The University of Silesia has received an extension of the HR Excellence in Research award for a further three years.
The award, granted by the European Commission, is one of the activities implemented as part of the European Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R).
The right to use the HR logo is granted by the European Commission to institutions that take steps to implement the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the OTM-R. Institutions that implement this commitment can count on greater support and recognition when applying for research grants and funds (Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe).
Receiving the award demonstrates the university community’s commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive working environment for researchers, promoting transparent recruitment processes, and supporting research career development.
The decision to uphold the award for the University follows an evaluation visit on 5 February this year. The meetings with the international assessment team, chaired by Prof. Adriana Burlea-Schiopoiu (from the University of Craiova, Romania), conducting the assessment were attended by 50 people representing different areas of the University: the doctoral student community, the scientific and administrative staff, and the University authorities.
Issues discussed during the visit included:
- activities to implement the principles of the European Charter for Researchers that the University has implemented since receiving the HR logo,
- support system for the research area at the University,
- plans for the next evaluation period (2025-2028).
Roundtable sessions were an integral part of the visit, during which both young and experienced academics were able to give their opinion on the conditions for research activities and the solutions in place at the University. The European Commission’s evaluation team of experts also visited the Scientific Information Centre and Academic Library (CINiBA).
The University of Silesia in Katowice has held the award since 2017. The University has passed 2 evaluation cycles so far. The next evaluation will take place in 2028.
The implementation and execution of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the OTM-R at the University involve many people representing key fields for the conduct of research activities at the University. The work will continue under Agnieszka Turska-Kawa, PhD, DLitt, Associate Professor in her capacity as Vice-Rector for Science.
For more information on the University’s HR Excellence in Research award, visit us.edu.pl/en/hrs4r.
