On 3 March 2015, the first two hundred Deans and Rectors from universities and research institutes to have implemented the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers received the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ Award for their efforts to create attractive working conditions for researchers in Europe. To mark the event, the European Commission hosted a conference to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Charter and Code, celebrating the creation of an attractive, open and sustainable labour market for researchers in Europe.

“I congratulate the 206 Deans and Rectors who were the first to take up the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers. Attracting and keeping the best minds in Europe is essential for competitiveness” said Research, Science and Innovation Commissioner Carlos Moedas. “The Charter and Code have done well in making working conditions for researchers far more appealing. We want Europe to remain a popular destination for the most talented researchers to pursue their careers. It’s very encouraging that more than 1500 research institutions and funders from 40 countries in Europe have endorsed the Charter and Code to improve their human resources policies. This is building a strong foundation of research excellence from which we will benefit long into the future.”

Mr. Eloy García Calvo, Director of IMDEA Water received the award in representation of the Institute. In February 2008, IMDEA Water joined the C&C trying to adapt the principles in their HR policy. In September 2009 was established the first ” Human Resources Strategic Group”, in which IMDEA Water took part. The objective of the Group was the incorporation of the C&C in the policies of the institutions attached previously, and in which all entities are involved in making an HR specific Strategy. In July 2010 IMDEA Water obtained the acknowledgement from the Commission.

While the Charter describes the working relationship between researcher and institution, by setting out the roles, rights and responsibilities of researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers ensures that the selection process for hiring and promoting researchers is fair, merit-based and transparent. The implementation of the Charter and Code is on a voluntary basis and is the responsibility of employers, funding organisations and researchers.

The ‘HR Excellence in Research Award’ is an easily recognisable indicator showing researchers that an institution is committed to delivering fair recruitment practices and attractive career opportunities. This will hopefully encourage European researchers to be mobile and entice other talented researchers to pursue a career in Europe.