The HR Excellence in Research Award is a prestigious accolade recognizing excellence in human resources management within the research environment. For researchers, it guarantees European standards of employee care, openness and transparency in recruitment processes, and a high-quality working environment.
The University of South Bohemia received this distinction in 2019 after meeting all eligibility requirements and implementing the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which oblige research institutions to create supportive working conditions, foster professional development, and maintain transparent hiring procedures.
In June 2025, European Commission evaluators visited the university to assess the progress and implementation of HRS4R (the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) through its action plans. During several in-depth interviews with the university’s leadership and individual researchers, the University of South Bohemia successfully retained the prestigious HR Award and secured the right to continue using it. In their final report, the evaluators made several specific recommendations aimed at further enhancing the quality of human resource care, the career development of researchers, and adherence to the quality standards of the European Research Area. Overall, they described their impression of the University of South Bohemia as “an inspiring and pleasant working atmosphere.”
As of July 1, the leadership of the University of South Bohemia was also expanded with the appointment of a Vice-Rector for External Relations, Sustainability, and Human Resources Development. Doc. Mgr. Lenka Šedová, Ph.D.
“The HR Award is not only a success for the university but also a commitment for the years ahead, during which we aim to focus on supporting and developing an environment that will be attractive to our staff and students—for example, by modernizing working conditions to allow for a balanced integration of work and personal life. In this area, we will also address issues of gender equality in science to support the careers of early-stage academics,” adds Lenka Šedová.
The University of South Bohemia will continue to emphasize open science and social responsibility, which increases the impact of its research in our region.
