Janet Metcalfe, Vitae commented:

“I am delighted to announce that, following external review, the UK HR Excellence in Research Panel have confirmed that University of Aberdeen, Aberystwyth University, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Glasgow, University of Hertfordshire, Institute of Cancer Research, University of Leeds, Loughborough University and Swansea University have retained the Award further to their four year reviews.

“The Award demonstrates a university's commitment to improving the working conditions and career development for research staff, which will in turn improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.”

Speaking from Brussels, Fabienne Gautier, Head of Unit, ERA Policy and Reform in DG Research and Innovation, European Commission said:

“I am delighted to congratulate the 11 UK universities who have been successful in the external evaluation of their HR strategies for researchers. Creating an open and supportive environment for researchers is a critical contribution to achieving the European Research Area and ensuring our future prosperity and growth through research and innovation.”

A total of 226 European organisations now hold the Award which also commits them to a programme of internal and external evaluation.

Dr Andy Dixon, Director of Research, University of Chichester, member of the Concordat Strategy Group, and member of the UK HR Excellence in Research Award panel said:

“Congratulations to the institutions in this tranche who have retained the Award at the 4 year stage. Being on the UK panel is a privilege and it is crystal clear that this scheme is having real impact in UK HEIs. The quality of successful applications is very high, and the scheme provides them with an opportunity to champion and celebrate the work that they are doing with and for their researchers.”

The external review requires institutions to highlight key achievements and progress they have made since they gained the Award four years ago and to outline the focus of their strategy, success measures and next steps for the next four years.

The deadline for the next set of institutions to submit for their four year review is September 2015.

More information about the Award can be found here: www.vitae.ac.uk/hrexcellenceaward

Further information

Beata Pedziwiatr

Communications Manager

T: 01223 448 521

E: beata.pedziwiatr@vitae.ac.uk