Research process

Human Resource Development represents a fundamental strategic objective for INCD-ECOIND, essential to strengthening its position as a centre of excellence in environmental research.
A central pillar of this strategy is alignment with the highest European standards, an effort officially recognized on August 30, 2024, when the institute received from the European Commission the right to use the “HR Excellence in Research” logo.
This distinction validates the institute’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and quality in human resource management, in accordance with the European Charter for Researchers.

At present, the institute is actively implementing the Initial Action Plan of the HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers), with a focus on collaborating with international experts to continuously enhance its talent management policies.

The strategy is structured around the following priority directions:

• Transparent and fair recruitment: Ensuring an open, merit-based recruitment process, fully aligned with European standards.
• Attracting and retaining talent: Developing competitive salary and benefits packages to attract both young researchers and experienced specialists, complemented by training programs, mentorship, and mobility schemes.
• Career development and continuous training: Creating a learning-oriented environment, with access to advanced technologies and, in particular, mentorship programs that facilitate knowledge transfer from experts to early-career researchers.
• Recognition and motivation of performance: Maintaining and diversifying incentives for scientific output and innovation, along with organizing regular promotion competitions to formally acknowledge professional growth.
• Supporting early-career researchers: Actively involving students, master’s and PhD candidates in national and international research projects, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
• Improving performance evaluation: Continuously refining the evaluation system to ensure fairness and clear criteria for career advancement.
• International collaboration and mobility: Implementing mobility schemes that provide researchers with international experience and strengthen the institute’s position on the European stage.
• Attractive work environment: Creating an inclusive and motivating workplace that supports a healthy work–life balance.