HRS4R – Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
The Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC) endorsed in October 2013 the “European Charter for Researchers” and “The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researcher” showing its support towards providing a high quality research environment for Researchers.
Since then, CTTC has been working to embed the European Charter principles and strengthen the Institutional Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), through the HR Excellence in Research Process. Accordingly, the following steps have been carried out:
After the Initial Phase, CTTC prepared and approved the Internal Analysis and the first Action Plan on 09/11/2015, obtaining the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ award on 19 November 2015.
Following the two-year Implementation Phase after the initial HRS4R award, CTTC prepared the Internal Review including a revised Action Plan. CTTC approved the final Self-Assessment document with the HR Strategy and Action Plan on 29/01/2018.
After receiving the Interim Assessment with comments and recommendations from the External Experts, the three-year Implementation Phase started, for the implementation and continuous monitoring of the HRS4R actions according to the Revised Action Plan.
Subsequently, a new internal review was conducted and an Improved Action Plan was elaborated to enter the Award Renewal Phase. The Improved Action Plan was approved by the Direction on 7 February, 2022.
After the External Assessment and Site Visit, CTTC initiated the implementation and continuous monitoring of the HRS4R actions according to the Improved Action Plan, integrating the feedback and recommendations received from the External Assessment and Site Visit.
Following the completion of the first three-year cycle of the Renewal Phase, CTTC conducted a comprehensive internal review, to assess progress in the implementation of its HRS4R. This review was grounded in the analysis of the internal staff satisfaction survey, including consultation with key institutional stakeholders. The process ensured the active participation of the Direction Unit, Research Unit Heads, members of the HRS4R work group, the works council and representatives of all research career profiles/categories (R1-R4). The evidence collected through this participatory exercise directly informed the design and development of a Further Improved Action Plan (second cycle of the Renewal Phase). This Plan was approved by the Direction on 9 March 2026.
CTTC remains fully committed to the HR Excellence in Research process and to the implementation of the Charter principles. Since receiving the Award, CTTC has been working to further strengthen its HRS4R and foster a stimulating and favorable work environment for researchers.
As Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) constitutes a main pillar and the establishment of an OTM-R Policy is a key element in our HRS4R strategy, CTTC remains committed to the continuous improvement of its recruitment practices and to fully addressing the OTM-R principles in the years to come. The OTM-R checklist is also used as a tool to regularly assess and monitor the recruitment system at CTTC. The Recruitment Policy can be accessed here: CTTC Recruitment Policy for Research Staff.
All CTTC openings are also published in EURAXESS
