HR Excellence in Research

Distinction Awarded to WUEB

Since 2017, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business (WUEB) has been among the institutions authorised to use the prestigious HR Excellence in Research logo awarded by the European Commission. This distinction confirms UEW’s implementation of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), aimed at creating a high-quality working environment for researchers and fostering an organisational culture grounded in the values of the European Commission.

Activities undertaken within the framework of HR Excellence in Research form an integral part of the implementation of WUEB’s Strategy 2030, particularly in the areas of staff development, the quality of scientific research, and the building of an engaged and responsible academic community.

For WUEWB, HR Excellence in Research is a long-term, continuous process focused on the systematic improvement of organisational and human-resources solutions that genuinely support research activities and the professional development of researchers at every stage of their careers.

Widok z drona - Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wrocławiu

History of the Implementation of HR Excellence in Research at WUEB

September 2016

Signing of the Declaration of Commitment to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment
of Researchers by Prof. Andrzej Kaleta, PhD, DSc,
Rector of the Wrocław University of Economics and Business

September-October 2016

Conducting a survey among academic staff and doctoral candidates.
Purpose: to examine employees’ perceptions of the extent to which the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct are implemented at the University

November 2016

Establishment of the Task Force for HR Excellence in Research

From November 2016

Internal gap analysis of the Wrocław University of Economics and Business – comparison of the recommendations included in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers with practices applied at the University

2017

The Wrocław University of Economics and Business was awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” distinction

March 2019

Implementation of regulations on intellectual property management and the commercialisation of research results and development works

December 2019

Introduction of general rules, procedures, criteria and scoring
for the periodic evaluation of academic teachers

September 2020

Implementation of rules governing the employment of academic teachers

December 2021

Adoption of the Code of Ethics for Academic Teachers

February 2022

Establishment of the Rector’s Team for HR Excellence in Research

June 2022

Submission of documentation for the extension
of the HR Excellence in Research award by the WUEB

February 2023

Evaluation of the submitted documentation by the European Commission and receipt of a positive decision extending the HR Excellence in Research award for the Wrocław University of Economics and Business

May 2023

Establishment, within the Rector’s Team
for HR Excellence in Research, of:
a) the HR Excellence in Research Strategy Committee,
b) the HRS4R Actions and Indicators Monitoring Committee.

July 2025

Establishment of the Team for Human Resources Excellence in Research, comprising:
a) the HR Excellence in Research Strategic Committee,
b) the HRS4R Implementation and Development Programme Committee.

From July 2025

Preparation of the University for the next stage of the institutional assessment under the HR Excellence in Research process,
including a potential site visit by the European Commission

What is HR Excellence in Research?

HR Excellence in Research is an initiative of the European Commission addressed to research-performing organisations that implement the principles of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), based on the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

The HRS4R strategy covers, among others:

research integrity and ethics,
transparency of recruitment and selection procedures,
stable and secure working conditions,
support for competence development and research career progression,
equal opportunities and respect for diversity.

The implementation of HRS4R strengthens the quality of the research environment and fosters internationalisation as well as the development of scientific collaboration.

Why do we implement HRS4R at WUEB?

European standards

We align our human resources policies with the requirements of the European Commission and international research funding bodies.

Better conditions for researchers

We strengthen the transparency of procedures, support competence development, and foster a strong, values-based organisational culture.

Institutional coherence

We streamline and systematise HR documentation and processes related to research and academic activities.

Readiness for European Commission evaluation

We prepare the University for European Commission expert site visits and for the periodic assessments of HRS4R implementation.

HR Excellence in Research and WUEB’s Strategy 2030

Activities implemented under the HR Excellence in Research framework are aligned with the objectives of WUEB’s Strategy 2030, in particular with the strategic perspective:

„People and Organisation – an Engaged Academic Community.”

