Seven UK universities are recognised by the European Commission for researcher development

Seven UK universities have achieved the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission. 

• Anglia Ruskin University 
• University of Bedfordshire 
• University of Kent
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Sussex
• Teesside University
• University College London

 The announcements were made at the Vitae ‘HR strategies for researchers: future directions and good practice across Europe' event in London today.

The Award is given to organisations which have a robust and public implementation strategy for improving the career development and management of researchers. In the UK, this focusses on the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. The latest Awards bring the UK total to 77 higher education institutions and one funding council. They join a further 61 European organisations with the Award.

Vitae are also delighted to announce that Professor Sir Adrian Smith, Vice-Chancellor, University of London is the new Chair of the Concordat Strategy Group and will drive the strategic implementation of the Concordat at UK level. He said: 

‘Ensuring the quality and output of the UK research base, through the training and development of world-class researchers, is critical. I am delighted that a further seven UK organisations have gained international recognition for their commitment to developing researcher careers’

Ellen Pearce, Director of Vitae and the UK representative on the European Commission HR Strategy Group said: 

‘There is evidence that the HR Excellence in Research Award process has a significant role in improving human resource management for researchers right across Europe. The implementation of the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers remains a key priority for Vitae; we hope that the number of institutions with the award will continue to grow, and that real change will continue to be seen by researchers on the ground’