EUROPEAN CHARTER FOR RESEARCHERS
Excellence Begins with Researchers at METU
The HR Excellence in Research Award honors universities and research institutions that demonstrate a strong and sustainable alignment with the principles of the Charter for Researchers. At METU, this recognition reflects an institutional commitment to a research ecosystem where researchers are supported, empowered, and enabled to thrive.
Background and Vision
The First University in Türkiye
A milestone in fostering researcher-focused institutional excellence.
HR Excellence in Research is recognized as a vital milestone on the path to becoming a truly researcher-friendly university.
In line with this vision, METU endorsed the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers in 2018 as part of its commitment to cultivating a highly qualified and motivated research workforce. Through targeted Gap Analyses and Action Plans, METU has demonstrated a continuous effort to implement these principles and improve its human resources practices in accordance with European standards.
As part of the 2026 renewal process within the framework of HR Excellence in Research (formerly the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers [HRS4R]), METU is transitioning to the renewed European Charter for Researchers. In this context, METU has updated its Action Plan based on the 20 principles of the revised Charter, reaffirming its commitment to providing a supportive, attractive, and excellence-oriented environment for researchers.
4 STRATEGIC PILLARS
Strategic Framework
Commitment to Excellence
Fair recruitment, career development, integrity, equality, inclusivity, mobility, collaboration, and evidence-based institutional development.
Strategic Impact
Global talent, structured research careers, a stronger research culture, internationalization, and future-ready capacity.
Key Achievements
Enhanced governance, improved orientation processes, international alignment, inclusivity policies, and systematic evaluation cycles.
Institutional Roadmap
PROCESS
Implementation Phases
METU's alignment with the European framework is the result of a structured, multi-phase institutional effort.
2018
Endorsement of the Charter.
2020
Gap Analysis and Action Plan.
2020–2022
First implementation phase.
2022
Internal Interim Assessment.
2025
Second Gap Analysis.
STATUS
Renewal Phase (March 2026)
Governance and Documentation
DOCUMENTATION
Clear, accessible reporting
Institutional Policies, Action Plans, related documents, and ongoing updates.
GOVERNANCE
Shared Responsibility
The process is coordinated through a collaborative governance model involving academic leadership, administrative units, and expert participants.
TEAM