The European Charter for Researchers is a recommendation of good practice for researchers and employers and/or funders of researchers issued by the European Commission Directorate-General for Research. It sketches rights and duties of researchers and their funding institutions. It was published together with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers which outlines principles for hiring and appointing researchers.
The document was compiled relying on extensive advice of researchers and research policy stakeholders. The commission considers the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as 'key elements in the European Union’s policy to make research an attractive career, which is a vital feature of its strategy to stimulate economic and employment growth'
General principles and requirements applicable to researchers in the charter
Intellectual freedomAdherence to recognised ethical practicesProfessional responsibility * Professional attitude (e.g. seeking necessary approvals before commencing research)Contractual and legal obligations (these should be fulfilled)Accountability (e.g. adhereing to the principles of sound, transparent and efficient financial management)Good practice in research (e.g. reliable backing up of data)Dissemination and exploitation of results is promotedPublic engagement is promotedResearchers should take advantage of available supervision in a structured waySenior researchers have a responsibility to manage and nurture younger researchers wellContinual professional development is promotedGeneral principles and requirements applicable to employers and funders are
Recognition of researchers as professionals on a career path (from postgraduate level upwards)Non-discriminationResearch environment should be stimulating and safeWorking conditions should be legal and flexibleStability and permanence of employment (implementing the principles of the EU Directive on Fixed-Term Work)Funding and salaries should be fair and attractiveGender balance ('employers and/or funders should aim for a representative gender balance at all levels of staff, including at supervisory and managerial level')Career development should be promotedValue of mobility should be recognised and promotedAccess to research training and continuous developmentAccess to career adviceIntellectual property rights should be protectedCo-authorship should be viewed positivelySupervision should be provided for early stage researchersTeaching should be recognised as important, while not placing excessive burdens on researchersEvaluation/appraisal systems should be providedComplaints/appeals procedures should be providedParticipation in decision-making bodies is promotedRecruitment should adhere to the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of ResearchersRecruitment should be open, efficient and transparentSelection should be by balanced and trained panelsTransparency of procedure for candidatesMerit should be judged both qualitiatively and quantitatively, balancing a good range of criteriaCareer breaks and other multidimensional career tracks should not be penalisedRecognition of mobility experienceRecognition of qualificationsSeniority ('the levels of qualifications required should be in line with the needs of the position and not be set as a barrier to entry')Postdoctoral appointments should provide career development opportunitiesAim and Implementation
Given that legally the Charter and the Code are recommendations, the implementation of the documents shall be put forward by positive contention and peer pressure. The Charter and the Code should serve as a quality certificate for research institutions. Where national or regional legislation gives researchers more favourable conditions than those provided by the Charter, the more favourable conditions should not be diminished.
Consequent implementation of the Researchers Charter is urged not only by the European Commission, but also by other research and science policy organisations like Eurodoc or Marie Curie Fellows Association.
