HRS4R – Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
In 2014, TH Köln was the first German university to be awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" quality award by the EU Commission, which stands for fair recruitment procedures and good working conditions for researchers.
Downloads/ More Information
- 2023- HRS4R Revised Strategy and Action Plan - External Evaluation (pdf, 594 KB)
- 2019 - HRS4R Revised Strategy and Action Plan - External Evaluation (pdf, 575 KB)
- Guideline on Personnel Recruitment in Science and Administration at TH Köln (OTM-R) (pdf, 567 KB)
- 2016 - HRS4R Review and Action Plan - Internal Evaluation (pdf, 678 KB)
- 2014 - HRS4R Stategy and Action Plan - Implementation (pdf, 265 KB)
- Euraxess
- Charter for Researchers (pdf, 732 KB)
TH Köln is actively implementing the European initiative "Human Resources Strategy for Researchers" (HRS4R). This aims to raise awareness of a research culture at universities and promote the implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers at TH Köln. One goal is to create better working conditions for researchers with high-quality personnel management and to establish the profession of a researcher more firmly. TH Köln has developed its own action plan and has committed itself to regularly reviewing the status of implementation. It is one of the first German universities to be awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" award by the European Commission for this.
This award, which is granted by the European Commission to institutions that successfully participate in the HRS4R initiative, serves as an award of quality in the global competition for top scientists, standing for fair and transparent recruitment procedures, respect for intellectual property rights, and a stimulating working environment with sufficient training opportunities.
In 2020 TH Kölns HRS4R was externally evaluated. A virtual site visit took place and the auditors approved the award renewal. In the HRS4R process, reports are forseen every three years. In a broad consultation process with the HRS4R working group and the university senate, TH Köln has updated its strategy for the award renewal 2023 and handed in to the European Commission in December 2023. In February 2024, the European Commission has awarded TH Köln the HR Excellence in Research logo for the fourth time in a row.
HRS4R Structure at TH Köln
HRS4R Steering Committee:
- Prof. Dr. Klaus Becker (Vice President for Research and Knowledge Transfer)
- Mirjam Heetkamp (Department Research and Knowledge Transfer)
- N.N. (Department of Human Resources)
HRS4R Working Group:
- Standing Committee for Research and Knowledge Transfer (members: Vice President for Research and Knowledge Transfer, Head of the Department of Research and Knowledge Transfer and eleven experienced researchers from all faculties (R3/R4))
- Standing Committee for the Promotion of Early Career Researchers (members: Vice President for Research and Knowledge Transfer, three experienced researchers (R4) and three early career researchers (R1/R2))
- HRS4R Extended Steering Committee (representatives from the Department of Research and Knowledge Transfer, the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Communication and Marketing, the Department of International Affairs, the Center for Academic Development and the Equal Opportunities Officer).