Addressing HRS4R Challenges Through the HRS4R Repository

The HR Excellence in Research Award plays an important role in strengthening research careers, improving institutional practices, and aligning organisations with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. However, implementing the HRS4R process remains a significant challenge for many institutions.

To better understand these challenges and identify areas where organisations require support, a survey was conducted among both awarded and non-awarded organisations. The findings reveal a strong need for practical guidance, peer learning, and sustainable support mechanisms.

In response to these needs, the CROSS project is developing the HRS4R Repository, an online platform designed to support organisations throughout their Award journey.

Needs Assessment Survey

A needs assessment survey, conducted among 55 organisations across Europe, identified key challenges and support needs related to the HR Excellence in Research process. The most frequently reported challenges were stakeholder engagement, internal communication, resource constraints, and translating the principles of the European Charter for Researchers into concrete institutional actions.

The survey also highlighted different support needs depending on an organisation’s stage in the HR Excellence in Research Award journey. Non-awarded institutions expressed a strong need for guidance on gap analysis, strategy and action plan development, OTM-R implementation, and the application process. Awarded organisations sought support in maintaining researcher and management engagement, preparing for site visits, and promoting the New Charter within their institutions.

Respondents showed a clear preference for practical and interactive support formats, including online seminars, peer-learning activities, site visits, community of practice, and one-to-one consultations. These findings underline the importance of providing accessible resources, practical guidance, and opportunities for knowledge exchange throughout the entire HR Excellence in Research process.

The HRS4R Repository

To address the needs identified in the survey, the CROSS project is developing the HRS4R Repository, an online platform that will provide practical, experience-based support for organisations implementing HR Excellence in Research process principles.

The Repository will:

• Collect success stories and best practices
• Provide templates and guidelines regarding the Award process
• Share tips and examples of successful implementation
• Highlight common pitfalls and how to overcome them
• Offer answers to frequently asked questions
• Support organisations at different stages of the process
• Facilitate networking and peer exchange

The Repository is intended for universities, research-performing organisations, NGOs, and all organisations interested in obtaining the HR Excellence in Research Award.

Importantly, the Repository is designed not only as an information database, but also as an interactive support ecosystem that encourages collaboration and institutional learning.

The CROSS project supports the HR Excellence in Research Award implementation through collaborative tools, peer learning, and practical guidance mechanisms.

The HRS4R Repository is one of the project’s key initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and supporting organisations throughout the Award process.

Ultimately, the Repository can help institutions move beyond a compliance-driven approach and support the development of more sustainable, inclusive, and researcher-friendly environments across the European research ecosystem.