Politehnica University of Timisoara receives the “HR Excellence in Research Award”: a European recognition that comes with a long-term responsibility

Politehnica University of Timisoara has received the European HR Excellence in Research Award, granted by the European Commission through the EURAXESS initiative, following the successful evaluation of the university’s institutional strategy for human resources for researchers.

Beyond the certification itself, the “HR Excellence in Research” Award recognises a university’s commitment to developing its research community and continuously improving the environment in which researchers work. For Politehnica University of Timisoara, receiving this distinction means aligning its human resources policies with European principles on recruitment, professional development, working conditions and research ethics.

The distinction follows a rigorous analysis process that identifies gaps between the university’s existing practices and the European standards promoted through the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. It also involves developing an action plan to address these gaps. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) therefore provides a framework for UPT to turn European principles into concrete institutional practices.

For a technical and research university such as UPT, this is particularly important. A competitive research environment is not only about infrastructure and projects, but also about attracting talented researchers, offering them opportunities for professional development and creating the right conditions for them to reach their potential. Implementing the HRS4R strategy helps strengthen recruitment and professional development processes, improve working conditions and create a more attractive and competitive academic environment.

At the same time, this European recognition strengthens the university’s international profile and its ability to participate in European research and innovation projects and partnerships. The certification is also an advantage when accessing funding opportunities, including under Horizon Europe, and supports UPT’s participation in the development of the E³UDRES² European University Alliance – Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions.

The distinction is, above all, a starting point rather than an end point. Receiving the certification means committing to an implementation plan and an ongoing process of monitoring and improvement, with the next evaluation scheduled for two years from now.

Obtaining the HR Excellence in Research Award marks an important step in strengthening an institutional culture focused on research excellence. While the certification process required sustained efforts in analysis and strategic planning, the real challenge begins now, with implementing the measures undertaken and preparing for the certification renewal process in two years’ time. A significant number of the actions set out in the implementation plan have already been completed or are at an advanced stage. These include integrating HRS4R principles into the university’s institutional strategy, developing a dedicated platform for collecting and reporting research results, developing a diversity and inclusion strategy, and launching the Visiting@UPT programme for invited researchers. In the period ahead, we will continue to implement key measures to develop the university’s research ecosystem, including promoting interdisciplinary research, strengthening support for early-career researchers and modernising research infrastructure. We are confident that, through the involvement of the academic community and the working group that contributed to developing the strategy, Politehnica University of Timisoara will continue to uphold the highest European standards in research human resources management and academic ethics in the years to come.

Claudiu Albulescu

Vice-Chair of the UPT Senate and Director of the UPT Department for International Relations

By receiving the HR Excellence in Research Award, Politehnica University of Timisoara joins European institutions committed to a common framework for the development of human resources in research. For UPT, this recognition represents both confirmation of initiatives already underway and a responsibility to turn the strategy into an ongoing process capable of providing researchers with an academic environment based on professionalism, transparency, development and performance.