitment and management practices, ensuring that institutions meet the high standards set by the Charter.
We are delighted to announce that Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University is the first university in Ukraine to implement the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRSfR). This innovative strategy aligns with the European Commission's requirements and emphasizes our dedication to cultivating an environment that attracts and retains the finest scientific and research talents.
Implementing this strategy is a crucial step in creating favorable and supportive conditions for the professional growth of our researchers. By providing robust support mechanisms, career development opportunities, and a conducive research environment, we aim to not only retain top talents but also foster the necessary human capital for Ukraine's future innovation and advancement.
Currently, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University is in the Initial phase. The initiative group has analyzed the compliance of the Charter with Ukrainian legislation and is preparing to endorse the Charter, perform gap analyzis and develop an action plan.
The team analyzed all 20 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and compared them with the provisions of the Labor Code of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine «On Higher Education» and other regulatory documents governing scientific and research activities in Ukraine. The team also gave its recommendations on the feasibility of adopting each of the principles when signing the declaration on the implementation of the European Charter for Researchers in Ukrainian universities.
The analysis brought us to the conclusion that the Charter does not contradict Ukrainian legislation and can be signed in full without reservations, but some of its principles should be implemented by procedures and regulations at the university level.
On May 28-29, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University hosted a two-day workshop on the EU Strategy for Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), which was led by Dr. Gerhard Duda, former chairman of the Research Committee of the German Rectors' Conference, European Commission expert on research and innovation, and member of the European Association of Universities' Task Force on Ukraine.
The workshop was attended by representatives of Sumy State University, Mariupol State University, National Aviation University, NTU «Dnipro Polytechnic», Ivan Franko Zhytomyr State University and Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University.
Currently, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University is in the Initial phase. The initiative group has analyzed the compliance of the Charter with Ukrainian legislation and is preparing to endorse the Charter, perform gap analyzis, fill-in the OTM-R checklist and develop an action plan.