Through the implementation of HRS4R, the University aims to:

strengthen an organisational culture based on transparency and cooperation,
improve working conditions and support the professional development of researchers,
organise and harmonise processes related to human resources and research policies,
enhance UEW’s attractiveness as a research-performing institution in the international arena.

HR Excellence in Research thus provides operational support for the implementation of the University’s strategic objectives, without replacing existing regulations and internal procedures.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WUEB’S STRATEGY 2030

HR Excellence in Research Team

At Wroclaw University of Economics and Business (WUEB), the HR Excellence in Research Team is responsible for coordinating activities related to the implementation and continuous improvement of the HRS4R strategy, as well as for preparing the University for evaluation processes conducted by the European Commission.

The Team is composed of representatives of various UEW units – including both academic staff and administrative employees — who have been invited to collaborate on the basis of their expertise and professional experience.

Structure and Mode of Operation

The Team operates through two complementary bodies:

Strategic Committee
The Strategic Committee is responsible for providing strategic direction, approving recommendations, overseeing the implementation of HRS4R, and reporting progress to the Rector’s College.

Programme Committee
The Programme Committee carries out analytical, project-based and implementation activities related to specific areas of the HRS4R strategy, working within a collaborative team model and a cascading reporting framework.

This structure ensures coherence of actions, transparency of processes, and continuity in the implementation of the strategy.

Cooperation and Reporting Model

1. Thematic Area Leaders coordinate the work of sub-teams within the Programme Committee.
2. Outcomes and results are reported to the Chair of the Programme Committee.
3. Information and recommendations are then forwarded to the Strategic Committee.
4. The Strategic Committee reports progress and recommendations to the Rector’s College.

This model ensures transparency, continuity of activities, and consistency of HRS4R documentation.

Team Composition – Strategic Committee

1) prof. dr hab. Marek Kośny, Prorektor ds. nauki – Chair of the Strategic Committee
2) dr Magdalena Broszkiewicz, prof. UEW
3) dr Aleksandra Burdukiewicz
4) dr Anna H. Jankowiak, prof. UEW
5) prof. dr hab. Katarzyna Piwowar – Sulej
6) dr Agnieszka Żarczyńska-Dobiesz
7) Iwona Wochnik

Team Composition – Programme Committee

1) dr Aleksandra Burdukiewicz – Chair of the Programme Committee
2) prof. dr hab. inż. Małgorzata Krzywonos
3) dr Marta Bochniak
4) dr Iwona Czerska
5) dr Anna Krasnova
6) dr Joanna Macalik
7) dr Paulina Ropuszyńska-Robak
8) dr hab. Joanna Szczepaniak-Sienniak, prof. UEW
9) dr Aleksandra Szpulak
10) dr Marcin Majewski
11) Katarzyna Adamska
12) Joanna Bulzacka
13) Agnieszka Dramińska
14) Andrzej Greńczuk
15) Magdalena Hornik
16) Iwona Kutzner
17) Joanna Marcinkowska
18) Olga Rutkowska

HR Excellence in Practice

HR Excellence in Research at WUEB is a gradual and continuous process. Activities carried out under the HRS4R framework focus on the analysis and improvement of selected areas of the University’s operations, including recruitment procedures, internal communication, and mechanisms supporting researchers’ career development.

Areas of Improvement

The implementation of the HRS4R strategy involves the systematic identification of areas requiring further development. Current focus areas include, among others:
– further standardisation of practices in researcher recruitment,
– strengthening internal communication regarding career development,
– enhancing tools and resources supporting the development of research competencies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Progress in implementing HR Excellence in Research is monitored by the HR Excellence in Research Team, based on the action plan, cascading reporting, and periodic analyses and consultations. Results and recommendations are communicated by the Strategic Committee to the Rector’s College.

Documents

The foundation of the activities implemented as part of the HR Excellence in Research initiative is grounded in the following key documents and principles, including:
– HR Excellence in Research Action Plan
– OTM-R Policy
– European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
– Wroclaw University of Economics and Business Strategy 2030

Action Plan and OTM-R Policy

We encourage you to review our documents!

