The University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów holds the HR Excellence in Research award granted by the European Commission.
The award reflects the University’s commitment to creating a supportive research environment, ensuring transparent recruitment and fostering the development of researchers at different stages of their careers.
Since 2014, when the first working group for UITM’s HR Strategy was established, the structure and membership of the teams responsible for this area have evolved. The Team for the Implementation and Monitoring of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), established by the Rector’s Regulation of 12 August 2026, has assumed the responsibilities previously performed by the Monitoring Committee and the Working Group, which had operated since 1 May 2020.
The establishment of the Team marks another stage in UITM’s consistent policy of supporting researchers. Holding the HR Excellence in Research award confirms the high standards maintained by the University and entails a commitment to continuously monitoring, developing and adapting them to the changing needs of the research community.
The European Charter for Researchers – what does it mean in practice?
The activities undertaken under HRS4R are based on the current European Charter for Researchers. The document is addressed to researchers, universities and research institutions, research funders, and those responsible for shaping research policy.
The Charter sets out standards that should support researchers from the recruitment stage, through the successive stages of their professional development, to achieving research independence, leading teams and educating future generations of researchers.
Its 20 key principles are organised under four pillars:
- Ethics, Integrity, Gender and Open Science;
- Researchers’ Assessment, Recruitment and Progression;
- Working Conditions and Practices;
- Research Careers and Talent Development.
In practice, these principles concern areas such as transparent recruitment and assessment criteria, equal treatment, research ethics, staff wellbeing, mobility, opportunities for professional development, mentoring and support for researchers at different stages of their careers.
A strategy that turns principles into action
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) enables universities to translate the principles of the European Charter for Researchers into specific solutions, procedures and initiatives.
It is a process of continuous improvement that involves reviewing existing arrangements, consulting researchers about their needs, planning activities, monitoring their implementation and evaluating the results achieved. Institutions holding the HR Excellence in Research award regularly report their progress to the European Commission and undergo external assessment.
One of the new Team’s most important responsibilities will therefore be to systematically monitor the implementation of HRS4R and the current Action Plan. The Team will collect data, indicators and documents confirming the implementation of individual initiatives, analyse the results of surveys and consultations, and prepare annual reports.
Particular attention will be given to ensuring that recruitment and employment processes comply with the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R). The Team will also monitor arrangements concerning working conditions, professional development, mobility, equal treatment, wellbeing and the ethical conduct of research.
Based on the information collected, the Team will submit proposals and recommendations to the University authorities to support the further development of UITM’s policy for researchers. Another important aspect of its work will be preparing documentation for assessments and site visits conducted by the European Commission or experts appointed by it.
Bringing together different parts of the University community
The Team comprises representatives of early-stage and experienced researchers, as well as individuals from units responsible for the University’s research and human resources policies, staff development, and the prevention of mobbing, discrimination and violence. The UITM Coordinator of the ERA-CAREERS project will also participate in its work.
Agata Jurkowska-Gomułka, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor, has been appointed Chair of the Team, while Kinga Gaweł-Stec will serve as its Secretary. The Team’s term of office will continue until 31 December 2030.
This diverse membership will bring together the perspectives of researchers at different career stages and the expertise of those responsible for organisational and human resources solutions. Consultations with the UITM research community will also form an important part of the Team’s activities. They will help ensure that future initiatives respond to the actual needs of researchers and to changes taking place across the European research environment.
The establishment of the Team strengthens the systematic nature of UITM’s efforts to create an environment conducive to research, talent development and attractive research careers.
More information about the award, the European Charter for Researchers and HRS4R is available on the What is HR Excellence in Research?
