IPHES-CERCA renews the European seal of excellence in human resources in research

The Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES-CERCA) has successfully renewed the “HR Excellence in Research” seal, a distinction awarded by the European Commission that recognizes institutions committed to improving working conditions and the professional development of research staff.

This renewal culminates a comprehensive review process that included a participatory self-assessment —with a 93% response rate— and an on-site visit by a committee of European experts, which validated IPHES-CERCA's alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (C&C). The final report qualified the center as “ fully approved ”, without conditions, recognizing the quality of the action plan and the institutional commitment to continuous improvement.

Since obtaining the seal in 2017, IPHES-CERCA has implemented specific actions to promote an open, inclusive and safe working environment. Within the framework of the new Action Plan 2024–2026 , the center promotes a strategy based on qualitative and quantitative indicators that allow the real impact of the actions to be measured, and not only their formal compliance. The plan includes 22 measures focused on working conditions, equality, training and ethical management of human resources.

Among the most notable advances, it is worth mentioning:

• - Improved reception of international staff , with administrative services that free them from bureaucratic procedures and promote effective incorporation. 66.7% of staff rate this service as excellent.
• - working conditions and work-life balance , with a psychosocial risk survey and review of the prevention plan.
• - Promotion of continuous training , with emphasis on equal opportunities in selection processes.
• - Promotion of open science and environmental sustainability as strategic axes.

The governance model adopted by the center, with a steering committee and specialized technical groups, guarantees collaborative and transversal implementation. This approach promotes co-responsibility and strengthens the people-centered institutional culture.

The renewal of the HRS4R seal not only strengthens the international reputation of IPHES-CERCA, but also facilitates access to competitive European programs and consolidates a research environment based on excellence , transparency and equality.