10 more UK universities have gained HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission

Today Vitae confirms that 10 more UK universities have gained the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission and 15 UK universities have retained the Award after their two-year review.

The Award demonstrates a university's commitment to improving the working conditions and career development for research staff, which will in turn improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.

The latest ten UK universities which set out their HR strategies for researchers to gain the Award are: University of Chichester, The Courtauld Institute of Art, Glasgow Caledonian University, Keele University, Glyndwr University, Manchester Metropolitan University, St George's University of London, University of East London, University of South Wales and University of Sunderland.

This increases the UK total to 89, joining the 83 organisations in the rest of Europe with the Award.

Professor Sir Adrian Smith, Chair of the Concordat Strategy Group and Vice-Chancellor, University of London, said:

‘It is great news that another 10 UK universities have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award. It's vital that the working environment of researchers continue to improve and world-class science and research remain priorities for future economic growth and addressing societal challenges.

There is strong evidence that the HR Excellence in Research Award process has a significant role in improving human resource management for researchers and this is a crucial part of the implementation of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers in the UK. My congratulations go to the 15 UK institutions which have also successfully passed their two-year review.’

In the latest round 15 UK universities have also retained the Award after their two-year review. These are the University of Bath, University of Birmingham, Brunel University, University of Central Lancashire, University of Dundee, Durham University, University of Huddersfield, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, University of Liverpool, Plymouth University, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, University of Stirling and the University of Strathclyde.

Ellen Pearce, Director of Vitae said:

‘For many institutions, referencing their HR Excellence in Research Award in their REF submissions this week is an important component of demonstrating their commitment to researcher careers.'

''Our congratulations go to the latest institutions to have gained or retained the Award. At a time when European funding criteria are increasingly focused on demonstrable implementation of the European Charter and Code for Researchers principles, it is great to see so many UK organisations with the Award.’