HR Excellence in Research

Mendel University in Brno strives to be an inspiring and welcoming workplace for all researchers – from PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows to professors – and for all staff in general. It offers a modern environment where scientific talent can flourish and build a successful career.

In October 2017, we endorsed the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (the Charter and Code). Our aim was to obtain the award granted by the European Commission to research institutions that implement the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) based on these principles.

In 2018, we carried out an internal GAP analysis to compare existing practices at the university with the Charter and Code, and simultaneously prepared an action plan outlining the steps for implementing measures to fulfil the principles enshrined in the Charter and Code. The European Charter for Researchers was revised in 2023, and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers was incorporated into the Charter.

The university has completed the second phase of HRS4R implementation, which it is now developing further through a new three-year action plan. As part of this process, a site visit by European Commission evaluators took place in spring 2025, during which the award was successfully renewed for the next period.

This renewal confirms our commitment to continue creating a transparent, attractive, and supportive working environment for researchers at all stages of their careers. Key initiatives that contributed to the successful evaluation include open and transparent recruitment, a Welcome Office for international staff, a strong focus on research ethics, open science, a PhD School, a gender equality plan, measures to support work-life balance, and the prevention and resolution of inappropriate behaviour. Areas for further improvement include communication of the Charter’s principles, collecting feedback from researchers, internationalisation, project support, technology transfer, and career development.

Benefits of HRS4R implementation for the University and Researchers:

Increasing University prestige and attractiveness for researchers.
Linking to a pan-European network of research organisations.
International attractivity and visibility.
Obtaining funds for research from European and national research supporting programmes - advantages in the TAČR programs, HORIZON 2020 and others.
Improving the quality of care for human resources.
Creating conditions for a more attractive career in research and development at the University.
Ensuring transparent recruitment and selection of new researchers.
Acknowledgement of experience from mobilities in the public and private sectors.
Development of professional growth of researchers.