At the end of February 2024, CY Cergy Paris Université saw its HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) label renewed by the European Commission. Explanations from Sonia Tlemçani, HRS4R project manager in the management, legal affairs and continuous improvement department.
Created by the European Commission in 2005, the HRS4R label (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) aims to support research and higher education institutions in improving their human resources management practices, with an emphasis on the well-being of researchers and the creation of a favorable environment for research. quality. This distinction recognizes in particular institutions, such as CY Cergy Paris University, which have implemented effective strategies to attract and retain talented researchers, and are committed to respecting the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the code of conduct for recruitment of researchers. “CY Cergy Paris University obtained certification in October 2021,” recalls Sonia Tlemçani, HRS4R project manager in the management, legal affairs and continuous improvement department. “Since the end of last February, the European Commission, at the The result of the evaluation of our internal report confirmed the extension of the HRS4R label, confirming our commitment to the process. We are currently implementing the action plan and our next challenge is its external evaluation by the European Commission. This evaluation, scheduled for February 27, 2027, will consist of having our institution evaluated by external peers in order to verify its compliance with the principles of HRS4R.
Driving innovation and productivity
The success and implementation of the action plan to improve working conditions at CY Cergy Paris University requires the involvement of several departments. They notably mobilize the human resources department for recruitment and career monitoring policies, the research department in direct contact with the community concerned but also the management department, the internationalization department, the scientific integrity and women’s equality referents. men, the university library, the health, safety and environment department or the digital department. “Rethinking the recruitment and working conditions of researchers at CY Cergy Paris Université is essential to ensure our long-term success. As a higher education study and research establishment, attractive working conditions are crucial to attract and retain the most promising talent By improving work-life balance, providing adequate support and fostering an inclusive environment, we can boost innovation and productivity while ensuring employee well-being. our community of researchers, in a factual manner, we have established spaces for dialogue between researchers and administrative departments, such as HR cafés and doctoral student cafés. In addition, we have improved the welcome booklet by integrating. information on the laboratories (reception representatives, location of sites) and drafted the OTMR charter (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment) which lists ethical recommendations regarding recruitment. We have also strengthened training and awareness-raising on ethics.”
Reach out internationally
At the same time, CY Cergy Paris University monitors individual professional development for doctoral students. The establishment sets up a structured process allowing each doctoral student to define their professional objectives, with the professional integration and business relations manager, in the short and long term, as well as the steps necessary to achieve them. This plan may include specific training, networking opportunities, collaborative research projects, or even international mobility possibilities. “The objective is to encourage the continued development of the skills and careers of researchers, while meeting the specific needs of each person,” summarizes Sonia Tlemçani.
Obtaining the label strengthens the visibility of the university and its international influence. This initiative demonstrates the commitment to the well-being of its staff and confirms its desire to maintain high standards in terms of human resources management and research. The HRS4R label offers CY Cergy Paris Université the possibility of accessing additional funding because it is required as part of specific applications such as the human and social sciences chair in the Ile-de-France region.
