HR Excellence in Research
In 2014, TH Köln was the first German university which received the "HR Excellence in Research" award by the EU Commission. The award 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)
With the HR Excellence in Research award, the EU Commission is raising awareness of a research culture at universities and the implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. One aim is to create better working conditions for researchers through quality-assured HR management and ensure a good establishment of the research profession.
In the global competition for top researchers, the award serves as a quality award that stands for fair and transparent recruitment procedures, respect for intellectual property rights and a stimulating working environment with sufficient training opportunities.
TH Köln has developed its own action plan for the HR Excellence in Research Award and has committed to regularly review the status of implementation.
Regular audits are scheduled every three years as part of the award. In 2016, 2019/20 and 2023, TH Köln's measures to implement the European Charter for Researchers were sucessfully re-audited by the European Commission.
In 2020, discussions were held with the university management and various groups of people as part of a virtual audit and the award was confirmed.
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.
HR Ecellence in Research Structure at TH Köln
HR Excellence in Research 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)
HR Excellence in Resarch 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).