The HR Excellence in Research Award recognises institutions committed to implementing the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, 2005. These principles were updated and consolidated in the revised European Charter for Researchers, adopted in 2023.

The Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IAPG) endorsed these principles and is committed to continuously improving its institutional policies and practices to support an attractive, fair and stimulating research environment.

What does the HRS4R process support at IAPG?

Through the implementation of its HRS4R Strategy and Action Plan, IAPG seeks to:

• provide transparent, open and merit-based recruitment and selection procedures;
• support the professional and career development of researchers at all career stages;
• foster a fair, inclusive and stimulating working environment;
• promote equal opportunities and work–life balance;
• strengthen research integrity, responsible research practices and open science;
• improve onboarding, internal communication and support for international employees;
• develop evidence-based human resources management and regular monitoring of working conditions;
• enhance the Institute’s attractiveness and international visibility as a research employer.

The HR Excellence in Research Award is not a one-off achievement, but a continuous process. Its implementation subject to regular internal reviews and assessments by independent experts appointed through the European Commission’s HRS4R process.

Development of the HRS4R Strategy at IAPG

On 22 July 2026, IAPG submitted its revised HRS4R Strategy and Action Plan for the Award Renewal Assessment. The Institute remains committed to their continuous implementation and monitoring throughout the assessment process.

During 2025 and 2026, IAPG carried out a comprehensive internal review involving employees across career stages, Institute management, responsible organisational units and five employee focus groups. The findings informed the preparation of a revised HRS4R Strategy and a new Action Plan for 2026–2029.

In 2023, the Institute completed its first internal review and successfully underwent the Interim Assessment. Based on its findings and the recommendations received, the original Action Plan was revised for the 2023–2026 implementation period.

On 3 May 2021, IAPG was granted the HR Excellence in Research Award.

In 2020, IAPG formally endorsed the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and began developing its Human Resources Strategy for Researchers.

Detailed information about the European Charter for Researchers and the HR Excellence in Research Award is available on the HR Excellence in Research | EURAXESS website.

Involved bodies:

The Steering Committee provides strategic oversight of the HRS4R process, reviews progress in implementing the Action Plans and endorses key documents and decisions. It includes the Director, the Deputy Director for Science, the Deputy Director for Economy and Human Resources, the Deputy Director for Organisation and Operation, a representative of the IAPG Council, the HR Award Coordinator, representatives of researchers at different career stages.

The focus groups, currently comprising more than 30 members, represent researchers at different career stages, as well as international employees. They provide feedback on working conditions, career development and institutional policies, contribute to the preparation and review of HRS4R actions, and help ensure that the Strategy reflects employees’ needs and experiences.

Contact:
HR Award Coordinator:
Mgr. Marie Altmanová, Ph.D.
altmanova@iapg.cas.cz

Previous project support

The initial preparation and implementation of the IAPG Human Resources Strategy for Researchers were financially supported by the European Union through the Operational Programme Research, Development and Education under the call Development of Research and Development Capacities II.

Project title: Quality Improvement of Human Resources Strategy Management in Science and Research at the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS
Project registration number: CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/18_054/0014650
Operational programme: Research, Development and Education
Total project budget: CZK 38,960,003.60
Implementation period: 1 January 2020 – 30 June 2023