University Reaffirms Support of Researchers’ Career Development

The University of Lincoln has been successful in retaining the European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award for a further three years.

The award is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to support the career development of researchers. In retaining this award, the University has demonstrated its long-term commitment to supporting researchers’ career development as well as improving research culture and working conditions.

As part of the review, the University was required to assess and demonstrate progress made since first receiving the award in 2020. This was carried out through an internal evaluation involving consultation with researchers and via survey responses such as CEDARS (Culture, Employment and Development in Academic Research Survey), and assessing the impact of activities and initiatives detailed in the initial action plan.

The review also required the University to submit a robust forward-looking action plan and report, which outline the implementation plan for the principles of the Researcher Development Concordat for the next three years.

Professor Andrew Hunter, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, said: “I am delighted that we have secured this award, recognising the progress we have made in supporting our researchers’ careers. However, we are not complacent and are determined to do more and better in the future.”

The University of Lincoln HR Excellence in Research award action plan and review report can be found online: www.lincoln.ac.uk/researchatlincoln/concordatforresearchers/.

More detailss about the HR Excellence in Research Award can be found online: www.vitae.ac.uk/policy/hr-excellence-in-research.

The next review for the HR Excellence in Research Award will take place in January 2026.