Looking towards the future, IQS is strengthening its actions for making progress within the European HRS4R strategy and is moving towards the renewal of the HR Excellence in Research seal, reaffirming its commitment to a responsible, open, and excellent research environment.
IQS advances towards HRS4R renewal
Female Research Scientist Uses Micropipette Filling Test Tubes in a Big Modern Laboratory. In the Background Scientists are Working.
Con una mirada puesta en el futuro, IQS consolida acciones para su progreso dentro de la estrategia europea HRS4R y avanza hacia la renovación del sello HR Excellence in Research, reafirmando su compromiso con un entorno de investigación responsable, abierto y de excelencia
HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) is an initiative promoted by the European Commission with the aim of fostering attractive, open, and sustainable research environments. This strategy recognizes institutions that align their human resources practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, ensuring transparent selection processes, professional development opportunities, and fair working conditions.
IQS has also committed to this strategy, and signed the declaration of commitment to the principles of the Charter and the Code and presented its plan. With the initial evaluation that was submitted, the evaluators welcomed the care with which IQS aligned its human resource practices with those in the Charter and the principles in the Code. Through the comprehensive analysis and action plan submitted in 2020, IQS earned the HR Excellence in Research seal, a European recognition that reflects the institution’s commitment to the continuous improvement of managing research talent and promoting good research practices.
In February 2023, IQS presented the self-evaluation report and the response of the external evaluation team concluded that the implementation of the IQS Action Plan was ensured in a solid and systematic manner.
Since then, and with this very positive assessment by the European Commission, IQS has continued to work towards the complete implementation of all the recommended actions, further strengthening its strategy for human resources in research. Among the most recent initiatives are the Good Research Practices guide, the creation of mentoring programmes such as the IQS SupervisorXcellence Programme, and updates to policies associated with recruiting research personnel.
Thanks to these advances, IQS is strengthening its commitment to a responsible and excellent research environment and is preparing to tackle the third phase of the HRS4R process, corresponding to the renewal of the seal, scheduled for early 2026.
You can find more information about the HRS4R strategy and its implementation at IQS on our website.
Dr Núria Vallmitjana
Director of IQS Tech Transfer