HR Excellence in Research
The Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences is seeking the HR Excellence in Research Award
High-quality research thrives where people have good working conditions, opportunities for professional development, and confidence that their needs are taken seriously. IEB therefore fully endorses the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and has long been committed to creating an open, fair, and stimulating working environment for both Czech and international employees. Through institutional projects, we have been developing support for parents and carers, flexible working arrangements, equal opportunities, HR services, and professional and career development for several years. In June 2025, we formally confirmed this commitment by submitting our Letter of Commitment through the EURAXESS portal and began preparing the documentation required under the HRS4R process.
What is HRS4R?
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers is a European framework that helps research institutions translate the principles of the European Charter for Researchers into everyday practice. Within this framework, institutions analyse their working conditions and HR processes, define specific measures for improvement, and regularly evaluate their implementation.
Milestones on our journey towards the HR Award
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JANUARY 2025 | BALANC project First survey of employees' needsThe staff survey helped us better understand employees' needs in relation to working conditions, flexibility, work-life balance, and support for parents and carers. |
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JUNE 2025 | Launch of the HRS4R process Endorsement of the principles of the European CharterBy submitting the Letter of Commitment through the EURAXESS portal, we formally confirmed our commitment to following the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. |
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JUNE–SEPTEMBER 2025 | BALANC project Interviews with managersStructured interviews with heads of laboratories and service units identified areas in which management support, HR services, and the clarity of internal procedures needed to be strengthened. |
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SEPTEMBER 2025 Launch of the INOVATE projectThe INOVATE project created a framework for the systematic development of human resources management, institutional processes, and researcher support, as well as for the preparation of the application for the HR Excellence in Research Award. |
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DECEMBER 2025–JANUARY 2026 Institute-wide staff surveyA total of 209 out of approximately 350 IEB employees participated in a survey covering the topics addressed by the European Charter for Researchers and the OTM-R Checklist. |
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2026 | Working Group Joint preparation of the documentsRepresentatives of research, administrative, and support units jointly reviewed the findings of the analyses and contributed to the preparation of the Gap Analysis, OTM-R Checklist, and Action Plan. |
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2026 | Steering Committee Strategic review and approvalThe Steering Committee assessed the proposed priorities and actions in terms of their relevance, feasibility, and alignment with the institute's long-term development. |
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JULY 2026 Submission of the documentation to the European CommissionIEB submitted the documentation for the initial phase of the HRS4R process through the EURAXESS portal. |