HR Excellence in Research Award
The HR Excellence in Research Award is a recognition granted by the European Commission to institutions demonstrating a sustained commitment to implementing the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) process supports institutions in strengthening researchers’ working conditions, career development, and open, transparent and merit-based recruitment (OTM-R).
As part of NATFA’s participation in the FilmEU Alliance under the European Universities Initiative and in the WIRE by FilmEU project, NATFA has launched its HRS4R process towards the HR Excellence in Research Award. This work supports the Academy’s commitment to providing an attractive, inclusive and supportive environment for researchers across career stages.
Through the HRS4R process, NATFA is reviewing its policies, procedures and established practices against the 20 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and identifying practical measures for further institutional development. The process takes account of NATFA’s specific research environment, in which scholarly, artistic and practice-based research are closely connected with teaching, creative practice, professional engagement and international collaboration.
NATFA has conducted a comprehensive internal review of its policies, procedures and established practices in relation to the 20 principles of the European Charter for Researchers. The self-assessment combined document analysis with consultation of researchers and relevant staff across career stages through a questionnaire and focus-group discussions.
This process identified institutional strengths as well as areas requiring further development. The findings informed NATFA’s Gap Analysis and the priorities addressed in the HRS4R Action Plan.
Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (PTM-R) Policy of NATFA / Институционална политика за открит, прозрачен и основан на заслуги подбор на изследователи на НАТФИЗ “Кр. Сарафов”
NATFA is committed to open, transparent, fair and merit-based recruitment of researchers in accordance with OTM-R principles.
The institutional framework is established through NATFA’s Regulation for the Implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and the Recruitment of Researchers – OTM-R Policy of NATFA. Further measures to strengthen the consistency, accessibility, international visibility and monitoring of recruitment practices are included in the HRS4R Action Plan.
The HRS4R Action Plan translates the identified gaps into concrete, specific and measurable actions designed to align NATFA’s HR policies with the 20 principles of the European Charter and Code. Key elements include initiatives for open recruitment (OTM-R), improved working conditions, training, and career development, each with clear timelines and responsible units. The actions focus on priority areas identified through the inclusive review process and are fully aligned with NATFA’s strategic objectives.
NATFA’s HRS4R Action Plan translates the findings of the Gap Analysis into concrete and measurable institutional actions. Each action includes a defined timeframe, responsible institutional unit or units, and indicators of progress.
Implementation will be monitored throughout the Action Plan period. NATFA will collect relevant evidence, consider feedback from researchers and other stakeholders, and regularly review progress as part of its ongoing HRS4R process and preparation for subsequent assessment.