European Charter and Code of Conduct
In March 2005, the European Commission adopted the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, a recommendation for improved employment and working conditions for highly qualified researchers in Europe.
European Charter for Researchers
The European Charter for Researchers is aimed at all researchers and research funders across Europe, regardless of the research field and position of the scientific personnel. It addresses the improvement of working conditions and employment relationships for researchers as well as requirements for their employers.
Some recommendations of the Charter:
- Ensuring freedom of research through the employer
- Compliance with ethical principles in research
- Dissemination and exploitation of research results
- Responsible management of research projects and research funds
- Raising awareness of the social benefits of one's own research
- Career development opportunities for researchers
- Creation of an adequate research environment, sound supervision and stable working conditions
- Social security and adequate pay for scientists at all career levels
- Greater appreciation for mobile scientists
Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers is a complement to the European Charter for Researchers and is aimed at institutions that employ research staff. The Code discusses concrete proposals for fair framework conditions in the recruitment of researchers.
Some recommendations of the Code of Conduct:
- Open and transparent recruitment procedures
- Equal treatment of all applicants
- Career development opportunities for researchers
- Recognition of mobility experiences
- Recognition of professional experience
A review of the now 15-year-old Charter & Code principles began in 2020, with the aim of adapting them to the new working realities in the research sector. On 13 July 2023 the European Commission published a proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe. This proposal comprises a revised European Charter for Researchers including elements of the former separate Code of Conduct. Under four pillars the new Charter states 20 key principles. The draft as annexe of the proposal is accessible here.
Final adoption of a revised version of the Charter & Code is not expected until the end of 2023.