University retains award for HR Excellence in Research

The University of Reading has been recognised by the European Commission, Vitae and the UK HR Excellence in Research Panel for its work in improving working conditions and career development opportunities for research staff.

The University was among one of the first UK institutions to sign up to the Concordat for Researcher Development in 2008 and secured its first HR Excellence in Research (HREiR) award in 2010. Reading is one of three universities to have retained the award after a 12-year review.

Overseen by Professor Adrian Williams, Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies and Researcher Development, the award demonstrates continued commitment and action to improving the culture, employment and career development of research staff, particularly early career researchers (ECRs) on fixed-term contracts.

Professor Adrian Williams said: “We are delighted to retain this award. Reading has invested significant resources over the last 15 years to support and improve our early career research culture and we have an ambitious action plan to continue this in the future.”

Professor Dominik Zaum, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), said: “Early Career Researchers are a hugely important part of our research ecosystem; they conduct excellent research, and are key to the vitality and future of their disciplines.

“A lot of work happens behind the scenes to support the development of ECRS and their careers, and I am very pleased that this work is recognised by retaining this award for over 12 years now.”

The UK peer review panel reported that “it was clear that there is a high level of commitment to implementing the Concordat at Reading.”

Over the next three years, the HREiR action plan will look at further improvements and work with the Research Staff Committee to meet the needs of the research community, including training, personal skills and career development.

Find out more on the HR Excellence in Research page.

For further questions, please contact Sue Glover, Researcher Development Project Officer.