Appreciation and Support for Researchers
In June 2013, the European Commission awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the university's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers along the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
Continuous Development of Research Environment and Working Conditions
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code) provide recommendations and good practice guidelines for the employment and recruitment of researchers. At the University of Turku the project is titled Appreciation and Support for Researchers.
In 2012, the University of Turku joined the 3rd cohort of the project, as one of the first 4 universities from Finland. In June 2013, the European Commission acknowledged the UTU implementation process and Action Plan, and gave the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. During the external assessment in 2019-2020 the Action Plan was updated and aligned with the University's new strategy for 2021-2030. The action plan is updated and assessed every three years and the assessment of the action plan for 2023-2026 is currently underway.
Acknowledged Good Practices
The HR Excellence in Research quality label is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. By implementing the Charter, we aim at consolidating the attraction of the University as a stimulating working environment for researchers, and align our strategic goals with the transnational initiative of the European Commission to enhance the quality of research and innovation in Europe.
For example, the following achievements and good practices have been put forward:
- development of the tenure track system to improve international recruitment and researchers’ evaluation
- increased and versatile support for researchers' career planning
- wider access to services, such as staff training and sports services, also to non-employed members of the research staff
- compulsory training in research ethics for the doctoral candidates
- well-being survey also for non-employed researchers
- regular training for doctoral dissertation supervisors
- better access to grant support services
