The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) provides good working environment for researchers and is committed to the constant development of research careers.
UEF emphasizes a clear, goal-oriented and incentivized career model for researchers and teachers. Research careers (recruitment, promotion and salary development) at UEF are transparent, clear and attractive. Career models will be further developed. Successful recruitments are considered as an important element to the university’s success. The workplace wellbeing of the academic staff is supported.
Since 2012 UEF has followed the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R). In 2014, UEF received the European Commission acknowledgement “Human Resources (HR) Excellence in Research” as a provider of a stimulating and favourable working environment for researchers.
Internal reviews as a tool for development
HRS4R Internal reviews are considered as a tool for development. Working on gap analysis shows where development actions need to be taken. Action plan with development actions and indicators acts as a guideline for implementation.
Examples of our good practices highlighted by internal reviews:
Ethical and professional aspects
- Committee for Research Ethics to act as an expert organ in research ethics issues encountering at the university.
- Training on research ethics as part of the UEF Doctoral School.
- Positions of Professor-of-Practice to promote the university’s interaction with the society.
Recruitment and selection
- Open, transparent and merit-based (OTM-R) recruitment to ensure that the best person for the job is recruited, and to guarantee equal opportunities for all.
- Tenure Track to increase the attractiveness of a research career and to enable promising early-stage researchers to find their career path
- Online recruitment system to increase the transparency in the recruitment process.
Working conditions
- Research leave system for 6 to 12 months including a research period abroad, for researchers and teachers to pursue research supporting the university’s strategy free from teaching and administrative duties.
- Tenure Track offering the best researchers an accelerated and personalized path for moving forward in their academic career.
- The four stage career model for all academic staff for advancements and goal-oriented transition from one stage to another.
- An Emeritus Professor model in which the retired professor in question can agree on certain benefits (internet, room, etc.) with the faculty in order to remain active in research and to bring added value to the research at the university.
Training and development
- Annual development discussions
- Transferable skills courses available for all doctoral students in the UEF Doctoral School.
- Training on applying for funding, services to support researchers in funding proposal development.
HRS4R implementation at UEF over the years
In 2012, UEF made a decision to implement Charter and Code into its’ policies and practices. Since then, following milestones have been achieved:
2012-2014
- UEF made a decision to implement Charter and Code into its’ policies and practices.
- UEF conducted the first internal review in 2013. A gap analysis and action plan were prepared in 2013.
- UEF received the European Commission acknowledgement “Human Resources (HR) Excellence in Research" in January 2014.
2014-2018
- UEF conducted an internal review on the progress of improving researcher career.
- In March 2018 UEF received evaluation of the internal review with corrective actions.
2018-2020
- UEF is working on internal review. A researcher survey was conducted in spring 2020 to support the development of the research and working environment of UEF researchers.
HRS4R working group supporting the development
The HRS4R working group is responsible for coordinating the HRS4R process at UEF. The working group is chaired by Human Resources Director Jouni Kekäle, and the members of the working group present each stage of the research career:
- Professor Risto Turunen
- Professor Pasi Vahimaa
- University Lecturer and Union Shop Steward Antero Puhakka
- Postdoctoral researcher Marta Choroszewicz
- Researcher Sanna Rantakömi
- Early Stage Researcher Tuuli Miinalainen
- Director of International Affairs Riikka Pellinen
The secretary of the working group is Ms. Kirsi Karjalainen, Senior Adviser.
The UEF Leadership Group, chaired by the Rector, directs researcher career development at UEF. All deans, leading researcher career development at the faculties, are members of the Leadership Group. Development actions are outlined in the UEF strategy.