Action Plan 2026-2028

OTM-R Policy

HR Excellence in Research – FAQ

For Academic Staff

For Administrative Staff

What is HR Excellence in Research, and why is it important for researchers?

HR Excellence in Research is a European Commission initiative aimed at improving working conditions and career development for researchers. For researchers, this means, among other things, greater transparency in processes, clear rules for recruitment and promotion, support for competence development, and consistent standards of research practice.

Does HR Excellence affect my daily research work?

Yes — although not always directly or immediately. Activities under the HRS4R framework aim to gradually streamline processes related to recruitment, career development, access to training, working conditions, and internal communication. The result is a more predictable and transparent working environment.

Does HR Excellence imply additional responsibilities for researchers?

No. HR Excellence in Research is not a project based on individual administrative duties for researchers. It is an institutional process carried out by the HR Excellence in Research Team, aimed at improving systemic solutions and supporting the research environment.

How does HR Excellence support research career development?

HRS4R promotes clear principles for career path planning, access to training, and the development of research and teaching competencies. In the long term, these activities aim to create transparent and fair career development frameworks for researchers at different stages of their careers.

Is HR Excellence relevant when applying for international grants and projects?

Yes. Compliance with HR Excellence in Research principles is an important element of institutional credibility in the eyes of international partners and funding bodies, including the European Commission. For researchers, this means improved conditions for participating in international projects and collaborating with foreign research institutions.

Who is responsible for implementing HR Excellence at WUEB?

The HR Excellence in Research Team is responsible for coordinating and implementing the HR Excellence in Research strategy, operating through the Strategic Committee and the Programme Committee. The Team collaborates with various University units and reports progress to the Rector’s College.

Can researchers influence activities within HR Excellence?

Yes. HRS4R activities are based on dialogue and the analysis of academic needs. Researchers’ opinions and experiences are a key element in improving systemic solutions, and consultations as well as working group activities allow different perspectives to be taken into account.

Whom can I contact with questions about HR Excellence?

The contact person for matters related to HR Excellence in Research is Iwona Wochnik, the representative of the Strategic Committee within the HR Excellence in Research Team.

What is HR Excellence in Research, and why is it relevant to administration?

HR Excellence in Research is a European Commission initiative aimed at improving working conditions and career development for researchers. Administration plays a key role in this process, as it supports, co-develops, and implements many activities related to recruitment, employment, competence development, and internal communication.

Does HR Excellence entail additional responsibilities for administrative staff?

HR Excellence in Research does not mean an increase in administrative tasks. Its goal is to streamline and harmonise processes to make them more transparent, predictable, and efficient — for both researchers and administrative staff.

What role does administration play in implementing HRS4R?

Administration supports HRS4R implementation by participating in the design and improvement of HR processes, managing and communicating recruitment and employment procedures, supporting information and documentation activities, collaborating with the HR Excellence in Research Team.
The role of administration is partnership-based and expert-oriented, rather than purely operational.

Does HR Excellence change the way administrative processes are carried out?

HRS4R activities may lead to gradual changes in selected processes, such as recruitment, training, or information management. These changes are introduced step by step, taking into account applicable regulations and the practical realities of University operations.

Are administrative staff involved in HRS4R team activities?

The HR Excellence in Research Team includes both academic and administrative staff, invited to participate based on their expertise and experience. Administrative staff are actively involved in thematic working groups and consultation processes.

How does HR Excellence impact the quality of administrative work?

Streamlined and transparent processes, clear communication rules, and consistent documentation result in a more predictable workflow, fewer procedural ambiguities, and better cooperation with researchers and organisational units.

Is HR Excellence related to administrative staff competence development?

Yes. The HRS4R strategy supports the development of organisational competencies, including those of administrative staff — particularly in areas related to research process management, HR, and international cooperation.