HR Excellence in Research at UniLodz

At UniLodz, we believe that research thrives where people have the space to work, grow and cooperate. That is why, since 2017, we have held the HR Excellence in Research award, granted by the European Commission to universities and institutions that provide a high-quality working and development environment for researchers.

Learn more about HR Excellence in Research

What HR Excellence in Research Means

For us, the HR Excellence in Research award is more than just a mark of quality. It confirms our commitment to implementing the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers, a document defining standards in the areas of ethics, research integrity, transparent recruitment, equal opportunities, as well as the working and career development conditions of researchers.

The award is not granted permanently. Maintaining it requires continuous planning of further actions, monitoring progress and undergoing regular assessment.

European Charter for Researchers

The Charter sets out the rights, responsibilities and standards relating to researchers and the institutions that employ them.

Learn more about the European Charter for Researchers

HRS4R

Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is a process through which a university analyses its practices, plans improvement measures and monitors their implementation.

Explore HRS4R plans and documents

OTM-R

Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) defines the principles of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment of researchers.

Learn about OTM-R principles at UniLodz

2015 – We signed the Declaration of Commitment to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
2017 – We received the HR Excellence in Research award.
2020 – We successfully passed the interim assessment of implemented activities and retained the award.
2023 – Following another evaluation of the implementation of the HRS4R strategy, we renewed the award.
2026 – We are currently working on the HRS4R Action Plan for 2026–2029.

The Four Pillars of the European Charter for Researchers

The current European Charter for Researchers comprises 20 principles grouped under four pillars. These define the directions for the continued development of the research environment, working conditions and academic careers.

Ethics, Integrity, Gender and Open Science

We support the responsible conduct and dissemination of research. We continue to develop solutions relating to ethics and research integrity, open science, equal opportunities and the prevention of discrimination.

Researchers’ Assessment, Recruitment and Career Progression

We promote transparent and merit-based principles of recruitment and assessment for researchers. We support the fair recognition of achievements, competences and diverse career paths.

Working Conditions and Practices

We create a working environment that promotes safety, stability, wellbeing, collaboration and a healthy work-life balance.

Research Careers and Talent Development

We support researchers at different stages of their careers through training, guidance, mobility opportunities, competence development and access to information and tools.

The Reviewed Action Plan, published in 2023, defined activities supporting the further implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers at the University of Lodz. We successfully completed all 11 actions included in the plan.

These activities covered, among other areas, research ethics and integrity, equal opportunities, transparent recruitment, working conditions, mobility, researchers’ participation in decision-making processes, as well as competence development.

Download the Reviewed Action Plan

Specific Solutions for Our Community

We translate HR Excellence standards into specific principles, tools and support mechanisms available to researchers. Discover selected initiatives that we continue to develop at the University of Lodz.

Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Measures

Our Gender Equality Plan (GEP) and related procedures support the creation of a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment.

Learn more about our equality initiatives

Transparent Recruitment of Researchers

We apply open and transparent recruitment procedures based on clearly defined criteria, competences and equal treatment.

Explore our recruitment principles

Open and Responsible Research

We support the ethical conduct of research, open access to knowledge, and responsible management of research data and results.

Learn more about support for responsible research

International Cooperation and Mobility

Membership in the UNIC Alliance and cooperation with international partners create new opportunities for research, knowledge exchange and mobility development.

Discover cooperation opportunities

From Feedback to Action

We conduct employee satisfaction surveys to better understand the needs of our staff and continuously improve the working environment.

See what changes we are making

Support at Every Stage of a Project

We assist researchers in identifying funding opportunities as well as preparing, implementing and settling research projects.

Find support for your project

A Smoother Start for International Researchers

Welcome Point for International Researchers supports scholars arriving from abroad before their arrival, throughout the relocation process and during everyday life in Łódź.

Find out where to look for information

A Safe and Supportive Community

Through UniLodz Unified, we develop solutions promoting equal treatment, wellbeing and mutual respect.

Find help and support

Competence Development

We provide access to training and other development opportunities, enabling employees to broaden their competences and plan their career paths consciously and effectively.

Explore development opportunities

Who Is Responsible for the Implementation of the Standards?

The implementation and monitoring of the European Charter for Researchers at the University of Lodz are coordinated by the Steering Committee and the Working Group, established by a Regulation of the Rector of the University of Lodz.
Steering Committee
The Committee monitors the implementation of the European Charter for Researchers, recruitment principles for researchers and the OTM-R Policy at the University of Lodz.
Working Group
Analyses existing regulations and practices, initiates improvement measures, updates action plans, evaluates progress, and prepares reports and information for the Steering Committee and the European Commission.

Learn more about the responsibilities and membership of both groups

HRS4R Documentation

We have gathered documents demonstrating how we plan, implement and monitor the HRS4R strategy at the University of Lodz. Here you will find action plans, recruitment-related documents, and university regulations and strategies supporting the implementation of the standards set out in the European Charter for Researchers.

HRS4R Action Plan for 2016-2018

Reviewed Action Plan 2023

OTM-R Policy 2023 EN

OTM-R Checklist 2015

Report of the Steering Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the European Charter for Researchers, 26 May 2026 and 25 June 2026

Report of the Working Group for the Implementation of the European Charter for Researchers, 25 May 2026

We align HR Excellence standards with the strategic development goals of the University of Lodz and with the university's regulations concerning employment and equal treatment