HR Excellence in Research Award
The HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) Award is an initiative of the European Commission that aims to improve career opportunities and working conditions for researchers across Europe.
In connection with NATFA’s involvement in the FilmEU alliance under the European Universities Initiative, and the WIRE by FilmEU project, which is dedicated to driving transformative change in research excellence, innovation, and value creation, NATFA has launched the process to obtain the EU quality label HR Excellence in Research. This supports our efforts to provide attractive working conditions and strong career development opportunities for researchers.
By implementing this strategy, institutions commit to aligning their policies with the European Charter for Researchersand the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
Key components of NATFA’s HR Strategy for Researchers:
NATFA has carried out a comprehensive internal review to compare its current HR policies and practices with the 20 principles of the European Charter for Researchers. This self-assessment combined document analysis with consultation of researchers at all career stages (R1–R4) through surveys and focus groups. Feedback from researchers and other stakeholders directly informed the identification of priority gaps, which are addressed in the Action Plan.
Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R)
NATFA is committed to open, transparent, fair, and merit-based recruitment processes for researchers, in line with OTM-R principles. Current practices are defined in NATFA’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, and further improvements are planned and described in the HRS4R Action Plan.
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.