- An Integrated Research Career Information System
- Supporting Diverse Research Career Paths
- Career Guidance and Planning
- Mobility and the Internationalisation of Research Careers
- Support for International Researchers
- Science Communication and Societal Impact
- Grant Support and Research Capacity Development
- Caring for Development. Investing in the Future of Research.
The development of researchers is one of the foundations of HR Excellence in Research.
We support research career development through grant schemes, training programmes, mentoring activities and initiatives that strengthen mobility and international collaboration.
Each initiative described below has been assigned to the relevant area of the European Charter for Researchers. For initiatives implemented before the revision of the Charter in 2023–2024, we indicate their correspondence to the principles contained in the previous version of the document. In this way, we demonstrate the continuity of our implementation of the HR Excellence in Research standards.
An Integrated Research Career Information System
The research career support system is based on an integrated information-distribution model that provides access to current vacancies, calls for applications, grants, awards and development opportunities.
A key role is played by the University of Lodz Employee Portal, which serves as the central source of information for researchers and University staff. The Portal publishes up-to-date information on career development opportunities, research funding, competitions and initiatives supporting skills development.
The system is complemented by a weekly newsletter distributed to the academic community, ensuring regular and equal access to information on professional development opportunities, grants and institutional initiatives.
This communication model has been designed to ensure transparency, accessibility and equal access to information supporting research career development.
Reference to the European Charter for Researchers: Career Development and Advice; Valuing Diverse Research Careers
Previous version of the Charter: Career Development; Continuing Professional Development; Non-discrimination
Career Guidance and Planning
We support informed research career planning and the development of competencies required to thrive in the academic environment.
We deliver development initiatives covering transferable skills, leadership skills and career planning through the Connect and Pathways projects. The system is complemented by training sessions delivered with the involvement of a Research Coach, supporting the development of research potential and encouraging reflection on individual career pathways.
Additional support is provided through onboarding solutions available in Polish and English, and resources available through the Employee Portal and Knowledge Database, helping researchers navigate the organisational system and identify development opportunities.
Reference to the European Charter for Researchers: Career Development and Advice; Supervision and Mentoring; Continuous Professional Development
Previous version of the Charter: Career Development; Supervision; Continuing Professional Development
Mobility and the Internationalisation of Research Careers
Mobility is an important component of research career development and of building an international research environment.
We support researchers' participation in international research projects, mobility programmes and networking initiatives. We develop cooperation within the UNIC alliance and encourage participation in mobility programmes, including Erasmus+, by promoting funding opportunities for research visits, international collaboration and the development of research experience.
The internationalisation is further strengthened through the Smarter, Faster, Better – Internationalisation of the Doctoral Schools of the University of Lodz (STER NAWA) project. The project supports doctoral candidates' mobility, cooperation with international research institutions, lectures delivered by visiting international scholars, and the development of the international dimension of doctoral education, thereby increasing the international visibility of the Doctoral Schools.
Reference to the European Charter for Researchers: Free Circulation of Researchers; Continuous Professional Development; The Researcher
Previous version of the Charter: Value of Mobility; Recognition of mobility experience; Career Development; Continuing Professional Development
Support for International Researchers
We create a welcoming and accessible working environment for researchers arriving from abroad, and support their professional and social integration into the University of Lodz.
This support is delivered through dedicated structures and information tools, including a website for international researchers, English onboarding materials and information resources designed to facilitate navigation of the University's organisational structures.
A key role is played by the Welcome Point, which provides comprehensive information and organisational support for international researchers and doctoral candidates. These activities are complemented by iHUB, currently operating within the Employee Affairs Centre, which supports adaptation processes and the integration of individuals joining the UL.
We are also the initiator and coordinator of the Lodzkie for International Researchers (Lodzkie4Re) project, implemented jointly with Lodz University of Technology and the Medical University of Lodz within the NAWA–EURAXESS Network programme. Together, we are developing a regional support network that provides comprehensive assistance in areas including employment, residence legalisation, adaptation and integration, while establishing a common standard of service for the international academic community.
An important component of this system is a range of integration initiatives that support relationship-building and the wellbeing of the international community. We organise networking and community events, including regular International Café meetings conducted in English, where topics related to research careers, mobility, grants, training opportunities, and living and working in Poland are discussed. These meetings also include information sessions on residence and immigration matters.
Reference to the European Charter for Researchers: Free Circulation of Researchers; Embracing Diversity; Working Conditions, Funding and Salaries; The Researcher
Previous version of the Charter: Value of Mobility, Career Development; Working Conditions; Stability and permanence of employment
Continuous Skills Development
We strengthen the teaching, organisational and leadership competencies of University staff, supporting their development at all stages of their careers.
We deliver development programmes for both academic and administrative staff, including Teaching Excellence at University, Active – Programme for the Development of Teaching and Professional Competencies, and The Power of Teaching. These initiatives support the development of modern working methods, professional competencies and the skills needed to thrive in a changing academic environment.
Our skills development framework also includes training and professional development activities in organisational and managerial areas, supporting both workplace effectiveness and the ongoing development of University staff.
Reference to the European Charter for Researchers: Continuous Professional Development
Previous version of the Charter: Continuing Professional Development; Access to Research Training and Continuous Development
Teaching Excellence
See more
Active
See more
The Power of Didactics
See more
Science Communication and Societal Impact
We support the development of skills related to science communication and the societal impact of research. We help researchers communicate the results of their work effectively to different audiences, increasing the visibility and impact of their research.
We deliver training courses and initiatives dedicated to science communication, as well as activities developed within the initiative.
The importance of public engagement with research is also reflected at the institutional level. The University's governance structure includes a Vice-Rector for Popularisation of Science and External Relations, whose activities are supported by the Science Popularisation Team and the University of Lodz Science Popularisation Group, bringing together individuals engaged in knowledge dissemination and strengthening dialogue between science and society.
These initiatives contribute to greater openness in research, enhance the societal impact of research activities and support the development of science communication skills.
Reference to the European Charter for Researchers: Open Science; Dissemination and Exploitation of Results
Previous version of the Charter: Dissemination and Exploitation of Results; Public Engagement
Grant Support and Research Capacity Development
We provide support to researchers at every stage of preparing, securing and implementing research projects.
The University's Project Support Centre assists researchers in identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications and managing research projects. These activities are complemented by the Employee Portal, which provides information on funding calls, funding sources and procedures for applying for external research funding.
Reference to the European Charter for Researchers: The Researcher; Working Conditions, Funding and Salaries; Career Progression
Previous version of the Charter: Funding and Salaries; Professional Attitude; Career Development
UNIVERSITY OF LODZ
Narutowicza 68, 90-136 LODZ
fax: 00 48 42/665 57 71, 00 48 42/635 40 43
NIP: 724 000 32 43
Projekt Multiportalu UŁ współfinansowany z funduszy Unii Europejskiej w ramach konkursu NCBR