The European Charter & Code for Researchers
The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers are key policy instruments adopted by the European Commission to enhance research careers and create a more attractive, open, and sustainable European research environment.
These documents set out principles and requirements that apply to researchers, employers, and funders across all career stages and research fields. Their goal is to ensure equal rights, fair working conditions, and career development opportunities while fostering Open, Transparent, and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) practices.
The European Charter for Researchers defines the rights, responsibilities, and professional expectations of researchers and institutions, promoting ethical research, knowledge transfer, and career progression.
The Code of Conduct for Recruitment establishes the best practices for hiring researchers, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and recognition of diverse career paths and experiences. It outlines key principles such as:
- Recruitment and selection
- Transparency in the hiring process
- Judging merit beyond traditional metrics
- Recognition of mobility experience and non-linear career paths
- Fair evaluation of qualifications and seniority
- Clear guidelines for postdoctoral appointments
