HR Excellence in Research
In 2025 the University of Lisbon initiated initiated the process of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) towards the .
The relects institutional ongoing commitment to enhancing the working environment and support structures for researchers. This includes not only improving recruitment and evaluation practices, but also advancing wider aspects of the research ecosystem, from biosafety and data management to communication, mentoring, training, career development, equality, and professional conduct.
The award is conferred after an independent assessment of the institution’s Action Plan by EURAXESS, a European Commission initiative that promotes research careers and supports researcher mobility, helping ensure equal access to talent across EU member states.
The HRS4R and its Action Plan encompass all members of the research community, including both research and support staff.
Stay updated on our journey as we actively strengthen our research environment in line with international standards and best practices.
Why should ULisboa obtain the HR Excellence in Research Award?
The HR Excellence in Research Award brings a range of benefits, from its role as a catalyst for innovation and a framework for institutional change, to the central involvement of researchers in the process, the facilitation of engagement in international networks, and the enhancement of national and international visibility, among many others.
about the process of obtaining and maintaining the HR Excellence in Research Award.
The European Charter for Researchers is a set of general principles regarding the responsibilities and rights of researchers, as well as the institutions employing them. Its aim is to foster a stimulating work environment that promotes the creation, transfer, and sharing of knowledge, as well as the professional development of researchers.
The HR Excellence in Research award is granted to organisations that, after conducting an internal Gap Analysis to assess their alignment with the 20 principles of the Charter, define a set of improvement actions (Action Plan) to enhance their practices. Certified organisations progressively implement the measures outlined in their Action Plan, followed by an interim assessment after 24 months, and then successive renewal cycles every 36 months, with on-site visits taking place in alternating cycles.
On 18 December 2023, the updated European Charter for Researchers was published through the .
on the official HR Excellence in Research website.
Synoptic graphic representation illustrating the different phases of the process:
holding the HR Excellence in Research Award.
Steering Committee
(responsible for the overall coordination of the process at the Rectorate)
- CecÃlia Rodrigues (Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, coordinator)
- João Peixoto (Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, R4 representative)
- Cristina Espadinha (Pro-Rector for Inclusion, R3 representative)
- BrÃgida Riso (R2 representative)
- Rita Tomé Rocha (Executive Director)
- Ana Nascimento (Director, Human Resources Department)
- Miguel Correia (Director, Department of Procurement, Projects, and Assets)
- Paula Fialho (Director, Academic Department)
- Susana Oliveira (Diretora, Office for Studies and Planning)
- Ricardo Costa (R1 representative)
Executive Committee (working group)
(responsible for the overall implementation of the process at the Rectorate)
- CecÃlia Rodrigues (Research and Innovation, coordinator)
- João Peixoto (Academic Affairs and Ethics, R4 representative)
- Cristina Espadinha (R3 representative)
- BrÃgida Riso (R2 representative)
- Ana Nascimento (Human Resources)
- Ana Agante Lucas (Human Resources)
- Bruno Mota (Projects)
- Marta Rocha (Academic Affairs)
- Sandra Fraga (Studies and Planning)
- Sofia Cruz (Communication)
- Ricardo Costa (R1 representative)
Consulting Committee
(responsible for ensuring consistency in the University’s application and for developing the application within the Schools, composed of faculty members, researchers, or technical and administrative staff appointed by the Schools)
- Ana LuÃsa Raposo,
- Andreia Costa,
- António Duarte,
- BrÃgida Riso,
- Daniel Paiva,
- David Fangueiro,
- Duarte Araújo,
- Fátima Montemor,
- Guilherme Grillo,
- Helena Elias,
- Helena Jerónimo,
- Hugo Cardoso,
- Joana Faria Marques,
- LÃgia Figueiredo,
- Maria da Conceição Freitas,
- Mónica Baptista,
- Pedro Góis,
- Romana Xerez,
- Sofia Aboim,