The University of Aberdeen has successfully retained a nationally recognised award for excellence in supporting researcher career development. The HR Excellence in Research badge is awarded by the European Commission in association with Vitae - the UK's overarching body for researcher development.
Aberdeen is one of twelve institutions in the UK which has successfully retained the award as part of an ongoing review process.
The award demonstrates the university’s commitment to improving the working conditions and career development for research staff. It also reflects the quality of the research environment to deliver excellent and high impact research that is of benefit to society and the economy.
Professor Claire Wallace, Vice Principal for Research and Knowledge Exchange, commented: “High quality research begins with excellent researchers and the role of researcher development is pivotal in creating the environment to allow our researchers to thrive."
Dr Lucy Leiper, of the university’s Researcher Development Unit and who led the review said: “We are delighted that the university has secured HR Excellence in Research status for the next two years. This award reaffirms the university’s unwavering support of our researchers at all levels."
In achieving the award, the university had to demonstrate robust implementation plans to improve how they attract, manage and develop research staff as recommended in the UK Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers endorsed by major funders and research councils.
Caroline Inglis, Director of HR, added: “Retaining this award demonstrates our commitment to the Concordat through the excellence in the policies and practice we implement.”
Staff and students interested in the opportunities provided through researcher development can visit www.abdn.ac.uk/develop where full details of the review are also available.