Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) process is a tool of the European Commission to help institutions of higher education and research develop their activities in line with the principles in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code).
The Charter & Code consist of 40 fundamental principles supporting the creation of attractive research careers and favourable working conditions for researchers throughout Europe. The principles are organized under four thematic headings:
- Ethical and Professional Aspects
- Recruitment and Selection
- Working Conditions and Social Security
- Training and Development
Together, the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers form the foundation of the HR Excellence in Research Award.
HR Strategy for Researchers at Åbo Akademi University
Åbo Akademi University is committed to improving working conditions and recruitment processes for researchers. This commitment has been recognized through the HR Excellence in Research Award, which ÅAU received in December 2020.
The HRS4R work at Åbo Akademi University is overseen by a steering group and a project group and is carried out consistently with related activities and development projects at the University (e.g. the continuous strategy work, the work on gender equality and non-discrimination, and work on open science).
During the initial phase of the HRS4R process, researchers and administrators collaborated to analyse how the principles of the Charter & Code were being implemented at Åbo Akademi University. This analysis covered regulations, steering documents, and current practices. Based on the findings, an Action Plan 2020-2022 following the HRS4R template was designed to address identified shortcomings and further develop activities related to researchers’ working conditions and recruitment.
Action Plan
As part of the Action Plan 2020–2022, Åbo Akademi University carried out several key activities to strengthen research practices and working conditions. These included:
- Implementing annual and systematic open calls for ÅAU-funded doctoral researcher positions, as part of the strategic work, and introducing a shared onbording programme for new and existing doctoral researchers.
- Arranging topical researcher training, in for instance GDPR-related training and safety protocols.
- Improving accessibility to information by systematically providing all relevant information in both Swedish and English in internal communication.
- Raising awareness and educating in the process of addressing issues in the workplace and study environment, including the process of complaints.
- Reviewing the internal recruitment guide, and providing clear instructions for each stage of the recruitment process following the principles of Open, Transparent, and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R)
Openness, Transparency, and Merit‑Based Recruitment
As part of this work, Åbo Akademi University is also committed to openness, transparency, and merit‑based recruitment. We foster an inclusive, dynamic environment that values openness, sustainability, and professional growth. Through HRS4R and the OTM‑R principles, we ensure fair and transparent recruitment and support continuous development for all staff and researchers.
The assessment of researchers and research follows the guidelines of TENK: Good Practice in Researcher Evaluation, including the national recommendation on the responsible use of publication metrics. Since 2024, the university has also committed to the CoARA principles (The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment), reforming the methods and processes by which research, researchers, and research organizations are evaluated.
CoARA Commitment at ÅAU
Since 2024, Åbo Akademi University has been a signatory to the CoARA Agreement (Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment), aimed at promoting diversity, fairness, transparency, and inclusion in research assessment. This commitment supports researchers and projects across career stages and disciplines and is a key part of ÅAU’s researcher’s strategy and the HRS4R.
The university participates and shares how it reviews and develops assessment criteria, tools, and processes in line with CoARA’s core commitments and following an action plan with defined milestones. The Research Strategy Council (FoR) oversees the development and implementation of this plan, involving stakeholders from all career stages.
The ÅAU CoARA Action Plan covers 2025–2029. In 2025, the focus has been on creating internal and external communication channels and planning feedback mechanisms in the recruitment system. This will continue in 2026. The action plan also emphasizes participation in networks, updating practices based on feedback, and expanding reforms across departments and different networks. By 2027–2029, efforts will concentrate on fully integrating CoARA principles into research assessment practices, strengthening ÅAU’s research culture.
Interim Assessment and Continued Development
In 2023, Åbo Akademi University conducted an interim assessment as part of the HRS4R implementation phase. This evaluation provided valuable insights into the progress made since the initial Action Plan and highlighted areas where further development was needed. Based on the results, Åbo Akademi University has continued to strengthen its practices by engaging in discussion sessions with different researcher groups and involving stakeholders in shaping the next steps.
The outcomes of the 2023 interim assessment, together with input from these stakeholder discussions, form the foundation for a new Action Plan that will be implemented during the years 2026–2030.
Looking ahead, Åbo Akademi University will carry out a self‑evaluation in November 2026, followed by a site visit from HRS4R evaluators. These steps are part of the continuous monitoring and improvement process, ensuring that the principles of the Charter & Code remain firmly embedded in the university’s operations.
The following illustration provides an overview of the HRS4R process:
The Åbo Akademi University Strategy
The Åbo Akademi University Strategy sets the directions for the activities carried out at Åbo Akademi University. The Strategy 2030 defines four core values:
1) Knowledge: we take responsibility for safeguarding critical academic thinking, open science and the processes of credible knowledge production.
2) Community: we take responsibility for creating a sense of community in our activities, where our relatively small size and concentrated campus environments allow flexible interaction between students and staff.
3) Enabling: we take responsibility for providing competence development for tomorrow’s needs in an innovative environment.
4) Sustainability: through our activities, we take responsibility for contributing to economic, social, ecological, technological and cultural sustainability and we apply the principles in our own activities.
The directions and values are well in line with the Charter & Code. Openness, transparency, sustainability and quality in all activities are highlighted throughout the Strategy. Through our dedication to education and research, we play a crucial role in shaping a progressive and inclusive society:
“By working for the Swedish-speaking population in Finland, we simultaneously contribute to an open, democratic society together with other Finnish universities. Academic activities that focus on freedom of thought, speech, teaching and research foster active citizenship, human rights, equality, diversity, openness, education and critical thinking.”
Gender Equality, Equal Treatment and Accessibility
Åbo Akademi is committed to creating an inclusive study and work environment where everyone is treated equally and with respect. Our plan on Gender Equality, Equal Treatment and Accessibility aims to promote equality, non-discrimination, and accessibility by identifying and removing barriers that create inequality.
The plan includes goals and actions to ensure a safe environment free from discrimination, racism, and sexism, where both staff and students have equal opportunities to participate in all activities. The work is regularly monitored by the Equality Committee and forms part of our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The plan is undergoing renewal during 2025. The previous plan continues to be active until the new plan is decided on: