Charles University has successfully retained the prestigious HR Excellence in Research Award, granted by the European Commission to institutions that adhere to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. “This award confirms that Charles University provides a high-quality, open, and fair environment for everyone engaged in science and research,” says Věra Jourová, Vice-Rector for the Development of Human Resources and New Technologies, also in charge of managing the agenda of the Public Relations.
A Significant Progress and Recognition of Our Work
The evaluation shows that Charles University has made remarkable progress in recent years. As the evaluators stated: “Charles University has demonstrated a high level of ambition and commitment, which is commendable. The HR strategy is firmly embedded within the organisation’s structure, with significant effort invested in its implementation.”
What Have We Achieved?
Among the specific achievements highlighted by the evaluators are ethics and equal opportunities: the University has established a network of ombudspersons at faculties to address complaints and help prevent undesirable behaviour. We have adopted a Gender Equality Plan and measures to improve work-life balance.
The evaluators also praised our active support for open science. The Open Science Support Centre has been established, along with institutional and data repositories. Charles University actively trains researchers in open science and data management.
We recognise the importance of supporting young researchers. Doctoral candidates and postdocs at Charles University have access to a comprehensive system of training and mentoring. We are also continuing to reform doctoral studies.
We are committed to developing modern forms of education and wellbeing. We have launched the Comprehensive Education Portal for all employees; the University supports micro-credentials, and the innovative Paedagogium platform is being developed further. The Centre for Mental Health Care offers mental health support.
We promote international mobility. Charles University attracts talent from all over the world. Evidence of this includes the existence of the Staff Welcome Centre, a wide range of language courses, the work of university ambassadors, translation services, and participation in international fairs.
Room for Improvement
For all our achievements we know there is still more work to do. Evaluators recommended further involvement of researchers in developing our strategy and monitoring its implementation. They also highlighted the need to harmonise working conditions and available services across faculties so that all employees receive comparable support regardless of their workplace. Recruitment of new staff should better reflect the principles of open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment (OTM-R) — for example, through training of selection committees and providing better information for applicants. Other recommendations include the introduction of career counselling, providing support for career paths outside academia as well.
Moving Forward
By retaining the HR Excellence in Research Award, Charles University reaffirms that a high-quality research environment and equal opportunities for all researchers remain our long-term priority.
“Our goal is to ensure that Charles University continues to be an attractive place for study, research, and international cooperation, and that our researchers have the best possible conditions for their work and personal development,” Vice-Rector Věra Jourová concludes.
You can find a summary of the final report here. For more information about HR Excellence in Research at Charles University, please visit our website.
Text: Tereza Smužová
Foto: Veronika Nehasilová, Hynek Glos
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