Career progression in research should not be left to chance — in the French Community of Belgium (also known as Wallonia-Brussels Federation), it is a recognised, structured, and equitable process.
Supporting researchers throughout their careers and fostering talent development is a key priority of the European Charter for Researchers. In 1991, the French Community of Belgium established a specific legal mechanism enabling researchers to request the recognition of a higher scientific grade under certain conditions. This process ensures that career progression is transparent, formally recognised, and transferable across institutions.
Researchers employed on external funding and holding a doctoral degree with a thesis can apply for the recognition of a higher qualification level. The procedure is framed by the Decree on the Career of Scientific Researchers and requires the institution to submit proposals for ministerial approval. Once granted, the ministerial decree formally recognises the new grade, which can then be acknowledged by other universities in the French Community of Belgium.
The recognised qualification levels defined by the French Community of Belgium are the following:
- Level A: assistant de recherche, logisticien de recherche
- Level B: chargé de recherche, premier logisticien de recherche
- Level C: chercheur qualifié, logisticien de recherche principal
- Level D: maître de recherche, logisticien de recherche en chef
- Level E: directeur de recherche, directeur logisticien de recherche
Those levels correspond to the R1-R4 profiles defined by the Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe as follows:
- Level A corresponds to R1/R2 - First Stage Researcher/Recognised Researcher*
- Level B to R2 – Recognised Researcher
- Level C to R3 – Established Researcher
- Level D and E to R4 -Leading Researcher
(*) Within Level A, the distinction between R1 and R2 depends on research autonomy: Level A staff who are still in training or developing their research skills fall under R1, whereas those who already hold a PhD or demonstrate the ability to conduct research independently are considered R2.
This framework strengthens the career structure for researchers and provides clear opportunities for progression based on merit and experience.