How can recruitment in research be made fairer, more transparent, and more inclusive? The OTMeR project brings practical answers with new tools now available to the research community.
The universities of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – Université libre de Bruxelles, Université de Liège, Université de Mons, Université de Namur, Université catholique de Louvain – proudly granted the HR Excellence in Research award by the European Commission, joined forces – with the financial support of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – to carry out the OTMeR project.
The result? Two practical tools are now available to support researchers and institutions in strengthening recruitment practices:
- An e-book
- An online training module
Both available in French and English
These tools are based on the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and guide scientists through each step of the (e-)recruitment process:
- Understanding the European OTM-R principles and legal framework (including GDPR)
- Writing and publishing a clear, fair and transparent job offer
- Using adapted digital tools for remote recruitment
- Conducting unbiased and equitable interviews
- Selecting the best candidate on merit
- Ensuring smooth onboarding of the new collaborator
For researchers wishing to recruit new team members, these resources provide hands-on support to professionalise recruitment practices, in line with the European Charter for Researchers (Annex 2 to the Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe).
This achievement reflects the collective commitment of these universities to promoting fairness and excellence in research careers.
Are you part of one of these universities? Contact your institution to access the tools.