The University of Cologne has successfully completed the process of renewing the prestigious European ‘HR Excellence in Research’ award. It was first assessed in 2019 and recognized for its HR strategy. The award honours the university’s commitment to a personnel policy and personnel development in line with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Currently, 26 German research institutions hold the award, alongside 756 institutions across the EU.
On 9 May 2025, reviewers from the EU Commission visited the University of Cologne. The visit was attended by numerous representatives from the university’s management, academic staff as well as technical and administrative staff.
The reviewers recognized the University of Cologne’s comprehensive HR strategy and confirmed in their final report that the award may be continued without conditions. The report confirmed that the university successfully combines ambitious goals with practical approaches, fostering a culture of ongoing improvement. The transparent recruitment procedures and the promotion of an open, research-friendly working culture were particularly emphasized. Additionally, the report highlighted the successful implementation of the overall strategy in collaboration with the scholars and scientists, as well as the ambitious individual measures and transparent career paths and appointment procedures.
“Our central concern is to create the best possible working conditions for our employees. The feedback from the international reviewers shows us that our ongoing commitment to good recruitment and working conditions is really being recognized,” says Professor Dr Ines Neundorf, Vice-Rector of Academic Career and Staff Development.
As part of the renewal process, the University of Cologne has developed the Revised Action Plan 2024 with expanded and new measures to improve the working and recruitment conditions of its researchers. The action plan includes, among other things, the expansion of tenure track and personnel progress reviews as well as the continuous development of career prospects. The implementation of this plan will be continuously monitored by the EU Commission and reviewed again in 2028.
Media Contact:
Dr Anabel Kuntz
Vice-Rectorate of Academic Career and Staff Development
+49 221 470 1967
prorektorat-karriere
verw.uni-koeln.de
Press and Communications Team:
Eva Schissler
+49 470 4030
e.schisslerverw.uni-koeln.de
Further information:
Revised Action Plan of the University of Cologne 2024:
https://www.uni-koeln.de/en/careers/who-we-are/our-hr-strategy/hsr4r-human-resources-strategy-for-researchers