Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is a framework promoted by the European Commission to support research institutions in the implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Through the HR Excellence in Research Award, the European Commission recognises organisations that actively align their human resources policies with the principles of the Charter and the Code, based on a tailored and continuously evolving HR strategy.
At the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), HRS4R is understood as a long-term commitment to improving research working conditions, recruitment practices and career development. Following an extensive internal analysis involving different institutional stakeholders, BBRC developed its first Action Plan 2020-2024, approved in 2019. As a result of this process, BBRC was awarded the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) label in October 2020.
BBRC’s initial Action Plan was structured in alignment with the former HRS4R framework, based on 40 principles derived from the Charter and the Code. Following the adoption of the updated European Charter for Researchers (2023), which consolidates this framework into 20 key principles, BBRC is progressively aligning its HR policies and strategic actions with the renewed European approach, while ensuring continuity with previous commitments.
In 2025, BBRC conducted a new internal review to assess progress, identify challenges and gather feedback from the research community. Building on this analysis, the Centre has defined a new Action Plan for the period 2026–2028, reinforcing its commitment to open, transparent and merit-based recruitment, equality, professional development and a supportive research environment aligned with European standards.
You can consult the official European documents related to the European Charter for Researchers (2005), the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and the European Charter for Researchers (2023).
Who is the HRS4R Strategy aimed at?
The implementation of the HRS4R Strategy at BBRC is aimed at all members of the Centre, including research staff, research support and coordination teams, and research infrastructure staff. The strategy applies to everyone, regardless of contractual status or career stage, and seeks to ensure fair working conditions, transparent recruitment, and continuous professional development across the organisation.
For more information on the profile of the researchers, click on this link.
What does HRS4R mean in practice at BBRC?
At BBRC, HRS4R is not just a label but a practical framework that guides how we recruit, support and develop research talent. It shapes our institutional strategic plan, our recruitment processes, working conditions, career development policies and commitment to a fair, inclusive and supportive research environment.
Who benefits from the HRS4R Strategy?
The HRS4R Strategy is aimed at everyone at BBRC: researchers at all career stages (R1–R4), research support and coordination staff, and research infrastructure teams. It applies regardless of contractual status and promotes equal opportunities, transparency and professional development across the organisation.
How does HRS4R influence recruitment at BBRC?
All recruitment processes at BBRC follow the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R). Vacancies are publicly advertised, selection criteria are clearly defined, and evaluation focuses on merit, competencies and potential, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates.
How is the HRS4R Strategy kept up to date?
HRS4R at BBRC is based on continuous improvement. Through periodic internal reviews, feedback from the research community and monitoring of implemented actions, BBRC updates its priorities and Action Plans. The current 2026–2028 Action Plan builds on this process and aligns with evolving European standards and institutional priorities.
How does HRS4R support research careers and well-being?
HRS4R supports researchers by promoting clear career paths, access to training and mentoring, work-life balance, equality and a respectful working environment. The strategy aims to help researchers and staff thrive professionally while maintaining a healthy and sustainable research culture.
In order to integrate the 40 principles contained in the Charter and the Code, the BBRC carried out an extensive internal analysis, developed the 2020-2024 Action Plan, and in September 2019, submitted the application awarding recognition.
The BBRC 2020-2024 Action Plan, approved by the Steering Committee in September 2019, foresees 21 actions grouped in the following categories:
- Working conditions and equality
- Career development plan
- Communication and strategic actions
- Selection and recruitment
- Resources and data
The analysis and the Action Plan were carried out by a team led by Human Resources together with the Office of Research Management, and formed by the HRS4R Working Group together with the HRS4R Supervisory Committee.
In November 2022, the BBRC presented to the European Commission the interim assessment report of the implementation process of the HRS4R's action plan. Drawing from this assessment and the work that is being carried out in regards to this action plan, three new actions have been included to the plan. These new additions contribute to the improvement of the working conditions, the development of the researchers' professional careers and the equality of opportunities in the promotion of women scientists.
To implement the HRS4R Seal Strategy, the following working group has been set up in charge of developing the 21 actions of the 2020-2024 Action Plan:
1. Members of the Working Group:
- Dr. Gonzalo Sánchez, of the researchers (R1 and R2).
- Dr. Marc Suárez i Dr. Juan Domingo Gispert, of the researchers (R3 and R4).
- Anna Soteras, from Core Facilities.
- Carme Deulofeu, from the Data Center.
2. Members of the Supervisory Committee:
- Glòria Oliver, BBRC Manager.
- Dr. Arcadi Navarro, Director of the BBRC.
3. Human Resources:
- Susana Palacios, Director of Human Resources.
4. Communication:
- Dr. Jaume Aguilar, Communication.
5. Research Office:
- Dra. Carolina Minguillón, Director of the Research Support Office and RMO Manager.
- Dr. Ojas Desphande, Scientific Policy Officer.
When the BBRC obtained the HRS4R Seal in October 2020, an Action Plan was drawn up for the implementation of the Strategy. The BBRC is currently in the implementation phase of the Strategy. In May 2022, a meeting was held prior to the interim evaluation with the current working groups.
