The European Charter for Researchers

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Former Rector Petter Aasen highlighted USN’s international ambitions during the initial HRS4R workshops in 2018, together with John Baarlie (National EURAXESS Coordinator, Research Council of Norway), Ragnar Lie (Universities Norway), and Christian Brørs (USN HRS4R Coordinator).

The European Charter for Researchers is a key EU policy instrument supporting excellence in research and innovation.

The European Charter for Researchers
Together with the European Research Area (ERA), Horizon Europe, and EURAXESS, The Charter promotes the free circulation of researchers, knowledge, and research funding across Europe.

By enhancing the attractiveness of research careers, fostering mobility, and supporting collaboration and competition across borders, the Charter contributes to strengthening Europe's global competitiveness and sustainable societal development.

Implementing The Charter principles at USN
Since endorsing the Charter in 2019, USN has systematically implemented its principles through the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R). 

The process involves HR, research administration, faculties, institutes, and doctoral programmes, with internal reviews conducted every three years involving top level management and researchers at all career stages (R1-R4). 

Following the initial Gap Analysis and first Action Plan (2020-2022), USN received the HR Excellence in Research award in 2020. 

The current Action Plan was revised in spring 2025 and approved in June by the Rector’s Management Group, acting as the HRS4R Steering Committee. USN will undergo external evaluation by the European Commission in autumn 2026.

 

 HR Excellence in Research award

Good Practice at USN

Ethics, Integrity, Gender Equality and Open Science
Researcher Assessment, Recruitment and Career Development
Working Conditions and Research Practices
Research Careers and Talent Development

 

USN at a glance

Management, Strategy, Organisation, Research Areas and International Networks  

 

HRS4R at USN

Steering Committee, Reference Group, Managing Directors and Working Group

The Steering Committee 
The Steering Committee comprises the Rector’s management group and reviews progress on the HRS4R prosess annually

  • Pia Cecilie Bing-Jonsson (Rector) 
  • Heidi Ormstad (Vice Rector for Research)
  • Stephan Hamberg (Vise Rector for Education)
  • Ingunn Elvekrok (Dean, USN School of Business)
  • Cecilie Varsi (Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences)
  • Elisabet Syverud (Dean, Faculty of Technology, Natural and Maritime Sciences)
  • Per Ludvik Kjendlie (Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Science)

Reference Group 
The Research and Innovation Committee serves as the HRS4R Reference Group and advises the Managing Directors on the implementation of the Action Plan

Managing directors  
The managing directors are responsible for the implementation of the Action Plan 2025-2028

  • Hege Oftedahl (Director of Personnel and Organisation)
  • Thomas Slagsvold (Director of Research) 

Working group 
The working group is responsible for drafting and further developing the Action Plan. The working group currently consists of: 

  • Jannicke Døvre (Mobility Coordinator)
  • Aina Enstad (Senior Adviser, Research Administration and Career Development)
  • Rob Bongaardt (Professor)
  • Tony Burner (Professor and Union Representative)
  • Oda Charlotte Larsen Sætre (PhD and Chair of the USN Stipendiary and Postdoctoral Organisation)
  • Christian Brørs (Senior Adviser and HRS4R Coordinator)   
GAP Analysis, OTM-R and Action Plans 

The Charter & Code

Renewal phase:

Implemention Phase:

Initial Phase:

 

Achivements and highligts

Contact information