University of Žilina Receives Prestigious HR Excellence in Research Award
The University of Žilina (UNIZA) has joined the ranks of leading research institutions in Europe and worldwide by receiving the prestigious HR Excellence in Research Award. This significant recognition is granted by the European Commission to organisations that commit to upholding the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (collectively known as HRS4R – the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers).
The HR Excellence in Research Award is a mark of quality in supporting researchers, ensuring openness in recruitment processes, and fostering a stimulating working environment for science and research. Today, over 750 institutions across the globe hold this award – and the University of Žilina has now proudly become one of them.
The path to achieving this recognition involved a thorough internal audit and self-assessment during which the university evaluated its internal processes from the perspective of research conditions. The outcome is an Action Plan that outlines specific steps to improve HR policies and recruitment processes, raise staff awareness and competencies, support career development for researchers, and enhance the overall quality and transparency of the work environment.
“I would like to thank all the colleagues across the university whose proposals, professional approach, and cooperation contributed to the preparation of the necessary documentation. Your commitment and support were key to achieving this important milestone,” said Ján Čelko, the rector of UNIZA.
Receiving the HR Excellence in Research Award enhances the University of Žilina’s international reputation and credibility among partners and researchers, and improves its competitiveness in securing European grants, especially within programmes such as Horizon Europe. This award also facilitates easier access to a network of prestigious scientific institutions that share best practices and experiences in research and human resources management.
“This award also represents a major commitment for the future. We fully recognise that receiving it marks the beginning of a new phase – the implementation of the Action Plan, which will serve as the foundation for the university’s further development in line with HRS4R principles,” the rector added.
The European Commission will regularly evaluate the university’s progress, and the measures included in the Action Plan to ensure the sustainability and quality of the implemented actions. Considering the evolving EU research funding landscape, holding this award is expected to become a prerequisite for participation in several types of projects – especially under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
With this step, the University of Žilina confirms its strategic commitment to being an attractive and modern workplace for both domestic and international researchers, offering an environment that supports excellence, ethics, and the long-term development of scientific careers.
