In 2005, the European Commission initially adopted the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as the main framework to support research institutions in developing fair and transparent human resources policies. In December 2023, this framework was updated and replaced by the new European Charter for Researchers, which integrates and modernises the former Charter and Code principles into a single document.
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) supports institutions in implementing the principles and practices set out in the Charter. In this context, the Centre for Demographic Studies (CED) has pursued recognition of excellence in human resources management through the HR Excellence in Research award.
In 2014, the CERCA Institution and all CERCA Centres signed the Declaration of Commitment to the “European Charter for Researchers” and the “Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”.
European C&Chart signed by CED
On 12 November 2015, CED submitted its Action Plan (2016-2019) to the European Commission in order to align its human resources policies with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
HR ACTIONS AWARDS
On 26 February 2016, the EURAXESS Rights Team informed CED that its comprehensive analysis and action plan fulfilled all the requirements for obtaining the HR Excellence in Research award. Following this initial recognition, the award was successfully renewed in November 2022 after submission of the Renewal Assessment and an on-site visit by external evaluators to CED. In December 2025, CED submitted the Internal Review for the next renewal cycle, which will be assessed without an on-site visit.