The European Commission, in order to strengthen the European Research Area (ERA), adopts the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). These documents are addressed to both research staff and public and private sector funders and employers, and aim to promote equal rights and obligations for research staff across Europe, reducing the fragmentation of the R&D&I system.
To encourage the adoption of the 40 principles set out in the Charter & Code, the Commission is launching the ‘HR Excellence in Research award’, a public distinction that accredits institutions committed to human resources management in line with these principles. These principles have recently been updated at the end of December 2023, with the approval of the new ‘European Charter for Researchers’.
Within this framework, the Marqués de Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) formally began its adherence to the HRS4R Strategy in October 2016 with the signing of the Letter of Adherence, expressing its commitment to the creation of a working environment that fosters high-quality research, transparency and equity.
STAGES IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS OF THE ‘HR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH’ LABEL
The main phases of the HRS4R process in IDIVAL are:
INITIAL EVALUATION
During 2017, IDIVAL carried out an exhaustive analysis (Gap Analysis) on the degree of alignment of its policies and procedures with the 40 principles of the Charter & Code. To this end, a multidisciplinary Technical Committee was set up, which held working sessions, surveys and focus groups to integrate the vision of the entire organisation.
As a result, an Action Plan was designed and submitted to the European Commission in September 2017. On 19 October 2018, IDIVAL obtained the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ recognition.
Both documents can be downloaded via the following links:
MID-TERM EVALUATION
Two years after the award of the Seal, IDIVAL submitted its self-assessment report in November 2020, including an update of the Action Plan. This report was satisfactorily assessed by the European Commission, which issued a positive resolution on 3 March 2021.
The updated Action Plan in the framework of the mid-term evaluation can be consulted via the following link:
RENOVATION PHASE
Three years after the interim assessment, IDIVAL has prepared and submitted in March 2024 the self-assessment for the renewal of the HRS4R Seal.
During 2025, and as part of the continuous improvement process, IDIVAL has carried out a thorough restructuring of the Action Plan, simplifying it from almost 60 actions to approximately 20 strategic actions. This action has involved reviewing and updating the Action Plan, in line with both state strategic changes (new ISCIII Accreditation Guide) and the new European Charter for Researchers.
This streamlining will allow a more efficient implementation and a more agile evaluation, reinforcing the institutional commitment to quality, equity and transparency in the management of human resources in research.
The Action Plan 2025-2028 can be consulted through the following link:
OTM-R POLICY
IDIVAL has an OTM-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment) Policy, revised annually, which regulates the recruitment of research and management staff in accordance with the principles established in the European Charter for Researchers.
The entity also has a Code of Good Recruitment Practices, and a specific system for publishing and managing job offers through its web portal:
HRS4R WORKING GROUP
The implementation and monitoring of the HRS4R Strategy in IDIVAL is led by:
Marcos López Hoyos. IDIVAL Scientific Director
Galo Peralta. IDIVAL Managing Director
Rosa Ayesa (R4). Coordinator of the IDIVAL Mental Disorders Research Group
Maria Wunsch. Regional Project Manager at IDIVAL
Juan José Fernández (R1). Predoctoral Researcher IDIVAL
Lucía de la Guerra (R1). Predoctoral Researcher IDIVAL
Noelia Ruiz (R1). Predoctoral Researcher IDIVAL
María del Barrio (R1). Predoctoral Researcher IDIVAL
Marta Fernández Matarrubia (R2). Neurology Service. Marques de Valdecilla Universitary Hospital
Raquel López Mejía (R3). Researcher at IDIVAL
Carlos Pipaón (R3). Researcher at IDIVAL
Alaín Ocampo (R3). Researcher at IDIVAL
Rosa Ayesa (R4). Coordinator of the IDIVAL Mental Disorders Research Group
Natalia Puente. European Projects Manager at IDIVAL
Maria José Marín. Coordinator of Technological Services at IDIVAL
Maria Wunsch. Regional Project Manager at IDIVAL
Ignacio Velasco García de Muro. Communication Technician at IDIVAL
Both groups integrate technical, management and research staff profiles, guaranteeing a transversal and participative vision.
USEFUL RESOURCES FOR RESEARCHERS
EURAXESS, the European platform dedicated to supporting researchers’ mobility and career development, provides a comprehensive selection of online webinars and training sessions through its Webinars & Trainings section.
RELEVANT ACTIONS CARRIED OUT UNDER THE HRS4R LABEL
Online survey aimed at staff and publication of results: https://www.idival.org/idival-advances-in-the-hrs4r-strategy-with-the-update-of-its-2025-2029-action-plan/
