The University of Montpellier has renewed its European “HR Excellence in Research” designation for three years
Following an evaluation and an on-site audit in June 2021, the European Commission’s evaluators issued a favorable opinion on the University of Montpellier’s application to renew its “HR Excellence in Research” label. The University of Montpellier has thus renewed its label of excellence for a three-year period (through 2024). 
This decision reinforces the Human Resources Strategy for Research (HRS4R) implemented by the University since 2015, which aims to support research careers by improving career support for researchers, enhancing their working conditions and mobility within the European Research Area, while boosting the University’s appeal.
Application for renewal of the HR Excellence in Research label submitted in December 2020
In 2020, the UM conducted an end-of-cycle self-assessment based on collective reflection and cross-departmental collaboration, which led to the development of a new action plan for the 2020–2023 period. The elements of the renewal dossier, approved by the Board of Directors on December 14, 2020, and validated in June 2021 by three experts from the European Commission, include:
- The HRS4R 2020 Report
- Progress on the 2017–2019 HRS4R Plan
- The UM OTM-R Charter
- The Revised HRS4R Action Plan for 2020–2023
Reminder – UM has been awarded the European “HR Excellence in Research” label
Since March 2015, the University of Montpellier has been implementing a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) that reflects its commitment to evolving its practices and aligning with the recommendations of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (C&C). These two documents, adopted in 2005 by the European Commission (EC), aim to promote research careers in Europe. This earned UM the distinction of being the first French university to receive the European Commission’s “HR Excellence in Research” label in March 2015 (and to have it renewed in June 2021).
For several years, UM has been implementing this strategy to support research and promote excellence in human resources for research (good working conditions, open, transparent, merit-based recruitment (OTM-R), and career support)
HRS4R is a quality initiative, based on the principle of continuous improvement, for which UM has established regular monitoring (including self-assessment and updates to the action plan at mid-term and at the end of the cycle). Awarded for an initial period of 5 years, the label is renewable in 3-year cycles. Conducted in March 2017, a mid-term self-assessment was positively evaluated by the European Commission and led to the revision of the action plan for 2017–2019.
A significant asset for securing funding, particularly from European sources, this certification helps secure European funding received by the UM (Article 18 in Horizon Europe) and enhances the institution’s visibility and appeal both nationally and internationally.
Contact: Nathalie Modjeska – Head of International Programs, MUSE – email