In November 2020, Sapienza was awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition by the European Commission as part of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) initiative, which aims to implement the principles and standards set out in the European Charter for Researchers

The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct, adopted by Recommendation of March 11, 2005, and updated by the Council Recommendation of December 13, 2023 (in Italian), constitute a set of general principles and requirements specifying the role, responsibilities and rights of researchers and of organisations that recruit and/or fund researchers. The Charter aims to ensure that the nature of the relationship between researchers and employers or funders fosters the production, transfer, sharing and dissemination of knowledge and technological development and is conducive to the professional development of researchers.

The Award was granted based on Sapienza's constant commitment to improving policies for the implementation of the Charter's principles, following a specific procedure:

1. Internal analysis of the state of the art of university regulations and current situation concerning C&C principles;
2. Development of a Human Resources Strategy to fill any gaps encountered in the course of internal analysis;
3. Accreditation by the European Commission (recognition as "HR Excellence in Research");

To implement the Action Plan, Sapienza has established a Technical and Scientific Committee and a Management Committee (in Italian) whose respective responsibilities are to oversee and implement the HRS4R process within the university

The HRS4R process involves a continuous review of activities:

• 2022: Sapienza submitted an Internal Review, an updated Action Plan and the new OTM-R document to the European Commission, thereby securing confirmation of its accreditation.
• 2023–2025: The University implemented its second Action Plan, focusing on the professional development of researchers, improving the research environment and enhancing its international appeal.
• 2026: In line with the scheduled deadlines, Sapienza submitted its new Action Plan, which is currently being assessed by the European Commission and will also include on-site visits by European experts.

Find out about the actions taken, financial support and the results achieved by Sapienza during the 2023–2025 period here 

Find out about the new actions planned for the 2026–2027 period here