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The History

 

The University of Palermo was one of the first European institutions to endorse the "Human Resources Strategy for Researchers" (HRS4R) process, obtaining, in March 2010, the prestigious HR Excellence in Research Award, which was subsequently renewed cyclically (last audit May 2023).

The HRS4R process is a strategy aimed at promoting, within the European territory, the full implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The Charter and the Code, adopted by the European Commission in March 2005, contain a set of general principles aimed at encouraging initiatives for a responsible and transparent management of research personnel and making career paths more attractive, with a view to creating a dynamic and open European Research Area.

Institutions that endorse the HRS4R and demonstrate progress in aligning their policies and practices with the principles of the Charter and the Code receive the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission. The process to obtain and maintain this recognition over the years is managed by the European Commission and is based on a structured and monitored audit mechanism, which includes a cyclical evaluation.

 

In July 2005, the University of Palermo committed itself, together with other Italian Universities, to adopt and implement the principles contained in the EU Recommendation 2005/251.

In 2008, the University of Palermo joined a network of Italian Universities promoting the principles contained in the Charter.

In 2009, it joined the European Commission's pilot programme "Human Resources Strategy Forum".

Initial Phase
Between November 2009 and January 2010, the first internal analysis was conducted among teaching and non-teaching staff involved in various capacities in research processes, with the aim of identifying the main critical issues related to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers.

In 2010, an initial action plan was drawn up and approved during the Academic Senate meeting on March 16.

In March 2010, Unipa obtained the HR Excellence in Research Award.

Implementation Phase
In 2012, the University of Palermo carried out an internal interim evaluation and drew up an updated action plan.

In June 2014, the University passed the European Commission's evaluation, maintaining the HR Excellence in Research recognition as a guarantee of quality in the recruitment process of researchers.

Renewal Phase
At the end of 2017, a new action plan was developed and the HR accreditation was reconfirmed following an internal university evaluation.

In March 2018, a new analysis was conducted among Unipa staff, followed by the drafting of the updated plan for the 2018-2020 three-year period.

In July 2022, renewal of the accreditation with a site visit by the European Commission.