Implementing the European Charter for Researchers.
The Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) fosters a supportive, inclusive, and high-quality research environment that promotes excellence, professional development, equality, and integrity.
In December 2024, IADT formally commenced the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) process, aligning its policies and practices with the 20 principles of the European Charter for Researchers.
This HR Strategy for Researchers provides a coherent and structured framework for continuous improvement in line with European standards and best practice. Researchers at all career stages (R1–R4), HR experts, and other key stakeholders developed it through an inclusive, bottom-up process.
Development Process and Stakeholder Engagement
A dedicated Working Group of 13 members — including researchers across career stages, selected through open expressions of interest — led the HRS4R process to ensure broad representation and relevant expertise.
The review combined:
- Detailed policy analysis by paired Working Group members
- Independent cross-checking by a dedicated HRS4R Research Assistant
- Assessment of day-to-day practices by cross-functional teams
- Two staff surveys (targeting researchers and key stakeholders) focusing on policies and day-to-day practices
- Four targeted focus groups to deepen insights, particularly on areas of disagreement and to capture minority perspectives
The full Working Group collectively validated all findings, ensuring that the Gap Analysis and Action Plan directly reflect the priorities and lived experiences of IADT’s research community.
Key Components of the HR Strategy
The strategy integrates three core elements:
Gap Analysis
A comprehensive internal review assessed current policies and practices against the 20 principles of the European Charter for Researchers. IADT’s policy framework proved largely robust and compliant overall, but the analysis identified opportunities for enhancement — particularly in implementation, staff awareness, consistency, and cultural embedding. Researcher and stakeholder feedback directly informed priority gaps, which the Action Plan addresses.
Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R)
IADT is committed to open, transparent, fair, and merit-based recruitment processes for researchers, in line with OTM-R principles. Current practices are outlined in the Institute’s Recruitment & Selection Policy, with ongoing enhancements detailed in the Action Plan.
Action Plan
The Action Plan translates our agreed upon gaps into concrete, measurable actions with clear responsibilities, timelines, and progress indicators. Actions focus on priority areas identified through the inclusive review process and fully align with IADT’s strategic objectives, including the ELEVATE institutional strategy.
Regular monitoring will involve ongoing researcher engagement to ensure continuous improvement.
Governance and Ongoing Commitment
Strong governance — including senior management oversight and regular progress reviews — supports implementation. IADT commits to sustaining meaningful engagement with researchers throughout all phases of HRS4R implementation.
Through this transparent and researcher-led approach, IADT demonstrates its ongoing dedication to excellence in research careers and working conditions.