Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) at FORTH

HR Excellence in Research Award

The Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) has been awarded the HR Excellence in Research logo by the European Commission in 2023. This distinction recognizes FORTH’s ongoing commitment to aligning with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and to enhancing working conditions and career development opportunities for its research staff.

Overview

FORTH is actively implementing the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) to foster a supportive, transparent and inclusive research environment. The strategy aims to ensure open and merit-based recruitment, promote ethical and gender-balanced practices and encourage continuous professional development.

To coordinate this effort, FORTH has established a unified HRS4R Governance Structure, which brings together both operational and strategic perspectives through two interlinked bodies: the Working Group and the Steering Committee.

In addition, other relevant institutional committees—including those on ethics, gender equality, and data protection—as well as the Union of Researchers and the Union of Employees, actively contribute to the design and implementation of the HRS4R strategy. Their involvement strengthens the participatory and inclusive nature of the initiative.

HRS4R Governance Structure

Purpose

The HRS4R Governance Structure is responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of FORTH’s HRS4R Action Plan. Its core objectives include:

• Implementing the Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) policy
• Monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes of the HRS4R Action Plan
• Identifying challenges and proposing responsive measures
• Ensuring consistency with ethics, gender equality and broader institutional
strategies
• Advising FORTH’s Board of Directors on HRS4R-related matters

Composition

The Governance Structure includes members from across the institution, such as:

• Researchers at all career stages (R1–R4)
• Administrative and technical staff
• Representatives from legal, HR, ethics, gender equality, data protection and other
relevant units of FORTH
• Delegates from the Union of Researchers and the Union of Employees

Members have been appointed to ensure broad institutional representation, career-stage diversity and gender balance, reflecting FORTH’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusive governance.

Collaboration and Communication

The Governance Structure fosters regular communication, collaboration and coordination among its members and with other internal stakeholders. It plays a critical role in embedding HRS4R principles into FORTH’s culture and practices, ensuring accountability and promoting continuous improvement.

For more information on the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers at FORTH, contact:

Science and Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C)
FORTH/EURAXESS Contact Point
Dr. George Papamichail, STEP-C Director

A Working Group and a Steering Committee were formed and approved in order to design and implement the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) and the Charter & Code for Researchers.

HRS4R Steering Committee

(BoD decision: 497/39-6/13.2.2023)

HRS4R Working Group

(BoD decision: 497/39-6/13.2.2023)

Outline of the process