Process of obtaining the Award

Preparatory Phase (September 2025 – October 2025)

• Preparation and submission of the Endorsement Letter.
• Acceptance of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct.
• After confirmation by the European Commission, a 12-month period begins for submitting the HR Award Application (includes Process Description, GAP Analysis, Action Plan, and OTM-R Checklist).

Initial Phase (September 2025 – January 2027)

• Establishment of the HR Award Strategic management Committee and two working groups:
• Human Resources
• Research Integrity, Ethics, Inclusion, and Open Science
• Involvement of the Researcher Focus Group, which provides feedback from practice.
• Preparation of a GAP Analysis and OTM-R Checklist, implementation of surveys and focus groups with researchers.

Implementation Phase (February 2027 – April 2029)

• Implementation of measures from the Action Plan – revision of internal regulations, modernization of HR processes, employee development through training and workshops.
• Ongoing progress evaluation and preparation of the Interim Assessment for the European Commission.
• Ensuring long-term sustainability of the measures adopted.

Renewal Period (February 2029 – June 2029)

• Revision and update of the Action Plan, preparation for the renewal of HR Award certification.
• Coordination of working groups and a final event summarizing achieved results.