On the 19th of November the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) received the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo from the European Commission. This is a recognition of the institute’s commitment in developing an HR Strategy for Researchers, designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code).
The Charter and Code was adopted in 2005 by the European Commission as part of the EU's policy to increase the attractiveness of research careers. The Charter and Code aim to provide equal rights and obligations for researchers in Europe through implementation of principles governing ethical and professional aspects of work, recruitment, working conditions, social security, and training of researchers, therefore improving mobility and working conditions as well as reinforcing research and development across Europe. The HR Strategy for Researchers initiative (HRS4R) supports research institutions and funding organisations in the implementation of the Charter and Code in their policies and practices.
Since the adoption of the Commission Recommendation on the Charter & Code, over 1.200 institutions from 35 countries in Europe and abroad have expressed their explicit support for the Charter and Code and 162 have obtained the Commission's "HR Excellence in Research" logo (http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/rights).
Currently five Spanish institutes have been awarded the logo: Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE - Basque Foundation for Science, IMDEA Water Institute, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spanish Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC). CRG is the first institute to be awarded the logo in Catalonia.
The Charter and Code was endorsed by CRG in 2008. Following this commitment, in 2011 CRG accepted an invitation by the European Commission to participate in the HR Strategy for Researchers initiative (third cohort) to make CRG a more attractive workplace for researchers at all levels.
The internal gap analysis and action plan were developed in an inclusive and open process involving an internal Working Group with representatives from all research professional categories (see picture). CRG’s vision is to recognize researchers and staff as essential contributors to the CRG success by offering a supportive, encouraging and challenging working environment that promotes equal opportunities, ethical integrity and work-life balance.
CRG has adopted an Action Plan 2013-2015 that will enable CRG to fulfill the HR Vision and HR Strategic Objectives in alignment with the European Charter and Code principles
The Action Plan 2013-2015 highlights are outlined below

• Strengthen the Gender Action Plan at CRG-level with actions ranging from a Coaching Programme for female postdocs to training sessions to address gender bias in recruitment
• Create a Training Unit with a dedicated Training Officer and an annual training plan for all professional categories, including professional skills and career development
• Develop a comprehensive Staff Handbook providing user-friendly information tailored for each professional category

For more information on CRG’s HR Strategy, download the PDF

CRG working team of the HRS4R program