Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)
Comillas Pontifical University has obtained the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) quality seal, a recognition that positions it at a European level in terms of quality criteria, and helps to attract and retain talent.
Presentation
This distinction recognises institutions that create a favourable environment for research work, ensuring that researcher recruitment processes are open, transparent and merit-based. At the same time, this distinction allows the University to be more competitive when seeking European funds, as Europe values this type of accreditation when awarding research projects.
In December 2019, Comillas Pontifical University signed and sent to the European Commission a declaration of commitment to the principles of the "European Charter for Researchers" and the "Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers". These two initiatives of the European Commission aim to create an open and transparent labour market that promotes the career prospects of researchers. An initiative known as Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) under the Open, Transparency and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) criteria.
In order to estimate its level of implementation, Comillas has implemented a procedure that includes an analysis of the current regulations, procedures and activities followed at the University, in order to determine the internal shortcomings. Based on these shortcomings, an action plan has been drawn up to improve the level of excellence of the human resources of the researchers.
The institutions that obtain this accreditation commit themselves, in accordance with their internal policies, to continue developing their internal human resources strategy by adhering to the recommendations and principles set out in the Charter and the Code (C&C), and to guarantee transparency, accessibility, equity and the pursuit of excellence in the recruitment of researchers.
Comillas has undertaken actions to promote the development of the professional careers of researchers, encouraging interdisciplinarity, the dissemination of job offers on European portals in English, as well as the training and professional development of researchers, among others.
Research Career Path
The research career in Europe is structured around a common framework that supports the planning and professional development of researchers. This model, promoted within the context of the European Research Area (ERA) and supported by the EURAXESS network, defines different stages of career progression, enabling the comparison of career paths across countries and fostering mobility and the development of scientific talent.
The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), together with the EURAXESS network, has developed the publication Researcher Career Path in Spain at a Glance, a guide that describes the main stages of the research career and the funding opportunities available at each stage.
This guide aligns the different contractual positions and funding schemes in the Spanish system with the European R1–R4 profiles:
- R1 – First Stage Researcher: Up to the completion of a PhD
- R2 – Recognised Researcher: PhD holder or equivalent who is not yet independent
- R3 – Established Researcher: PhD holder with a significant level of independence
- R4 – Leading Researcher: Researcher leading their own research area or field
This framework contributes to strengthening the attraction, development, and retention of research talent in Europe, promoting more open, sustainable, and international research careers.
ResearchComp:European Competence Framework for Researchers
The European Commission has developed ResearchComp, the European Competence Framework for Researchers, included in the Council Recommendation of December 2023 on a European Framework for Research Careers and the new European Charter for Researchers.
This framework identifies the key competences that researchers should develop throughout their careers. It is structured into 7 competence areas, 39 competences, and 389 learning outcomes, organised across four levels of progression.
In addition, the ResearchComp Self-Assessment Tool is available as an online resource that allows researchers to assess their competences, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and guide their professional development.
HRS4R Action Plan
Comillas continues to make significant progress in the implementation of its HRS4R Action Plan, consolidating a set of measures aimed at strengthening its institutional policies in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers.
Key achievements include the progressive improvement of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment processes (OTM-R), the reinforcement of initiatives related to researcher career development and training, and the consolidation of structures that support both responsible research assessment and the internationalisation of research.
The actions reflected in its institutional materials, aligned with these priorities, demonstrate a continued commitment to the standards of the HR Excellence in Research award.
Discover our main lines of action
Comillas strengthens its commitment to the HRS4R Strategy and relies on the active participation of its research staff in the actions aimed at its consolidation.
Action 1. Update recruitment procedures in compliance with HRS4R - OTM-R criteria.
Action 2. Establish actions to develop the professional career within Comillas.
Action 3. Design and launch a pilot mentoring programme.
Action 4. Customise the performance evaluation system by adapting it to the different areas of knowledge.
Action 5. Promote the transversality of the institution.
Action 6. Implementing a complaints mechanism.
Action 7. Promote the popularisation of science and communication with society.
Action 8. Improve internal communication.
Action 9. Increase participation in competitive projects.
Action 10. Complete the training offer for researchers.
Action 11. Awareness & communication; launch and monitoring of HRS4R and OTM-R.
Action 12. Increase the internationalization of research.
Action 13. Foster HR to promote Comillas’s staff development.
Action 14. Research talent attraction area.
Action 15. Good research practice guidelines.
Action 16. Promote open science and responsible research practices.
Action 17. Citizen science and public engagement in research.