Spoho receives "Human Resources Excellence in Research" quality seal
A stimulating, positive working environment and excellent development opportunities for researchers - this is what the EU Commission recently attested to at the German Sport University Cologne, awarding it the "Human Resources Excellence in Research" seal of approval.
With this seal of approval, the EU Commission honors scientific institutions that offer scientists both good working conditions and an appropriate working environment. This evaluation is based on the standards formulated in the "European Charter for Researchers" and the "Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers". Thus, the German Sport University Cologne has now also proven that it offers its scientists of all career levels from Germany and abroad fair and professional conditions for their scientific practice and an attractive working environment and continuously improves them.
The German Sport University Cologne is now in the implementation phase and has 24 months to implement the so-called Action Plan step by step by the responsible persons and units. In order to be allowed to carry the seal permanently, the European Commission regularly evaluates the progress and development of the measures. These include, for example, quality-assured and more transparent recruitment processes, management development or the further expansion of offers for PostDocs. The rectorate accompanies this process until successful implementation as a steering committee and in this context would like to make the seal as well known as possible externally and internally.
By receiving the seal, the German Sport University Cologne can position itself even better in the international competition for highly qualified researchers. In addition, it sets an example for its own international visibility, also in the competition for EU research funding. At the same time, all employees of the university benefit from synergies in the university's internal cooperation: On this common strategic basis, for example, new impulses arise with regard to consulting and continuing education opportunities, management development, and the standardization of hiring processes.
"The feedback from the reviewers on the application documents has been very positive. I am pleased that our HRS4R process got off to an excellent start thanks to clearly defined tasks in the project, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those involved in this process," says Professor Dr. Hedda Lausberg, Vice-Rector for Research, Academic Staff and Young Scientists. And Spoho Chancellor Marion Steffen adds: "The 'HR Excellence in Research' seal of approval is a further incentive for us to further optimize internal university processes and to take up new impulses based on international standards. Our university as a whole will benefit from this."