In accordance with the European Commission’s ambition to make Europe the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, the charter aims to improve the conditions for research freedom. The Commission also wishes to support an open labour market for researchers by increasing mobility, countering all kinds of discrimination, supporting access to and exchange of knowledge as well as facilitating ongoing quality-assurance work at European universities.
The Charter and Code is aimed at researchers at all stages of their careers and covers all areas of research within both the public and private sectors. The Charter and Code consists of general principles and requirements that specify roles, responsibilities and entitlements and act as a framework within which researchers and employers can work.
Employers – such as Lund University – in adhering to the Charter and Code will openly demonstrate their commitment to act in a responsible and professional way toward their employees. They agree to support equality and transparency of recruitment processes as well as to provide fair conditions for researchers, with an intention to contribute to the development of the European Research Area. The aim is to become an attractive workplace for researchers looking for a new employer or host for their research projects.
The analysis of the research charter consists of 40 principles within four different areas:
- Ethical principles and professional responsibility
- Recruitment
- Working conditions
- Research, training and career development
Based on the results of the analysis, Lund University will develop an action plan with measures to ensure the University has a research environment with working conditions that adhere to the Charter and Code.