The University has retained the HR (Human Resources) Excellence in Research award for a further two years in recognition of its commitment to supporting the personal, professional and career development of its researchers.
Presented by the European Commission and confirmed by the organisation Vitae, the Award demonstrates Southampton’s commitment to improving the working conditions and career development for research staff, whilst continually striving to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.
The two year review requires institutions to highlight the key achievements and progress they have made since they gained the Award and to outline the focus of their strategy, success measures and next steps for the following two years. Southampton originally attained the HR Excellence in Research award in 2012.
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said “A vibrant science and innovation sector is fundamental to the UK’s plan for long term economic growth. It is vital that we continue to support researchers to fulfil their potential. The HR Excellence in Research initiative helps institutions to continually review and improve career development for research staff. I’m delighted that so many UK universities have retained the award.”
The HR Excellence in Research Award remains an important step in the recognition by the University of Southampton of the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
In the UK, the Award process incorporates both the ‘Quality Assurance Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes’ and the ‘Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers’. The UK approach includes on-going national evaluation and benchmarking.
Professor Judith Petts, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise said: “By retaining our HR Excellence in Research Award, the University of Southampton is recognised amongst those leading institutions that are meeting clear expectations for researchers, research managers, research institutions, and funders of research to sustain research excellence in the UK.”
Dr Julie Reeves, Southampton’s Early Career Researchers Skills Training Co-ordinator, added:
“Our support for the Concordat helps to ensure that Southampton’s researchers are nurtured and supported with professional development opportunities and careers advice as we continue to recognise the full range of contributions they make to the international standing of our University.”
Click here to find out more about the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers at the University of Southampton