HR Excellence in Research

The principles cover: 
- Ethics, integrity, gender and open science  
- Researchers’ assessment, recruitment and progression  
- Working conditions and practices 
- Research careers and talent development 

In order to implement these principles a HR Excellence in Research process is followed. The process (previously called the Human resources strategy for researchers, HRS4R; now the HR Award process) is based on a structured and monitored auditing mechanism, centred on three-year cycles of continuous assessment based on a Gap analysis and an Action plan. 

Action plan 

The University West Action plan is the result of a Gap analysis performed in 2022, based on the input from researchers and doctoral students at the university.  

The first part of the implementation of the Action plan was conducted in 2023-2025.  

One of the main results from this first phase was the updated HV Appointments procedure (OTM-R policy) with associated guidelines and procedures. This had significant impact on the overall development in the area and strongly contributed to the progress on several of the identified shortcomings regarding Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R).  

Also, the role and responsibilities of the HV Research Ethics Council was expanded during this phase. Information on research ethics and the process for ethical approval is now regularly disseminated to ensure it is practically useful for the researchers. 

As a result of an Interim assessment the University West Action plan was updated in 2025, taking on activities such as clarifying and communicating career paths at teh university and developing and communicating access to continuous professional development for researchers.  

The second part of the implementation of the Action plan is conducted between 2025 and 2028. 

Implementation & organization 

The implementation of the University West Action plan is embedded in university regular bodies and operations. The Employment Strategy Council (Arbetsgivarstrategiska Rådet; AGR), chaired by the Vice chancellor, is in charge of overseeing the HR Award process. For research-specific matters, the Research Strategy Council (Forskningsstrategiska rådet; FSR) is consulted. For matters that need Vice chancellor decision the University Management Team (Högskolans ledningsgrupp; HLG), the preparatory body for Vice-chancellor decision, is engaged. 

The research community is involved via representation in the FSR and HLG committees, as well as via the Heads of Department in AGR. PhD students and researchers are also involved at an individual level, for instance via the annual performance appraisal, conducted at least once a year.  

Administrative support is provided by the HR department and the Grants and Innovation Office (GIO).