HR Excellence in Research/Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)
Providing researchers with an excellent working environment — this is a key priority for the German Sport University Cologne. That is why the university decided to participate in the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research process again in 2021.
Those who successfully complete this certification process receive the “HR Excellence in Research” designation, provided that the so-called Human Resources Strategy for Researchers is successfully implemented and put into practice. Participation requires signing the “European Charter for Researchers” and the “Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.” By doing so, research organizations voluntarily commit to adhering to and implementing the guidelines contained therein.
In the spring of 2023, the German Sport University Cologne was awarded the “HR Excellence in Research Award” based on its application submitted in December 2022. As an internationally oriented research university, it has thus demonstrated that it offers an excellent working environment to its researchers from both Germany and abroad.
More than 600 scientific organizations worldwide are already participating in this process. However, the presentation of the HR Excellence in Research Award does not mark the end of this process. Rather, it serves as the starting point for further regular reviews, optimizations, and expansions of the associated measures (see project phases). These efforts are intended to continuously improve the working conditions for researchers of all nationalities at the German Sport University Cologne, thereby consistently advancing working conditions in the academic profession.
At the same time, this process offers the German Sport University Cologne the opportunity to position itself even more effectively in the international competition for highly qualified researchers. In addition, all employees at our university benefit from synergies resulting from internal collaboration: For example, a shared strategic foundation generates new momentum regarding continuing education and counseling opportunities, leadership development, and the standardization of hiring processes.
- Ethical and professional aspects, e.g., academic freedom, responsibility and conduct in research professions, contractual obligations, good scientific practice, use of research results, evaluation, and gender equality
- Hiring procedures and recruitment, e.g., transparency and performance-based recruitment processes, recognition of qualifications, periods of mobility, and career stages that deviate from a traditional academic career path
- Working conditions and social security, e.g., stability and financial security of employment relationships, teaching, and participation
Career and continuing education, e.g., academic mentoring, opportunities for professional development
Sources:
The following phases are included in the HRS4R process:
- Phase 1: Conducting an internal gap analysis; this serves to determine the current status and, at the same time, identify areas for improvement and gaps -> Completed
- Phase 2: Development and publication of an institution-specific action plan based on the gap analysis; specific measures are listed, prioritized, and assigned a timeline -> Completed
- Phase 3: Approval of the report by the European Commission and granting of user rights to the “HR Excellence in Research” logo -> Completed
- Phase 4: Internal review after two years (Interim Assessment)
- Phase 5: External evaluation by the European Commission after an additional three years (on-site assessment)
The German Sport University Cologne initiated the implementation process in December 2021. The first two phases were completed in 2022, and the third phase in May 2023 (award received). The German Sport University Cologne is currently in the implementation phase, during which the defined actions are being carried out and implemented. This will be followed in spring 2025 by an assessment by the European Commission—the so-called Interim Assessment—during which the current status of implementation and progress will be reviewed.
OTM-R refers to an open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process that encompasses everything from information about job openings and the selection process to future career and professional development opportunities at an institution. Furthermore, OTM-R stands for fair selection processes and equal opportunity, in which suitability, competence, and performance are the decisive criteria.
A process that complies with the OTM-R recommendations is characterized by the fact that:
- external, national, and international researchers are encouraged to apply
- potential applicants receive all relevant information about the advertised position, such as job requirements or career opportunities
- the administrative burden on applicants is kept to a minimum, for example through an e-recruiting tool
- the selection criteria cover a broad spectrum and correspond to the requirements of the position
- the employer communicates with applicants in a transparent and open manner.
The German Sport University Cologne is committed to the OTM-R core principles. In accordance with the HR Excellence in Research principles, these principles are to be taken into account at every stage of the recruitment process. Through the implementation of an OTM-R system, recruitment processes—including both appointment procedures for professorships and positions for research staff and faculty—at the German Sport University Cologne are conducted in a quality-assured manner.
