HR Excellence in Research Award

The University of Suffolk gained the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission and we have been successful again in retaining this Award at the 6-year external review in 2023 and have held this award since 2017.

Once again, the University of Suffolk's dedication to advancing the careers of its researchers has received recognition. Vitae, a global leader in fostering the professional growth of researchers, has reaffirmed the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award. This award serves as public acknowledgment of the University's commitment to its research community.  

What is the Award?

A UK wide process enabling institutions to gain the European Commission’s ‘HR Excellence in Research’ badge which acknowledges alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for recruitment. The University of Suffolk initially earned the HR Excellence in Research Award in 2017, which allows us to display the European Commission's 'HR Excellence in Research' badge, signifying our alignment with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct. Our university also supports the principles outlined in the UK Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. This commitment is exemplified by our numerous initiatives undertaken throughout the institution, demonstrating our dedication to our researchers and their research endeavours. The award acknowledges that institutions have completed a gap analysis of their existing policies and practice against the Concordat, developed a robust action plan for implementation, and taken into account the views of researchers.

About Vitae

Vitae are an international programme, a not-for-profit registered UK charity dedicated to active career learning and development. Working since 1968, when they ran their first project to support transitions of doctoral researchers to industry, Vitae has great expertise at enhancing the skills and career impact of researchers locally, within a global context.  They launched a membership programme in January 2015. They now work all over the world in partnership with researchers, higher education institutions, research organisations, research funders and other organisations with a stake in realising the potential of researchers. View Vitae member organisations.

The expert peer review team unanimously agreed that the University has demonstrated strong, transparent research culture with forward-thinking and inclusive senior leaders as well as outstanding progress embedding the Concordat Principles within its research structures and governance.  The HR Excellence in Research Award is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and in retaining their Awards UK institutions demonstrate their long-term commitment to the career development of researchers. There are currently 96 Vitae UK member institutions with the Award.

"We are delighted that our thriving research culture has again been recognised and rewarded. The University of Suffolk initially achieved the HR Excellence in Research Award in 2017. It enables institutions to gain the European Commission's 'HR Excellence in Research' badge, acknowledging alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment. The University of Suffolk both endorses and supports the principles of the UK Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, and this is exemplified by the many activities undertaken across the University which demonstrate our commitment to all our researchers and their research careers. We are committed to empowering and supporting all researchers to conduct research at the highest level. We are thrilled that this excellence has been recognised by the European Commission." Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research

Andreea Tocca, Head of Research Development. "I have really enjoyed working closely with our researchers to understand their needs and see what we can do to improve their experience here at the University of Suffolk and more broadly across the sector.  The experience has been insightful and I am looking forward to exemplify the many activities underway within the University which continues to demonstrate our commitment to our researchers and their broader research skills development. We are committed to empowering and supporting all researchers to conduct research at the highest level. We are thrilled that this has been recognised by the European Commission." 

Thank you to each one of our colleagues for both direct and indirect contributions to this great accomplishment.  The nine-year review will take place in 2026. If you have any comments or feedback on the plan or would like to be more involved in our work, please contact us for further information at researchoffice@uos.ac.uk.

Vitae will be releasing the press release via the Vitae website  on Monday 23 October 2023.

University of Suffolk HR Excellence in Research Award Progress since 2017

The University of Suffolk initially successfully gained the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission in June 2017.  The following documents reviews our progress since 2017 and outlines our vision and the practical actions that demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting and developing our research staff.