Implementing the European Charter and Code for Researchers at PRIO
The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
The European Charter for Researchers (the Charter) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (the Code) were adopted by the European Commission as a recommendation to the member states. The Charter and Code address researchers as well as employers and funders in both the public and private sectors. The Charter provides a set of general principles and requirements which specifies the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers as well as of employers and/or funders of researchers, while the Code promotes open and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures. The goal of the Charter and Code is to ensure a relationship between researchers and employers/funders that stimulates good results in terms of generating, transferring, sharing and disseminating new knowledge and technological development, and career development for researchers. The Charter and Code also recognise the value of all forms of mobility and means of enhancing professional development of researchers.
The European Charter and Code for Researchers contain 40 recommended principles concerning the responsibilities and obligations of researchers and their funders and/or employers in relation to four main areas:
Ethical and
Professional Aspects
Recruitment
and Selection
Working Conditions
and Social Security
Training and
Development
PRIO’s Declaration of Endorsement
The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is an independent, international and interdisciplinary research institute, founded in 1959. The institute cultivates the highest standards of academic excellence and is a leader in shaping the global peace research agenda. PRIO has an international research staff of approximately 85 members in full and part-time positions, and in addition 15 in administrative and support functions. The working language at the institute is English. PRIO is an equal opportunity employer and values staff diversity. For further information about the institute, see our About page.
PRIO endorsed the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers in a Declaration that was submitted to the European Commission, 6 July 2011. The endorsement of the Charter and Code was a strategic decision aimed at enhancing the Institute’s human resources strategy for researchers.
PRIO’s firm ambition is to further enhance the ethical and professional aspects of research, the recruitment and selection procedures, and working conditions of researchers, as well as the provision of training and development opportunities for researchers. PRIO emphasises the importance of involving researchers at different levels in the process of implementing the Charter and Code.
Action Plan
Creation of the HR Action Plan
The HR Strategy and Action Plan has been developed by the Strategy Development Committee, supported by the Institute HR Adviser and the Administrative Director. The Strategy Development Committee has been composed of a representative community of junior and senior researchers, support staff, management and leadership. PRIO’s commitment to implement the principles of the Charter and Code as presented in the HRS4R Action Plan is embedded in the PRIO Strategy 2018-2021 recommended by the Institute Council and adopted by the Board.
PRIO’s Leader Team, under the leadership of the Director, is responsible for the implementation of PRIO’s strategy and has been appointed to oversee the HRS4R process. The Leader Team is led by the Director and is composed of the Research Directors for each of the research departments, the Communication Director, the Special Advisor on Project Development and Publications, the Deputy Director, and the Administrative Director.
The Management Team will take actions to implement the HR Strategy and Action Plan. The Management Team includes members from the administration, the research department managements, and HR, and is led by the Administrative Director.
A HRS4R Reference Group will be established as to ensure the involvement of PRIO’s research community in the strategy implementation process. The Reference Group will be composed of researchers at different levels, from doctoral researchers to research professors. The Reference Group will be consulted throughout the implementation process, enabling the Institute to adjust its HRS4R strategy to shifting needs.
