University of Zagreb

School of Medicine

To promote an open, attractive, and sustainable job market for researchers, the European Commission adopted the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers in 2005. The Charter outlines the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their institutions, while the Code promotes fair, transparent, and equal recruitment practices across Europe. It also emphasizes researchers’ ethical, legal, and contractual obligations. A revised European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity was published in June 2023.

These documents, aimed at researchers, employers, and funders in both public and private sectors, are key to EU efforts to strengthen research careers and reduce fragmentation across Europe, ensuring consistent rights and standards for researchers.

What is HRS4R?

The HR Excellence in Research Award (HRS4R) is a prestigious recognition granted by the European Commission to institutions that demonstrate excellence in human resources management in research. It serves as a guarantee of ethical standards, a supportive research environment, transparency in recruitment processes, and a commitment to the career development of researchers.

The University of Zagreb received the HR Excellence in Research Award in 2013, during Croatia’s EU accession process. However, the accompanying Action Plan was never fully implemented, despite some progress in selected areas. Within the framework of the Alliance4Life_ACTIONS project, the School of Medicine has renewed its efforts to complete the HRS4R process and has included this goal in its institutional Action Plan. Participation in this project has enabled collaboration with partner institutions and the adoption of good practices aligned with European research standards.

HR Excellence in Research – Core Principles

Institutions applying for the award must align with the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, grouped into four key areas:

•             Ethics, integrity, gender equality, and open science

•             Recruitment, evaluation, and career progression of researchers

•             Working conditions and professional development

•             Career development and talent management

Current Status

The School of Medicine has established a Working Group for HRS4R Implementation, which has prepared and submitted the application.

Prior to submission, we conducted a comprehensive self-assessment (OTM-R Checklist) and Gap Analysis to evaluate how our current practices align with the principles of the Charter. The results of this analysis formed the basis for developing a tailored Action Plan with defined goals and improvement measures.

The Steering Committee provides strategic direction and makes policy decisions, while the Working Group is responsible for managing and executing the implementation of the Action Plan.

The process is currently in the evaluation phase by independent experts appointed by the European Commission.

The HRS4R process includes three phases:

1.            Initial Phase – self-assessment, gap analysis, and submission of the Action Plan

2.            Implementation Phase – implementation of measures and submission of a progress report within two years

3.            Renewal Phase – reassessment and renewal of the award every three years

Why It Matters?

Receiving the HR Excellence in Research Award affirms the institution’s commitment to creating an open, inclusive, and supportive research environment in line with European standards. It enhances international visibility, institutional competitiveness, and eligibility for EU research funding (e.g. Horizon Europe).

By pursuing this recognition, the University of Zagreb School of Medicine confirms its strategic orientation toward research excellence, the development of its academic staff, and the long-term strengthening of the research environment.