Lancaster is one of 15 Universities in the UK to be recognised this week for demonstrating long-term commitment to the career development of researchers.

The University was also one of only nine to retain their ‘HR Excellence in Research Award’ following an eight-year review.

The ‘HR Excellence in Research Award’ is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the ‘Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers’.

Professor Louise Heathwaite, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Lancaster said: “Providing opportunities to help our researchers develop is central to the success of our University and a key part of our research strategy.

“We have worked hard to create a research environment that is supportive and productive so that all our researchers can fulfil their career ambitions.

“As part of our People Strategy, we are fully committed to the ‘Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers’ and have a plan of action to ensure it is implemented.

“We first received European recognition of our efforts through the HR Excellence in Research award in 2011, and have retained this recognition ever since. We don’t take the responsibly that comes with this recognition lightly and so we delighted that we retained the award once again in 2020.”

There are currently 100 Vitae UK member institutions with the Award. More information about the Award can be found at www.vitae.ac.uk/hrexcellenceaward