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HRS4R, which stands for Human Resources Strategy for Researchers, is an initiative by the European Commission aimed at supporting research institutions and funding organizations in the implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (C&C).

In January 2000, the European Community saw the need to establish the European Research Area (ERA) as the central pivot for future community action in this sector, to consolidate and structure European research policy. On March 11, 2005, the European Community published the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. These complementary documents are addressed to all researchers in the European Union and contain a set of general principles and recommendations concerning the roles, responsibilities, and entitlements of researchers, their employers, and the funding bodies.

On 18 December 2023, the European Council formally adopted the Council Recommendation on a framework for research careers, including a new European Charter for Researchers, which replaces the previous 2005 version. This recommendation aims to create a European framework to attract and retain talent in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, addressing current challenges such as mobility, career diversity, and working conditions. The new Charter includes 20 fundamental principles, divided into 4 pillars: ethics, evaluation and recruitment, working conditions, and talent development, to promote a more inclusive and sustainable research environment in Europe.

The goal is to create a more attractive and sustainable research environment, improving working conditions and opportunities for researchers throughout the EU at all stages of their careers. It applies to all fields of research in both the public and private sectors, regardless of the type of relationship established, the legal nature of the employer, or the type of organization or institution where the work is carried out.

Downloadable documents (PDF format):

• New European Charter for Researchers (2023)
• European Charter for Researchers (2005)