NOVA has launched the implementation process of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), with the aim of obtaining the HR Excellence in Research Award granted by the European Commission.
This initiative seeks to strengthen the quality of institutional practices in the recruitment, development, and career progression of researchers, fostering an inclusive, ethical, transparent, and stimulating working environment for the creation and sharing of knowledge.
The process reflects NOVA’s commitment to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, adopted by the European Commission, which sets out 20 key principles organised into four pillars:
- Ethics, Integrity, Gender Equality and Open Science
- Researchers’ Assessment, Recruitment and Career Progression
- Working Conditions and Practices
- Research Careers and Talent Development
The HR Excellence in Research Award is a voluntary continuous improvement mechanism based on an internal gap analysis and the development of an action plan aligned with the principles and requirements of the European Charter for Researchers.
Following submission and validation by the European Commission, certified institutions commit to the progressive implementation of the measures set out in their Action Plan. This is followed by an interim assessment after 24 months and, subsequently, by recurring renewal cycles every 36 months, with on-site visits taking place in alternating review cycles.
HRS4R Application Process
Initial phase
- Establishment of the Steering Committee and Working Group responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and implementing the HR Excellence in Research process.
- Organisation of the kick-off meeting on 25 July 2024.
- Submission of the Endorsement Letter on 13 January 2025.
- Launch of a survey addressed to NOVA’s academic community, aimed at identifying needs, challenges, and opportunities for improvement to support the development of the Gap Analysis.
- Creation of Focus Groups representing the different researcher profiles (R1–R4) and NOVA’s various Academic Units, followed by a participatory World Café session aimed at identifying challenges, defining priorities, and proposing improvement actions.
- Preparation of the OTM-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment) Checklist, including the mapping of recruitment procedures carried out by NOVA’s Human Resources services (Rectorate and Academic Units).
- Based on the identified needs, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, the development of an Action Plan was initiated to identify the principles requiring further reinforcement and the actions to be implemented over a two-year period, leading up to the first interim assessment.
- Following several rounds of consultation and revision with key university stakeholders, the final documents were completed: Gap Analysis, Action Plan, OTM-R Checklist, and Process Description. This process involved consultation with various stakeholders and representative groups from across the academic community.
- Submission of the application documents through the EURAXESS platform on 13 June 2026.