Commitment to research recognised

The University of Wolverhampton has received prestigious recognition for the support it provides to the career development of researchers.

The institution has been announced as one of the next seven UK universities to achieve the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award.

To receive this distinction, employers and funders of researchers have to demonstrate clear progress in how they attract, manage and develop research staff, in line with a national Research Concordat.

The Concordat sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.

The University of Wolverhampton drew up an action plan which focused on how researchers are recruited, and then supported and nurtured once they join the organisation.

Professor Ian Oakes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to have received this prestigious recognition from the European Commission. As an institution we are committed to enhancing the careers of our researchers and developing the next generation of experts in a diverse range of important fields.”

Only 34 organisations across Europe have gained the Award since 2010, and the total in the UK is now 58.

The European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award is presented by the European Commission, Vitae (which champions the development of postgraduate researchers and research staff in higher education institutions and research institutes), and the UK HR Excellence in Research review panel.

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 Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes 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 on-going national evaluation and benchmarking.

ENDS

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The other universities who received the award are: Bangor University, City University London, Liverpool John Moores University, Oxford Brookes University, the School of Oriental and African Studies the University of London and the University of St Andrews. The Scottish Funding Council also received the recognition.