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Coventry University retains International HR Excellence in Research Award reflecting long-term support for academics
Monday 23 June 2025
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Coventry University has retained the HR Excellence in Research Award following its 10-year review, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting the career development and working environment of its researchers.
The HR Excellence in Research Award, granted by the European Commission, is held by 77 universities across the UK, recognising their commitment to national standards.
Universities retaining the award must demonstrate ongoing strategic support for research staff and a culture of continuous improvement.
Following a comprehensive 10-year review, Coventry University was praised for how it has embedded the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers – a national framework that sets out how researchers should be supported in their work and careers - through well-structured action plans, impactful initiatives and an approach that responds to the evolving needs of its research community.
One of the key initiatives acknowledged during the review was the University Supervisor Development Programme, which gained accreditation from the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA-PDF).
This programme equips staff supervising research degree candidates with critical skills and recognition, with successful participants receiving a portable qualification that signifies their commitment to researcher development.
The university was also recognised for its leadership role in building research communities beyond its own campus.
In collaboration with the University of Nottingham and University of Lincoln, Coventry University co-led the delivery of the British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network across the Midlands and Mid-Wales, offering early career researchers the opportunity to connect, work together and progress within a supportive regional network.
Through its Doctoral and Researcher College, Coventry University is placing greater emphasis on data-driven strategies to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), maintaining high standards in research ethics and integrity.
This aligns with the university’s 2030 Strategy, which focuses on impactful research and building an inclusive and supportive academic culture.
We are delighted to have retained the 10-year award and to have been recognised for our ongoing commitment to researchers at all career stages. The action plan over the next few years focuses on the initiatives and plans that respond to the views, feedback and experiences of our researcher community and directly involving them in these discussions and activities.
Carolyn Wynne, Director of Coventry University's Doctoral and Researcher College
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