An OTM-R policy has already been drafted and approved by the Rector’s Office. A key focus of the implementation process is the introduction of an application management system (e-recruiting tool) that reduces administrative hurdles for applicants and simplifies the process overall.
HR Excellence in Research - News
2025
Revised Action Plan
As part of the interim assessment, the Action Plan and the HR Strategy were revised.
Diversity Policy
A diversity policy was developed and published at DSHS.
OTM-R Policy
The German Sport University Cologne values fair and transparent hiring conditions and has therefore adopted an OTM-R policy.
Open Science Policy
The German Sport University Cologne has adopted an Open Science Policy (Main Action II).
Leadership Development
A comprehensive range of offerings and information on continuing education opportunities for leaders can be found here.
The German Sport University Cologne has adopted guidelines on good leadership.
2024
CoARA
The German Sport University Cologne has signed on to the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) and is a founding member of the National Chapter. CoARA aims to drive reforms in the evaluation of research performance to place greater emphasis on qualitative rather than quantitative metrics (Principle #11). More information here.
Certificate Program for Postdocs
Effective immediately, postdocs and doctoral candidates can participate in the NRW-wide certificate program “Qualification for Professional Fields in Business and Society” (Main Action IV)
Coaching Program for Leaders
Following a successful pilot in 2024, the DSHS is offering professional business coaching as part of leadership development for professors and academic leaders. As a service provider and cooperation partner, we are collaborating with the market leader CoachHub and its platform and academy (Action #3).
Revised European Charter for Researchers Adopted
The European Charter for Researchers, originally drafted in 2005, has been comprehensively revised and has now been adopted and published by the European Council. Further information can be found here and here.
Introductory Seminar “Women Lead Differently”
As part of a leadership seminar, female researchers at the DSHS and female staff members from technical and administrative departments with leadership responsibilities were able to participate in a two-day workshop for professional development and networking (Actions #3 and #17).
Annual Reviews for Academic Staff
Detailed information and documents regarding annual performance reviews for academic staff can be found on the intranet
2023
DSHS as a Best Practice
The university’s HRS4R application materials were rated as excellent. As a result, the DSHS project group was invited to present its experiences as a best-practice example at the HRS4R information day in Brussels. More information here.
Establishment of an Open Access Working Group
The Open Access Working Group at the German Sport University was founded in February 2023 and is intended to advise the university’s decision-makers on open access and to discuss current issues and strategies related to the topic (Action #9).
HRS4R in Zeitlupe
The February 2023 issue of “Zeitlupe” features a report on the HRS4R process at the German Sport University Cologne.
ORCID Membership
The German Sport University is now a member of the ORCID Consortium, which significantly simplifies the process for researchers to assign and identify their own institution in the context of publication processes or third-party funding applications (Action #9).
Adoption of Publication Guidelines
The German Sport University Cologne’s publication policy outlines simple yet effective measures to address these shared goals of authors and their university. Like the ORCID ID, it streamlines the publication process (Action #9).
Signing of the Declaration Against Abuse of Power
The German Sport University Cologne, together with all other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, has signed a declaration promoting respectful and appreciative conduct and opposing the abuse of power at universities (Principle #10).
Receipt of the HRS4R Award
Following a positive evaluation of the application materials, the DSHS was honored with the HRS4R Award for “HR Excellence in Research.”
2022
Submission of HRS4R Application Documents
The German Sport University Cologne submitted the application documents for the HR Excellence in Research Award by the deadline.
HRS4R in the “Kurier”
A brief report on the HRS4R process at the German Sport University Cologne has been published in the “Kurier.”
Project Team & Contact Information
A team commissioned by the Rector’s Office is continuously overseeing the HRS4R process (in particular, the conduct of the gap analysis and the development of the resulting action plan) in accordance with EU guidelines. The Rectorate of the German Sport University Cologne is in charge of this certification process and serves as the Steering Committee; UK Research is particularly involved as the Representative Community of Researchers; other university bodies and stakeholders are also involved at various stages to ensure a high level of participation and acceptance among the university community. Contact: HRS4R@dshs-koeln.de
