Paderborn University receives EU award for research excellence!

Paderborn University receives EU award for research excellence!

The University of Paderborn received the prestigious “HR Excellence in Research Award” on March 9, 2025, as the university announced in a recent announcement. This prize was awarded by the European Commission and recognizes institutions that are significantly committed to improving the working conditions of scientists. The award is part of a comprehensive audit process to implement the “European Charter for Researchers”, which was published in 2005 and defines the basic requirements and rights of scientists.

The award is the result of an intensive work process that considered various aspects such as the working and research environment, compliance with ethical standards and the promotion of scientific career development. The University of Paderborn has also developed a comprehensive action plan based on a thorough analysis of the existing structures. The aim is to identify weaknesses and develop strengths.

Strategic areas of action for improvements

As part of this process, six strategic areas of action were defined:

• Förderung der Karriereentwicklung für Wissenschaftler*innen
• Verbesserung der Betreuungs- und Führungskultur
• Professionalisierung der Personalauswahl- und Onboarding-Prozesse
• Verbesserung des wissenschaftsunterstützenden Umfelds
• Förderung von unterstützenden Arbeitsbedingungen
• Verbesserung des organisationalen Wissensmanagements und der internen Kommunikation

Prof. Dr. Johannes Blömer, Vice President for Research and Young Scientists, explained that the award will provide significant impetus for sustainable change and increase the university's competitiveness in funding applications. Dr. Johanna Flore, who is accompanying the process as HRS4R coordinator, will be responsible for successfully implementing the package of measures.

Evaluation and support from an advisory board

Another important aspect of the HRS4R process is the five-year implementation phase, which ends with an interim evaluation after two years. This evaluation is intended to assess progress and, if necessary, plan the next steps. An advisory board will support the implementation of the plan in order to take the perspective of the scientists into account and check compliance with the set goals.

The values ​​embodied by the “HR Excellence in Research Award” are crucial to creating a positive research climate in Europe. In particular, the focus of this initiative is on promoting transparent and fair recruitment procedures and strengthening the position of researchers. The RPTU has set itself the goal of anchoring these standards in its entire research strategy and of continuously working on the working conditions of its scientists, as well as in the Reporting by RPTU is highlighted.

An example of the successful implementation of these measures is TH Köln, which received the “HR Excellence in Research” award in 2014. The continuous improvement process that was initiated there shows that regular reviews and adjustments are essential to ensure standards in the long term. The TH Köln is committed to creating fair and transparent working conditions with its own working group and an action plan, and in 2024 it even achieved the award for the fourth time in a row.