The award is gained by institutions that have a robust and public implementation strategy to enhance the career development of their researchers. It reflects ARU’s commitment to meeting three defining principles set out by the requirements of the European Commission’s Researcher Development Concordat, covering environment and culture, employment, and professional and career development.
For each of these principles, the Concordat outlines the key responsibilities of researchers, managers of researchers, institutions, and funders.
The award is managed on behalf of the European Commission in the UK by Vitae, an organisation dedicated to supporting the professional development of researchers. ARU first received the award in 2013, and undertakes regular internal and external reviews in order to retain it on a bi-annual basis.
Although the UK has now left the European Union, Vitae has agreed a UK-specific process that mirrors the European Commission’s own steps and requirements.
Professor Yvonne Barnett, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at ARU, said: “In order to produce world-class research, it is vital that institutions provide the platform to nurture researchers and give them the tools and support to make a real difference in their respective fields.
“This is an important award that we are delighted to have retained, and reaffirms our commitment to our valued colleagues carrying out research.”