The University of Rijeka (UNIRI) has been at the forefront of the SECURE project, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative focused on modernising research career frameworks. As one of only three European universities involved, UNIRI has trialled key measures to enhance researcher employment, training, development, progression, and mobility, while exploring tenure-track-like models. The results of this trial have set the stage for long-term institutional transformation.
Implementing a New Career Framework for Researchers
UNIRI has updated its Rulebook on scientific, artistic, and innovation activities, introducing a comprehensive definition of “researcher” and aligning with the European Researcher Competence Framework (ResearchComp). This new career framework provides clearer progression paths through structured researcher profiles (R1-R4), helping reduce uncertainty for researchers at different stages of their careers.
Defining and Strengthening the Role of Research Managers
UNIRI has adopted a new job classification for research managers, outlining their roles within the university rectorate. The university also supports ongoing training and professionalisation through regular meetings and participation in global research management initiatives such as EARMA/INORMS, BESTPRAC, ASTP, and the RM Roadmap.
Pilot Testing of Competency-Based Researcher Evaluation
As part of the SECURE trial, UNIRI shifted towards competency-based research assessment, moving away from traditional citation-driven evaluations. The new approach, supported by UNIRI’s Guidelines for Additional Criteria for Academic Selection and the Rulebook on Scientific, Artistic, and Innovation Activities, recognises a wider range of contributions, such as mentoring, project management, and open science practices.
Strengthening Early Career Researcher (ECR) Support
UNIRI has expanded its support for early career researchers, with new definitions of transversal skills and development programmes via the UNIRI Doctoral School. Financial support has also been made available through the UNIRI ECR funding scheme.
Revising Institutional Guidelines for Fairer Career Assessment
In line with SECURE, UNIRI has revised its institutional policies, including a new HRS4R Action Plan (2024-2027) to ensure more inclusive recruitment and promotion processes. The revised guidelines aim to consider a broader range of academic contributions beyond traditional research outputs.
Active Stakeholder in Reforming Research Assessment
UNIRI has developed the UNIRI CoARA (Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment) Action Plan (2024-2027), outlining strategies to modernise research evaluation. The university is also involved in several CoARA working groups, which focus on aligning assessment practices with European standards, expanding qualitative evaluation criteria, and encouraging open science and knowledge valorisation.
Exploring the Implementation of a Tenure-Track Model
UNIRI is exploring ways to provide clearer, more structured paths to permanent research positions. This is being achieved through policy improvements and leveraging national support mechanisms for returning researchers, thereby increasing job security and making research careers more attractive.
Next Steps for UNIRI Post-SECURE Trial
- Strengthening institutional policies to further embed qualitative research assessment principles.
- Advocating national-level policy changes to improve salary structures and long-term career prospects for researchers.
- Expanding national and international partnerships and contributing to European and global research policy discussions.
- Promoting knowledge valorisation and open science as fundamental aspects of research assessment.
- Advancing research management professionalisation by establishing a national network of research managers.
- Enhancing support for early career researchers by equipping them with leadership, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
The SECURE trial at UNIRI has driven significant reforms in research career frameworks. By piloting competency-based evaluation, refining researcher classifications, and strengthening support for early career researchers, UNIRI has set a new benchmark for research assessment in Europe. These advancements contribute to a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable research environment, positioning UNIRI as a leader in academic career development.
This is one of six SECURE trials being implemented by institutions as part of the project, and will be presented at the final SECURE summit in Brussels in March 2025.
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