Örebro University competing for the best researchers
University Director Louise Pålsson and HR Manager Katarina Åkerling Lindholm.
Örebro University has enhanced its international profile since receiving the “HR Excellence in Research” award in 2018 – and is now preparing for the European Commission’s next evaluation and site visit in 2024 to ensure the university meets the high standards set.
- The ongoing effort is crucial for competing for the best researchers, says University Director Louise Pålsson.
In 2018, Örebro University received the European Commission’s approval regarding the implementation of “The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers” (the Charter & Code). Approval gives the right to use the “HR Excellence in Research” logo. The award means, among other things, that Örebro University has a continuously improving and stimulating work environment, transparent recruitment and assessment of researchers, and works for clearly defined career development opportunities.
In 2018, Örebro University, as one of the first universities in Sweden, was recognized with the “HR Excellence in Research” award. The award means, among other things, that Örebro University has a continuously improving and stimulating work environment, transparent recruitment and assessment of researchers, and works for clearly defined career development opportunities.
What does the “HR Excellence in Research” award mean for Örebro University?
- The European Commission places high demands on us as a responsible university and employer. The award means that we meet most of the standards they have established. This makes us attractive to European and international researchers, leading more to apply to us, says Louise Pålsson, and adds:
- It also provides a good tool to work systematically and continuously with long-term issues, such as working conditions and career paths.
One of Örebro University’s strategic goals is to increase research funding and the recruitment of international teachers and researchers – which is strengthened by the award.
- It’s a quality indicator that strengthens our position as an attractive employer. It also increases our visibility internationally and helps to attract and retain top researchers, says Katarina Åkerling Lindholm, HR Manager at Örebro University.
Increasing numbers of organizations, currently more than 700, have received the award following the Charter & Code, which is the European charter.
- The ongoing work is important for us to be able to compete for the best researchers as well as research funds. It’s very important for the future that Örebro University is as attractive as possible to increasingly well-qualified researchers," says Louise Pålsson.
However, the fact that Örebro University has received the award does not mean that the university can rest on its laurels. In 2024, the university has to send in a report the European Commission on the results of past activities and a revision of the upcoming three-year action plan – as well as a site visit with specialists from the European Commission.
- Thus, continued communication activities will be important, especially internally, as the organization’s awareness of the award is particularly important for the Commission’s assessment,” says Katarina Åkerling Lindholm.
Karin Hedström, Dean and Professor of Informatics at Örebro University, is a member of the steering committee for the work and she emphasizes that the process involves continuous development work.
- We see great value in involving researchers at all levels in this work. Focus group discussions are currently being conducted to identify areas for development and thereby create suggestions for improvements for the coming three-year period. These will then be specified in an updated action plan,” she says.