The University of Montpellier has had its European “HR Excellence in Research” designation renewed through 2027

Ten years after becoming the first French university to receive the European “HR Excellence in Research” label, the University of Montpellier has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible, inclusive, and high-quality research. The European Commission has renewed this label through July 2027, commending the continuity and depth of the initiatives carried out as part of the HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) strategy.

Ten years of dedication to exemplary research

Awarded by the European Commission, the “HR Excellence in Research” label recognizes institutions that implement an ambitious and sustainable human resources policy for research. Since 2015, the University of Montpellier has been fully committed to this process of continuous improvement, in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

This strategy is based on several priorities:

  • career support for researchers,
  • open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment (OTM-R),
  • promoting mobility and integration within teams,
  • improving working conditions and the well-being of the scientific community.

A true mark of recognition, this label is a strategic asset for the University of Montpellier: it enhances its visibility on the national and international stage, facilitates access to European funding (particularly under the Horizon Europe program), and demonstrates a research policy grounded in the values of equity, inclusivity, and excellence.

A new action plan for 2024–2027

Following an in-depth self-assessment conducted in 2023–2024, based on extensive consultation with the research community and cross-departmental collaboration, a new action plan has been developed for the period 2024–2027. Approved by the Board of Directors on November 18, 2024, and subsequently validated by the European Commission, this plan is built around three core values: transparency, inclusivity, and excellence.

He will guide the next steps of the HRS4R strategy to continue the efforts undertaken since 2015 to make the University of Montpellier an attractive, sustainable, and exemplary research environment.