Queen Mary, University of London has been recognised for its programme to support research staff and their career development, with a prestigious award from the European Commission.
QM is one of 12 UK higher education institutions (including King’s College London, and University of Oxford) to win this latest round of European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Awards.
This acknowledgment builds on the College’s earlier success in being shortlisted for the 2011 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Principal (Research & International Affairs) at QM, welcomed news of the win, saying: “Our excellent research environment and commitment to the training and development of researchers has enabled us to attract and retain world-class researchers and postgraduate students.
“The Award is testimony of the hard work by colleagues from across the College, and the high standard of our researcher development programme,” adds Professor Welch.
To be eligible for the European Commission Award, UK universities must demonstrate action taken to fulfil a set of principles outlined in the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. The Concordat is a service level agreement that aims to increase the sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.
In addition, UK universities must demonstrate their alignment to the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment. Both Charter and Code aim to encourage HEIs and funders to provide excellent working conditions and future career prospects for researchers, and to encourage more young people into research careers.
Queen Mary, as with other UK universities, must also abide by the Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes, overseen by the Quality Assurance Agency, and carry out on-going national evaluation and benchmarking.
“I am delighted to announce that 12 UK institutions have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission for their work to implement the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers,” said Professor Eric Thomas, President of Universities UK. "Research and innovation are a key priority for UK universities and this award recognises the increase in support being provided for the career and professional development of researchers."
More information on QM’s commitment to the career development of its researchers is available on the Research and Academic Staff web site. Please contact Dr Ian Forristal, from the College’s Learning Institute, for further information.
A UK-wide process, incorporating the QAA Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, enables institutions to gain the European Commission’s ‘HR excellence in research’ badge, acknowledging alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment.
For media information, contact: