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HRS4R: Human Resources Strategy for Researchers

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The University of Cologne supports the initiative of the European Commission to improve working conditions for researchers and to ensure attractive research careers within the European Research Area. A continuous enhancement of working conditions and career opportunities is one of the top priorities of our university.

The University of Cologne successfully implements the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and was first awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award in 2019. Based on a gap analysis, an action plan with goals and measures was developed upon submission of the application (available in English only). As part of an interim evaluation, a revised action plan was created in 2021 (available in English only). In 2025, the university was once again awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award. During an on-site visit, the international reviewers acknowledged the university's outstanding achievements in its ongoing commitment to improving recruitment and employment conditions. The updated Revised Action Plan 2024 outlines the goals and actions for the next implementation phase.

The Vice Rectorate for Academic Career and Staff Development coordinates the implementation of the HRS4R. The Vice Rector chairs the steering committee, which also includes the Rector, the Vice-Chancellor, and the head of the Human Resources Department in an advisory role. The process of the HRS4R is overseen by the Committee on HR Matters of Academic Staff (German only). Acting as an advisory board to the HRS4R, it is composed of representatives of all status groups of the university: students, researchers of all career stages from all faculties and administrative staff. At least once a year, the committee receives a detailed HRS4R progress report.

The University of Cologne strictly adheres to the principles of open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment and has adopted Guidelines for the Personnel Recruitment at the University of Cologne (OTM-R Guidelines). These Guidelines consolidate the overarching principles of personnel selection that apply to the entire University of Cologne and supplements the existing regulations for the various staff groups at the University of Cologne. It applies to all recruitment processes as well as the methods and tools used in these procedures for the selection and recruitment of employees and civil servants at the University of Cologne.