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.UM thusUM its label of excellence for a three-year period (through 2024). 
This decision reinforces the Human Resources Strategy for Research (HRS4R) implemented byUM 2015, which aims to support research careers by improving career support for researchers, enhancing their working conditions and mobility within the European Union, and strengthening the University’s appeal.
Application for renewal of the HR Excellence in Research designation submitted in December 2020
During 2020,UM 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 components of the renewal proposal, 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
- Status of Completion of the 2017–2019 HRS4R Plan
- UM’s OTM-R Charter
- The Revised HRS4R Action Plan for 2020–2023
Reminder –UM the European “HR Excellence in Research” Label
Since March 2015, the University of Montpellier has been implementing a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), which 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. As a result,UM the first French university to receive the “HR Excellence in Research” label from the European Commission in March 2015 (and to have it renewed in June 2021).
For several years now,UM 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 whichUM established a regular monitoring process (including self-assessment and updates to the action plan at the midpoint and end of the cycle). Awarded for an initial term of 5 years, the label is renewable in 3-year cycles. A mid-term self-assessment conducted in March 2017 was positively evaluated by the European Commission and led to a revision of the action plan for 2017–2019.
A significant asset for securing funding—particularly from European sources—this certification helps ensure the European funding received byUM 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