Additional universities gain the European Commission recognition for researcher development

The latest three UK universities (the University of East Anglia, Goldsmiths University of London and the University of Sheffield) to gain the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission were announced at the [Link to Vitae Researcher Development International Conference in Manchester] today. The UK now has 60 of its higher education institutions and one funding council recognised in this way.

    ‘The University of Sheffield is very proud to receive this award. Our researchers form the lifeblood of the University's research community. Bringing talent, passion and personality our researchers contribute immensely to addressing the worlds most important intellectual and practical problems and to enriching the University's culture. This award recognises the efforts of many members of our staff to further strengthening the University's provision for researchers, and our steadfast long-term commitment to developing research careers.’

Joint statement from Sarah Fulton, Director of Research and Innovation Services and Andrew Dodman, Director of Human Resources

Ellen Pearce, Director of Vitae and the UK representative on the European Commission HR Strategy Group made the announcements on behalf of the UK panel that reviews submissions:

    ‘Vitae are committed to enhancing the quality and output of the UK research base, through supporting the training and development of world-class researchers. We are delighted that a further three UK organisations have gained international recognition for their commitment to developing research careers.

    The implementation of the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers will be a key priority for Vitae over the coming months. We hope that the number of UK institutions with the award will continue to grow, and that real change will continue to be seen by researchers on the ground.’

A UK-wide process enables UK higher education institutions to gain the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award, which acknowledges their alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment. The UK process incorporates both the QAA UK Quality Code, Chapter B11: Research Degrees and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers to enable institutions that have published Concordat implementation plans to gain the HR Excellence in Research Award. The UK approach includes ongoing national evaluation and benchmarking.

More info at www.vitae.ac.uk/hrexcellenceaward