Intention of HRS4R
The European Commission’s initiative “Human Resources Strategy for Researchers” (HRS4R) aims to raise awareness for the working conditions of researchers, and to encourage research organizations throughout Europe to comply with the principles outlined in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The “HR Excellence in Research Award” marks progress and commitment of institutions in their Human Resources affairs.
Good Practice in Research, Ethical and Professional Aspects
The framework conditions of scientific research in Germany are regulated by law. Fundamental principles are defined in the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany and are further delineated in the laws of the federal states. JGU is subject to the Higher Education Act of Rhineland-Palatinate (RLP). All respective regulations are taken up in the Charter of the University (only in German), which ensures that the legal principles are preserved and implemented in JGU’s daily research practice.
Recruitment
JGU is committed to transparent, open and merit-based recruitment and selection procedures. The recruitment of researchers is based on the State Higher Education Act which defines the recruitment conditions for different levels of qualification, special requirements, e.g. for scientific positions in teacher training, and principles of selection procedures. Recruitment and selection processes differ between professorships, permanent scientific employment, and temporary scientific employment.
Working Conditions and Social Security
German Basic Law guarantees freedom of research, so University professors carry out their responsibilities in research, teaching, and further education independently. Rights and responsibilities are regulated by the State Higher Education Act. Individual responsibilities are further specified in personal contract negotiations with professors at the time of recruitment, based on the advertised position.
Professional Development and Training
All JGU employees have access to systematic training and professional development. A large part of JGU’s research personnel is employed precisely for the reason of obtaining a higher qualification; this holds true for PhD students and postdocs as well as for junior professorships. JGU’s professional development programme is continually updated and tailored to the needs and requirements of its personnel, also in cooperation with regional and national partners. This is reflected e.g. by JGU’s membership in the “Rhine-Main Universities” alliance (short: RMU), in the national “University Network for Personnel Development" (only in German) and the national “German University Association of Advanced Graduate Training (GUAT)”, which is a network of 46 universities that share the common objective of advancing the quality of academic education for early stage researchers in Germany.
